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THE UNIVERSITY 
OF ILLINOIS 


LIBRARY 


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Latest Date stamped below. A 
charge is made on all overdue 


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THE UNIVERSIPY OF CHICAGO 
SOCIAL SERVICE SERIES 


Edited by 


THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF 
SOCIAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATION 


THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 


THE BAKER & TAYLOR COMPANY 
NEW YORK 


THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 
LONDON 


THE MARUZEN-KABUSHIKI-KAISHA 
TOKYO, OSAKA, KYOTO, FUKUOKA, SENDAI 


THE MISSION BOOK COMPANY 
SHANGHAI 


FAMILY WELFARE WORK 
IN A METROPOLITAN 
COMMUNITY 


SELECTED CASE RECORDS 


ie ge 
SOPHONISBA P, BRECKINRIDGE 


Associate Professor of Social Economy 
in the University of Chicago 





THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS 
CHICAGO - ILLINOIS 


COPYRIGHT 1924 By 
Tue UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 


All Rights Reserved 


Published December 1924 


Composed and Printed By 
The University of Chicago Press 
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. 


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THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO SOCIAL 
SERVICE SERIES 


PREFATORY NOTE 


The present volume is one of a series of source books in the social- 
service field. The series has been planned primarily to provide 
adequate scientific material heretofore not available for the use of 
students in the Graduate School of Social Service Administration of 
the University of Chicago and other institutions of the same kind. 
In a recent report on the work of such schools (James H. Tufts, 
Education and Training for Social Work, 1923), attention was called 
to the “general complaint of the lack of sufficient source material in 
form which is most desirable for critical teaching and which can be 
placed in the hands of all students.”’ The report went further and 
expressed confidence that ultimately the schools themselves would 
meet this need and added: “Publication of such material is an illus- 
tration of what has been previously referred to as one of the two 
great functions of the professional school; namely, raising the standard 
of the profession through research and publication.” 

These volumes represent an attempt on the part of the members 
of the Faculty of one of these schools to help to meet this need. It 
is believed, however, that the different volumes in the series will be 
useful, not only to those interested in social service, but to others 


whose interests lie in other departments of the wide field of the social 
sciences. 


vii 


976737 


Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2021 with funding from 
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 


https://archive.org/details/familywelfarewor00brec_0 


PREFACE 


The publication of a “‘case book” in the social service field calls for 
certain explanatory comments. During the past three-quarters of a 
century there has been formulated in the field of social work a very cori- 
siderable body of principles on which is now based a generally accepted 
practice in treatment. That these principles and this practice are or 
should be ‘‘educationally communicable,” to quote Mr. Abraham Flex- 
ner, is evidenced by the fact that many institutions, colleges, univer- 
sities, and independent institutions have organized courses of study or 
professional curricula, in order that the more economical education in 
the classroom may replace the earlier apprenticeship methods of train- 
ing for this calling. While there are, however, many such courses of 
study, there has been, and there is at the present moment, a very great 
lack of teaching material. That and a deficiency in teaching experience 
greatly retard efforts at professional education. 

The reasons for this are obvious. First, perhaps, among these 
reasons is the confidential character of the social case record. The 
relationship of the social worker with the person receiving aid is per- 
haps no more confidential and privileged than that of the lawyer with 
the client or of the doctor with the patient; but the possibilities of 
using the record of work done are very different. The final report of 
the legal decision in a controversy is a public record; and in the case 
of medical practice, the statement of symptoms and of treatment 
may generally be made without risking the violation of any confidence. 
With the social case record, however, the situation is different: the 
record as well as the relationship is confidential and to remove from 
the records all facts identifying the family or the individual receiving 
aid is a task of no little difficulty and often requires such mutilation 
of the record as greatly to reduce its teaching value. 

The second difficulty is a justifiable reluctance on the part of 
social agencies to make public the record of service, which is inevitably 
often performed under very great pressure. Social agencies do their 
work under great difficulties. They have rarely in the past been 
equipped with adequate clerical service and the records have not fully 
represented their work. Moreover, standards during recent years 
have improved rapidly and to publish today the work of yesterday 


1x 


x PREFACE 


seems both unfair to the excellent work of today, which may be thought 
still to possess the weaknesses of yesterday’s work, and unfair to the 
workers of yesterday, who may be judged by the standards of today. 

In the third place, the work of selecting and editing records is an 
arduous, tedious, and time-consuming task. Many records must be 
read for every record published. 

For these reasons it is believed that the following series of forty- 
four records should prove of use to teachers of case work in the field of 
family welfare work everywhere, and it is with very deep appreciation 
that I acknowledge the debt under which I lie to the family welfare 
agencies of Chicago, who have allowed me first to use their records in 
mimeographed form in classes in the School of Social Service Adminis- 
tration at the University of Chicago and now to publish them and make 
them more conveniently available for classes there and elsewhere. 

The forty-four records presented in this volume are selected from a 
much larger number that have been used during the last four years. 
Some of those which were admirable for classroom purposes did not 
sufficiently lend themselves to the process of editing to make their 
publication entirely safe. 

Something should be said with reference to the methods employed 
in the preparation of these records for publication. Besides assuring 
the confidential character of the record, it is well to have the material 
objective and impersonal. It is, however, desirable to change the 
record as little as possible and secure these objects. In this volume, 
therefore, in all references to the persons receiving aid or assistance, 
fictitious names have been used. In the case of the workers, too, and of 
employers, public officials, and other persons referred to, names have 
been changed. The names of agencies have often been generalized, 
as it were, but in certain instances where there was only one organiza- 
tion of the kind in the city the name has been retained. Addresses 
have, of course, been altered and it is believed that the interests of 
all parties in the situation have been carefully and adequately safe- 
guarded. 

It should, perhaps, be explained that, while the compilation is in- 
tended for classroom use, few references are made to the generally 
accepted principles of case work. ‘The instructor will extract those 
principles from the records; but the records must, of course, be supple- 
mented by reference to certain other materials. 

It is assumed, for example, that use will be made of the “Standard 
Forms and Blanks” which can be obtained from the American Associa- 


PREF Xl 
tion for Organizing Family Social We © East Twenty-second 
Street, New York City, and that the sub case-recording will be 






W ner, Devine, Mrs. Bosan- 
quet, Loch, Richmond, Colcord, Shefiield § in the important 
periodicals, in the annual reports of se elected far ily welfare agencies, 
and in the Proceedings of the National Conference of Social Work. 

In the third place, it is assumed that the introductory course in 
social case work or family welfare is one of a number of courses together 
making up a well-balanced curriculum and that light will be thrown 
on the problems of family treatment by material supplied in such other 
courses, for example, as child welfare, immigration, and standards of 
living. 

More specifically, with reference to the form in which the record 
has been thrown, it should be said that the only radical change from 
the original record is in the abandonment of the so-called “face card” 
form. The attempt has been made to introduce the student to the 
problem as nearly as possible in the way in which it came to the worker 
on the case. Facts ordinarily recorded on the face card are presented 
either in the brief statement of application or reference by which the 
record is opened, or in the so-called ‘‘first interview,” in which the 
situation is developed. 

These initial stages of the record have been prepared with the 
thought of placing them in the hands of the student and having a plan 
for further investigation worked out by the student before disclos- 
ing to him the remaining portions of the record. Such a plan was 
developed in the earlier use of these records in the University of Chi- 
cago classes and has been carried out in the important case records 
published by the Judge Baker Foundation and by the Child Welfare 
League of America. 

Such devices are, however, probably not necessary when the stu- 
dents are of graduate university grade and when they have in their 
hands a body of material such as this volume contains. An independ- 
ent and critical approach to the problem presented by each record is 
facilitated by the possession of the other records, and an appreciation 
of the work done in any situation is stimulated by the possibility of 
immediately comparing that work with the methods applied in other 
similar situations. ‘This comparison is suggested in cross-references 
to be found in the notes to the case records. 


xii PREFACE 


Reference should be made to the fact that the records are all from 
a great city, one in which there are many racial and national elements. 
Plans are under way to follow this volume at a reasonably early date 
with a collection of case records from smaller communities. It is true, 
however, that in social as in medical or legal service, it is in the great 
city that variety in situation and resources for treatment are found. 
It is therefore fundamentally true in this field of instruction as in the 
field of law or medicine that education in the city and the city experi- 
ence are essential. 

It remains only to express again the very great obligation under 
which I with my fellow-‘‘ teachers of case work” have been placed by 
the generous and sympathetic co-operation of the two great societies 
doing family case work in Chicago. ‘The official board of each agency 
authorized the use of such records as appear in this volume. And in 
particular I should like to acknowledge the great kindness with which 
my efforts have been supported by Miss Amelia Sears, assistant 
general superintendent of the United Charities of Chicago, Miss Ruth 
Fitz Simons, Miss Mary G. Henson, Miss Gertrude McCleery, Miss 
Florence Nesbitt, and Miss Nadia Thomas, district superintendents 
of the United Charities. In the same way to Mr. M. J. Karpf, super- 
intendent, and to Miss Iris L. Wood, case reviewer, of the Jewish 
Social Service Bureau, I make most grateful acknowledgment. Iam 
indebted for clerical assistance to the Local Community Research 
Committee of the University of Chicago, which administers a grant for 
Social Research from the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Foundation. In 
particular I wish to express most grateful appreciation of the generosity 
of Mr. Julius Rosenwald, who adds to long-time and generous support 
of the work of the School of Social Service Administration a gift with- 
out which the publication of this volume would not have been possible. 
My warm thanks are also offered to Miss Maud E. Lavery for innu- 
merable forms of aid and assistance including proofreading and the 


preparation of the Index. 
SOPHONISBA P. BRECKINRIDGE 
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 
December 1, 1924 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


SOCIAL CASE RECORDS OF FAMILY WELFARE AGENCIES 


PAGE 
RPE PIOLULON DAME cia Sn ee. Ber is a bk eR ee, a) Ue 


SEcTION I. CASES IN WHICH SICKNESS GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR 
A SERVICE BASED ON CO-OPERATION WITH THE sae AGENCIES 


OF THE CITY : 
1. The Family of Anton ChieSa. (Ax Italian Tailor Who Was 
Ill with Tuberculosis) . . xt, HOSEA Oa seG 
2. The Family of Joseph Titel (A Lithuanian Laborer, 
Incurably Ill with Heart Trouble) .. 2. 1.8 ww te 86 
3. The Family of Frederic Lewis. (An Elderly Infirm Man 
Who Mokes and Sells Metal Forks) ).., 00 j-6.0 ee en we San 6F 
4. The Family of Vittold Wojtatiwicz. (A Polish Metal Worker, 
Ill with Carcinoma) . We bd wae! PEI SRA eas NU ed 


5. The Family of Solomon Tee (A Jewish Painter for 
Whose Family of Ten Resort Is Had to the Medical Resources 
Especially Provided for the he <f a a Thorough 
BTU OIS hlnv le ps he ; Boies hoa mane Mesh) 


SECTION II. PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS AND 
CO-OPERATION WITH PUBLIC WELFARE AGENCIES AND INSTITU- 


TIONS 
6. The Family of Peter Zuchola. (A Skilled but Insane eS 
Maker) . . Ne 120 
7. The Family of 7 eicinible MAvbtny, (A ve oravian I niiabivnt 
in the Hospital for the Insane) . . 166 
8. The Family of Francesco La Bedale ere lis nsane ee 
Wrorker) 13 50% Sool A ere ee ar We.) L7G 
9. The Family of Feseeh: Jeli An Insane Printer, Whose 
Wife Is Subnormal) . 200 
10. The Family of George Weber: (A Sted orkeh: of cone 
Descent, Whose Wife, Lillian, Is Subnormal) . 254 


11. The Family of Jacob Lieberwich. (A ShbstRegiont Wiprher 

Who Had Been Mentally Ill and in a State Hospital but Is Now 

at Home) . . Col Fae RO RRO TR ety? 286 
12. The Family of adore: Ka tert (Whose Wife Is Epileptic) . 20626 
13. The Family of Lewis Morozoff. (A Mental Defective and -Hied 

Wife, Esther, Who Is Diagnosed as Constitutionally Inferior. . 8209 


xili 


4 


XIV 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


SECTION III. CASES IN WHICH THERE ARISES THE PROBLEM OF 
‘““NON-RESIDENCE” OR OF INADEQUATE ADJUSTMENT TO THE 
COMMUNITY $ 


4. 
rm, 
16. 


J t7- 
£5; 


The Family of Tito Lucca. (An Italian Laborer Permanently 
Incapacitated by an Incurable Skin Disease) 

The Family of Washington Johnson. (A Mi iabihs N egro 
Laborer) . Sti. Yonsei eee 
The Family of Bate: Ganon “(4 Greek Cook and Anna, His 
German-American Wife) : , 

Julia Waldron. (An Insane Toad T poses wish r ee 
Small Children) . ; 

Frank Mason. (A T: pe spi a : Two-Y card 5; ee 


Section IV. THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 


ge 


20. 


21. 


22. 


The Family of Marya Kruszka. (The Widow of Joseph 
Kruszka, Who Had Been Killed by His Brother, Leaving a 
Small Property). yA AD OS ee 
The Family of Mary Tidenik as! el Lithuanian Widow with 
Fave Children-under-Ten)*. 2°00) Di Oo OD, ee 
The Family of Theresa Parzyk. (A Polish Widow with Four 
Dependent Children) Oh deta eg He EE eS cues uae} 
Mrs. Elizabeth Meyer. (A Jewish Widow with Three Boys 
of School Age) ER ORY OSES 2 


SECTION V. THE WELFARE AGENCY AND THE DESERTED FAMILY 


23% 
2A, 


25. 


Wi 26. 


27. 


28. 


20. 


The Family of John Malachowski. (A Deserting Husband 
Brought Back by the Extradition Process) 3 

The Family of Stephen Walczak. (An Iron- Bey 2 Who 
Takes a Vacation from Family Responsibilities) 

The Family of Ignatius Pawlowski. (A WNon- Pes Se 
Husband for Whom a Term in the House of Correction Proves 
Necessary) : oy 
The Family of stephen @utowsie (Whose Wife and Two Chil- 
dren Were Left Destitute When He Was Sent to Jail Because 
He Could Not Give Bonds in a Bastardy Action Brought by the 
Unmarried Mother of His Two Children Born out of Wedlock) 
The Family of Joseph Novak. (A Cabinet-Maker Who Drinks 
and Fails to Support His Family) .. 
The Return to His Family of Benjamin one (A 
Deserting Husband Whose Return to His Family Is Hastened 
by the Co-operation of the National Desertion Bureau) . , 
The Family of Isaac Weinberg. (Who Deserts His Family, 
Marries in Another State, and Is Sentenced to State’s Prison 
“or Bigamy) . :, 


PAGE 


362 


399 


418 


423 
427 


446 


462 
496 


504\ 
518 os 
538 

545 

558 

579° 

582° 


59° 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


~ 30. The Family of Mrs. Caroline Wolcott Bixby. (A Deserted 
Wife Who Is the Mother of Nine Children under Twelve Years 
pmAve) eeyesstirs eb Ha ferris 3 ern Bie 
31. The Family of Stanialsus Tashiecew ale: (Who Leaves His 
Wife, Janina, and Three Dependent Children) . 


SECTION VI. THE UNMARRIED MOTHER AND THE CHILD BORN OUT 
or WEDLOCK 
32. Dorothea. (The Unmarried “Widow” of Gustavus Lange) 
33. Anna Donetrovitch. (A Croatian Unmarried “Widow,” with 
Four Children, Whose Marriage Gives to the Children_a_ Kind 
CUE, COT EUL StED] CINE dm x) RC Pee JP EUG co Cety dey tes 
34. The Case of Marya Lenol. (Whose Two-Months-Old Child, 
Born out of Wedlock, Dies) . . PEs Oe 
35. The Problem of Hattie Wiicreba (An Immigrant Un- 
married Mother) ANS, SRS Re 
36. Maggie Kreisberg and Her Child spate (Born of a Bigamous 
Marriage) Be tes cop Nis Mar es” MCL eee (Sodiinhs 


Section VII. INpustRIAL INJURY AND THE FAMILY WELFARE 
AGENCY 


A. Industrial Accident 


37. The Family of Katherine Konczewski. (Whose Husband, 
Wallentis, Had Been Killed in One of the Steel Mills) . 

38. The Family of Paul Macho. (A Hungarian Steel-Worker 
Whose Foot Has Been Injured in the Mills) . 

39. The Family of Mrs. Helen Kolecki. (The Widow on a Polish 
Steel-W orker, Killed While at His Job) . 


B. Industrial Disease P 
40. The Family of Max Berger. (A Jewish Plumber Who Loses 
the Sight of One Eye and after Treatment Is Set Up in Business) 


SECTION VIII. CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 


41. The Case of Peter Johns. (A Turkish Immigrant with a 
German-American Wife) . rr ek a: be 

42. The Family of Alexander Caren (An Armenian Weaver 
Who Attempts to Give Away His Infant Daughter and Is 
Enabled to Keep Her) . . CAIN LOL it ame” 5 

43. The Family of Marcus Tacos) (An Able-bodied but Un- 
skilled Negro Worker to Whom the County Agent Grants 
Rations Because His Earnings Are Insufficient for the Support 
of His Family, a Wife and Seven Children) . 

44. Mrs. Katie O’Callaghan. (An Eighty-Year-Old ed bidet 
to Find Her Sixty-Year-Old Son) . 


XV 


PAGE 


608 
626 
634 Vv 


643 
672 a 
677 


689 / 


723 
739 


754 


758 


788 


819 ie. 


826 


829 


xvl TABLE OF CONTENTS 


APPENDIX 


STATUTES AND ANNUAL REPORTS SHOWING WORK OF 


PUBLIC WELFARE AGENCIES 
SECTION I. THE Poor LAW AND ITs ADMINISTRATION 


1. The Pauper Act of Illinois. Jllinois Revised Statutes 

2. Outdoor Relief in Illinois Outside of Cook County. Institution 
Quarterly ; ee ea 

3. Outdoor Relief in Cook Catte: The County Agent. A 
Study of Cook County : ode Viet eal 

. Indoor Relief. A Study of Cook Coane : 

. The County Infirmary. A Study of Cook County 

. Summer Outings. <A Study of Cook County ee 

. Bureau of Public Welfare. A Study of Cook County . 

. Support Department of County Court. A Study of Cook ety 

. The County Hospital. A Study of Cook County 


oO Oost ann 


SECTION II. THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS ILL WITH 
TUBERCULOSIS 


10. Public Tuberculosis Sanitariums. Jllinois Revised Statutes 
11. The Control of Tuberculosis. 

A. Rules of City and State Health Department re Tuberculosis 
Bulletin of the City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium : 

B. Rules for Control of Pinoy Tubecenleaee as Bator 
by the City of Chicago Department of Health. What 

, You Should Know about Tuberculosis or Consumption 
12. The'County Tuberculosis Hospital. A Study of Cook County 


SEcTION III. THE COMMITMENT AND CARE OF THE INSANE AND 
FEEBLE-MINDED 


13. The Commitment of Lunatics. Jllinois Revised Statutes 

14. Lunatics, Idiots, Drunkards, and Spendthrifts. J/linois 
Revised Statutes ee at ls a aS 

15. The County pavchopathic Heepieal A Study of Cook County 

16. Social Service Investigation in Cases of Alleged Insanity. 
A Study of Cook County ! sie 

17. Care and Detention of Feebleatinded Peroke “Whthots 
Revised Statutes 


SECTION IV. STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS 


18. The Widow’s Award. 
19. Abandonment of Wife or Ghilabent 


PAGE_ 
845 
<j 


850 


851 
854 
854 
856 
857 
859 
859 


86r. 


867 


869 
870 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


20. Contributing to Dependency of Children. 

21. Contributing to Delinquency of Children. 

22. Statutory Grounds for Divorce. . aie 

23. Remarriage within One Year Forbidden. 

24. Law Prohibiting Remarriage within a Year Repealed 
25. Bastardy. 


SECTION V. PROCEDURE IN DESERTION CASES 


26. Fugitives from Justice. Illinois Revised Statutes. 4 0 


27. Extradition Costs in Cook County. Annual Reports of the 
Municipal Court of Chicago 


SECTION VI. . PROVISION FOR FAMILY WELFARE THROUGH WORKMEN’S 
COMPENSATION ACTS 


28. Compensation for Accidental Injuries and Death. Jllinois 
Revised Statutes ae hs ee tes ee 

29. Labanoski v. Hoyt Metal onto (saey. Illinois Reports 

30. Compensation for Occupational Disease. Laws of Illinois 


SeEcTION VII. THE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT: THE MODERN 
SUBSTITUTE IN THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL CASE TREATMENT FOR 
THE DEPORTATION PROCESSES OF THE PooR LAW 


31. The Transportation Agreement under the Auspices of National 
Conference of Social Work. Passing On, as a Method of 
Charitable Relief Bis eas fe ep ee Se 
32. Transportation Rules. Agreement of the National Con- 
ference of Jewish Social Service. Jewish Social Service 
Bureau of Chicago Gray Book : 
33. Selected Decisions under Jewish ine ae be ules 
A. M. versus A. Unauthorized pian of Family to Hus- 
band. Jewish Charities 

B. L.A. versus L.R. Membership in the en tercacs aries 
with It Acceptance of the Transportation Rules. Jewish 
Charities 

C. C.versusO. Case Stated andl Shbntitted ee the Chey of C. 
Jewish Social Service 


INDEX 


INDEX 


XVli 
PAGE 
893 
894 
895 
896 
896 
896 


906 


9°07, 
O17 
919 


Q22 


925 


927 


928 


929 


935 


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SOCIAL CASE RECORDS OF FAMILY 
WELFARE AGENCIES 





INTRODUCTION 


The forty-four case records making up the great body of this 
volume have been taken from the files of the two social agencies in 
Chicago in the field now described as family welfare work. 

One is the non-sectarian general family welfare agency of the city. 
The other is the representative in this field of the philanthropic 
Jewish community and serves a closely knit and highly organized 
community within the city. Both agencies carry on their work after 
the district plan; both have divisions specialized according to the 
service they undertake; each depends for unity of purpose and 
uniformity of practice on instructions and information supplied the 
district workers from the Central Office. A mimeographed compila- 
tion of these instructions designated the Gray Book is kept in each dis- 
trict office. 

These records have been adapted to the use of students in several 
ways: (1) all identifying data have been eliminated; (2) considera- 
tions of space have in some instances made it necessary to omit por- 
tions of the record essential to a complete understanding of the treat- 
ment as a whole, and they must therefore be read only for the purpose 
for which they have been arranged and are published, namely, to intro- 
duce students to the practice of family case work; (3) slight changes in 
phraseology have also occasionally been made where such changes 
seemed necessary to prevent confusion on the part of the reader, but 
such changes have not been made for the purpose merely of editing the 
record; (4) in a few instances extracts from the records of other agen- 
cles giving joint care and service are added to the record of the Family 
Welfare Agency. 

In selecting cases, an attempt has been made to show the processes 
by which standards of work are developed and emphasis in treatment 
is altered as new resources in the field of social welfare become avail- 
able. The effect, for example, of the creation of a new public agency 
such as the Mothers’ Pension Division of the Juvenile Court or the 
Industrial Board under the Workmen’s Compensation Act can be 
appreciated by noting the uncertainty sometimes characterizing the 
approach to such a problem in long-time care as the case of a mother 
with young children or in industrial accident situations before the pas- 


3 


4 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


sage of the law creating the new administrative agencies in comparison 
with the certainty and definiteness characterizing the treatment of 
similar situations after the establishment of those agencies. By the 
study of records selected in this way students should develop a sense of 
history in their attitude toward the art of family case work. 

And it is hoped, too, that by the use of supplementary reports and 
of descriptions of living and working conditions in Chicago the student 
will become sufficiently familiar with the community to develop what 
might be called a sense of actuality and of reality. For students in 
Chicago this can be facilitated by field work and by visits of observa- 
tion. For students in other communities it may be more difficult, 
but the fact that all the records are from one community is a real 
advantage. Their study should make it possible to observe varieties 
in situation against a background of community life and community 
development with which the reader becomes increasingly familiar. 

In other words, it is hoped that the student will not only become 
aware of those points at which there is widespread agreement and of 
those on which there is diversity of view and of practice as to treat- 
ment; but that he will become increasingly cognizant of a consciously 
directed effort to secure more favorable conditions of life, to mitigate 
the suffering of helpless members of the community, to develop re- 
sources of a preventive and constructive character. And the success- 
ful use of these records should produce a habit of thought on the part 
of the student that will mean for him wherever he is employed a power 
of analysis of community relationships enabling him rapidly to develop 
responsibility, to co-operate sympathetically and honestly with agen- 
cies even of differing standards, and to move persistently toward the 
improvement of community resources. 

A word of explanation should be said with reference to certain 
difficulties under which the work of the agencies is done that cannot 
always be reflected in the edited form of the case record. For example, 
during the autumn of 1918 and of 1919, the pressure due to the influ- 
enza epidemic reflects itself often in a slower pace than that character- 
istic of other periods. During the war there were frequent changes in 
personnel and there was rapid turnover in staff organization. Some- 
times a change of that kind will be marked by a very conspicuous 
alteration of method, sometimes by relaxing, sometimes by tightening 
up the work. All these influences—the pressure of work, the change in 
personnel, and the gradual passing from the general emergency attitude 
of war-time procedure to the more stable methods of peace-time organi- 
zation—undoubtedly were factors in many of these case histories. 


INTRODUCTION 5 


THE SELECTION OF CASE RECORDS 


With reference to the problems presented, the records in this vol- 
ume deal with situations in which the conspicuous problems, the occa- 
sion, perhaps, for bringing in the social agency, are (1) sickness; (2) 
insanity or feeble-mindedness; (3) non-residence or very brief resi- 
dence in the community; (4) loss of earnings of the chief breadwinner 
(a) by his death, (6) by his industrial injury, (c) by desertion; (5) 
motherhood out of wedlock; (6) certain problems connected with the 
care of dependent children; (7) the problem of an unduly large family 
with very low earning capacity; (8) old age. 

The records have been selected with reference both to the special 
form of need and to the institutions and agencies with which 
co-operation must be developed by the social worker. And from the 
study of these case records there can be ascertained (a) the other agen- 
cies, public or private, on which the general private agency relies; (0) 
the extent to which that reliance is justified; (c) the special agencies 
that call on the general agency and the services they ask; (d) the 
extent to which the various agencies jn their dealing with the same 
family apply similar standards or identical principles of treatment 
and the extent to which there are obvious divergencies of opinion or 
differences in standard; (e) the way in which improved methods are 
developed by the general agency and applied in its dealings with the 
families it attempts to serve. 

It is believed that the student will thus acquire not only a sense of 
the developing art of social case work but an appreciation of the 
difficulties under which all the agencies do their work. 

The population of Chicago (2,700,000) is made up in round num- 
bers of something under one-third of native-born persons whose parents 
were native-born, over 100,000 of these being negroes; of something 
over one-third persons who are the children of foreign-born parents; 
and something under one-third persons who are foreign-born them- 
selves. These members of the foreign groups are distributed in 
various sections of the city, sometimes in highly congested quarters, 
sometimes in areas having conditions not unlike village or small town 
arrangements. ‘The case records have been selected with some 
reference to national representation and sectional distribution. 

For the organization and administration of the public agencies 
with which the general private agencies co-operate, it is necessary to 
turn to the statutes authorizing the creation of those agencies and 
to the reports in which they describe their work. Such material as 
this is of special importance to the social worker who does not always 


6 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


realize the limitations under which the public official works. It is 
well to acquire the habit of thinking of public officials in terms of the 
limitations imposed by the statutes under which they do their work. 
The fact (1) that, beyond the terms of the statute creating them, 
officials have no discretion; (2) that their agents must be on the whole 
selected as other public agents are selected, at least not with disregard 
of political considerations and conditions; (3) that the cost is borne 
from taxation and the probable reaction of the taxpayer must be 
kept in mind,—these facts impose limitations on the public agency 
(a) in the extent to which the principle of adequacy can be applied 
at any time, () on the continuity of personnel and of policy, and 
(c) on the rate at which an advance in standards of care can be secured. 
In the Appendix will be found, therefore, extracts from the statutes 
authorizing some of the agencies with which the welfare agency expects 
to co-operate, and a few reports describing the method and scope of the 
work of those agencies. 

The records have been, for convenient discussion, grouped into 
eight sections. In the first of these sections there are records of five 
families in which the need is based upon the sickness of one or more 
members of the family. ‘These five families are, by nationality, Italian, 
Lithuanian, American, Polish, and Jewish. In these five records 
there are situations in which co-operation with medical agencies 
is to be developed and in which the skill, certainty, and delicacy 
of the family agency’s work will be determined in part by the 
ease with which an authoritative medical diagnosis can be secured, 
the adequacy of the resources for medical treatment, and the extent 
to which the family understands the relations between the welfare and 
medical agencies and co-operates with both. ‘The Jewish record in this 
section illustrates various points connected with these problems in 
striking contrast with the non-Jewish situation. 

In Section II there are eight records selected because they exhibit 
the relationships between the family welfare agency and the public 
authorities responsible for the care and treatment of the insane and 
feeble-minded. Of these one is Polish, one Czecho-Slovak, one 
Spanish-American, one American, one German-American, and three are 
Jewish. There are state institutions for both the insane and feeble- 
minded. The statutes. under which individuals are committed to 
these institutions were enacted at different periods and show marked 
differences in the extent to which the problem of care, treatment, and 
responsibility had been recognized by the legislature. These differ- 


INTRODUCTION 7 


ences in the law give rise to further differences in the nature of the 
co-operation possible for the welfare agency with the two sets of author- 
ities and have an influence on important aspects of the problem of the 
agency’s care for the family concerned.' 

The institutional provision for those clearly unfit for community 
life is obviously entirely inadequate and the question “When is a patient 
unfit ?” is often much more difficult to answer than has, in the fairly 
recent past, been thought to be the case. As the process of mental 
diagnosis becomes more exact, it should be possible to enable many 
more individuals to continue to share in community life by modifying 
their situation. ‘The sympathetic co-operation of a social worker com- 
ing from a family welfare agency or from an agency for mental hygiene 
may be all that is needed. ‘These records bring out clearly the degree 
to which the social work is dependent on the possibility of obtaining 
an authoritative diagnosis and give evidence of a developing skill on the 
part of the family agency to do this very delicate task with the indi- 
viduals whose condition has been diagnosed. Among other points, too, 
they show how costly such service is and raise the question as to wheth- 
er the general family agency should bear that cost or whether it should 
be borne by the specialized mental hygiene agency. 

The three Jewish records (Numbers 12, 13, 14) illustrate the 
greater definiteness of the problem where a community is completely 
served by a closely related group of agencies. It is necessary only to 
hint at the relative simplicity of securing a diagnosis where such re- 
sources as those provided by the Diagnostic Clinic are available and 
where the patient refusing to accept the treatment based on the diag- 
nosis has nowhere to turn for alternative plans, as compared with such 
a situation as that revealed in the records of the La Boda, Jenkins, and 
Weber families.? 

In Section III there are five records presenting the problem of the 
adjustment of a family toa new community. In this group there are 
an Italian, a Negro, a Greek, and two American families. In the first 
of these, the question of residence for the purposes of eligibility to relief 
under the Pauper Act and under the Mothers’ Pension Act appears at 
once, and the following extract from the Family Welfare Agency’s 

* Note, for example, the difference between the treatment of a patient escaped 
from a state hospital for the insane and one who has run away from the State School 
for the Feeble-Minded. See, for example, pp. 148, 152, 161, 197. 


2See pages 179 to 286. These records are very long and rather complicated 
and it may therefore be well to postpone their consideration until a point later in 
the course. 


8 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


instructions to workers becomes of special interest as laying down 
principles applicable to situations in which the question of residence 
is likely to appear: 

CONCERNING NON-RESIDENT APPLICANTS 

The procedure of the Family Welfare Agency in these cases is exactly the 
same as in the treatment of resident cases. Whether or not the family are 
to be asked to return to their place of legal residence must be decided by the 
best interest of the family. If the family desire to return to their place of 
legal residence, they should be immediately referred to the County Agent. 
The deportation agent in the Outdoor Relief Department of the County 
Agent’s office handles all these cases of non-residents. If, however, the 
family do not desire to return during the period of investigation, work 
should be conducted with them exactly as with any family coming to the 
attention of the Family Welfare Agency. 

In making an investigation in this type of family the Family Welfare 
Agency, in its correspondence with the point of origin, should not raise the 
question of the legal residence of the family, but should inquire merely 
concerning past history, relatives, etc. Immediately the question of legal 
residence is under discussion the matter should be placed in the hands of the 
deportation agent. 


In the second and third records in this section (Numbers 15 and 16) 
there is no question of technical residence, but there is the problem 
of the relative advantage of the new and the old home. In the fourth 
(Number 17) and the fifth (Number 18) there is the question of 
the tramp of poor mental equipment, in one case not sufficiently 
pathological to require commitment, in the other leading to immediate 
commitment. 

It may also be pointed out that the fourteenth record supplies the 
only extended illustration of the use of the almshouse in a program of 
Care. 

Each of the four records in Section IV contains the story of a widow 
left with young children. Theoretically this is no longer a difficult 
problem. The two agencies whose records are given are committed 
to the doctrine promulgated in 1909 by the “ White House Conference” 
in the following statement: 

Home life is the highest and finest product of civilization. It is the great- 
est molding force of mind and of character. Children should not be deprived 

«In connection with this section, reference should be made to pages 922 and 
925 for the Transportation Rules as accepted by the non-Jewish and those admin- 
istered by the Jewish societies and to page 927 for a series of interesting decisions 


under the Transportation Rules by the Committee of the National Conference of 
Jewish Charities. 


INTRODUCTION 9 


of it except for urgent and compelling reasons. Children of parents of 
worthy character, suffering from temporary misfortune, and children of 
reasonably efficient and deserving mothers who are without support of the 
normal breadwinner, should, as a rule be kept with their parents, such aid 
being given as may be necessary to maintain suitable homes for the rearing 
of the children. ‘This aid should be given by such methods and from such 
sources as may be determined by the general relief policy of each community, 
preferably in the form of private charity rather than of public relief. Except 
in unusual circumstances, the home should not be broken up for reasons 
of poverty, but only for considerations of inefficiency or immorality.? 


The conclusions of this conference with reference to regular and 
adequate allowances have been fortified since that time by the increas- 
ing recognition of the burden carried by child-bearing housewives 
even when they do not work for wages outside the home,? and by the 
better understanding of the disastrous effects on industry resulting 
from the wage-paid work of mothers of young children. 

When the principle has been accepted of regular adequate support 
for destitute mothers of young children whose homes are not below the 
standard of sanitation and child care, the questions presented seem to 
be chiefly those of fitness, of eligibility under the Aid to Mothers Law,' 
and of the budget. When, as in the nineteenth record,; there is prop- 
erty or compensation, the question becomes a more difficult one, in- 
volving “‘relief in aid of wages,” or the rendering of special services. 

The nine records in Section V present, among other problems, the 
question of the use of the disciplinary processes provided under the 


* Proceedings of the Conference on the Care of Dependent Children Held at Wash- 
ington, D.C., January 25, 26, t909 (U.S. 6oth Congress, 2d session, Senate Doc. 
No. 721), pp. 9-10. 

2See Maternity, Letters from Working Women (London: G. Bell & Sons); the 
United States Children’s Bureau studies into causes of infant mortality; Myerson, 
The Nervous Housewife, pp. 76-79. 


3 Webb, Public Organization of the Labour Market, p. 342, par. 42: ‘‘That 
all mothers having the charge of young children, and in receipt... . of any 
form of Public Assistance, should receive enough for the full maintenance of the 
family; and that it should then be made a condition of such assistance that the 
mother should devote herself to the care of her children without seeking industrial 
employment.” 

4 See United States Children’ s Bureau Publication No. 63 for laws relating to 
Mothers’ Pensions; see also Publication No. 82, The Administration of the Aid- 
to-M others Law in Illinois, by Edith Abbott and S. P. Breckinridge; and Publica- 
tion No. 118, Standards of Public Aid to Children in Their Own Homes, by 
Florence Nesbitt. 


5 The same point could be made in Records 37 and 39. 


Io FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


so-called ‘‘Non-Support and Abandonment” Statute and the ‘‘Con- 
tributing to Dependency or Delinquency” Statutes and the “ Extra- 
dition,” or ‘‘Fugitives from Justice’? Statute The Non-Support 
and Abandonment and Contributing to Dependency statutes create 
offenses for which severe penalties are provided. Under the Illinois 
law these offenses in domestic responsibility are not felonies as they 
are in the case of a number of other states. They are, however, mis- 
demeanors punishable by a heavy fine, $600 in the one instance, $200 
in the other, or by imprisonment of not more than a year in the House 
of Correction or by both fine and imprisonment. It is true that proba- 
tion is a possibility with or without an order to pay a stipulated amount 
toward the family support. 

The extradition statute is important because its terms not only 
make possible the return of the deserter who goes to another state but 
show why the use of that process is probably less effective and available 
than it should be. ‘The expense of extraditing misdemeanants is borne 
by the County Treasury while the cost of bringing back those accused 
of felony is borne by the State Treasury. As the suffering from these 
particular offenses is apparently restricted to a narrow group, the cost 
will generally have to be borne either by the family or by the County 
Agent, as an alternative to assuming the burden of giving relief to the 
family, rather than by the funds appropriated by the county com- 
missioners for purposes of law enforcement.? 

Instructions from the Central Office of the Family Welfare Agency 
with reference to the treatment of desertion cases contain the following 
suggestion: 


In addition to making certain that no unnecessary suffering is permitted, 
there exist certain social and legal aspects of the problem which should be 
dealt with persistently and with determination. Efforts should be made 
to determine: 

1. The whereabouts of the deserting husband—this through consultation 
with his former employer, fellow-workmen, and union officials. 

2. Whether or not any collusion exists between the wife and hus- 
band. : 

3. Whether or not there exists any relative against whom action under 
the Pauper Act could be instituted. Sometimes such action, though unpro- 


t For the text of these statutes see below, pp. 891, 893, and go2. 


For more extended discussion of the questions presented the student is 
referred to the appropriate chapters of Richmond, Social Diagnosis; Colcord, 
Broken Homes; Baldwin, Family Desertion. 


INTRODUCTION cs & 


ductive financially, results in persuading the relative, in self-defense, to 
reveal the deserting husband’s whereabouts. 

4. As a general rule every deserting husband when located should be 
taken into court on a “‘contributing to dependency” warrant, and evidence 
of dependency submitted to the court. 

Further, it is imperative in every instance, and before relief is given, 
that the deserted woman demonstrate her willingness to see justice done 
by signing a warrant for the deserter’s arrest. 

If the deserting husband is located in another city, a warrant should 
be secured in the Court of Domestic Relations and arrangements made with 
the County Agent to extradite. This process is advisable in cases in which: 

a) The Welfare Agency has expended or is expending a considerable 
amount of money for family support. 

b) There is some evidence that the man has work capacity and some 
financial returns may accrue from his return. 

c) There is a possibility that the man’s earning capacity justifies con- 
fidence that he will be able to secure a bondsman. 


Chicago is, of course, not alone in possessing a Court of Domestic 
Relations—that is a criminal branch of the Municipal Court so spe- 
cialized as to deal only with questions of domestic offenses. Such 
courts have, however, been created only in a relatively few of the larger 
cities, and, in communities in which no such tribunals have been estab- 
lished, the prosecution of such offenses must take place in the ordinary 
criminal court which is usually notoriously inadequate to the skilled 
administration of the older criminal law and is even less suited to 
deal with the domestic and social questions arising under these recent 
statutes. For various reasons which need not be discussed at length. 
here, the Jewish philanthropic organizations find the public agencies 
entirely inadequate; and the students will learn in the cases of 
Benjamin Lawrence (Number 28) and of Isaac Weinberg (Number 29) 
of the very efficient National Bureau created by those organizations 
to supplement the family welfare service and the law-enforcing authori- 
ties. | 

Family welfare agencies, in classifying the families under their care 
according to legal status, refer frequently to ‘‘unmarried couples.” 
The first two of the four records in Section VI (Number 32 and Number 
33) deal with the situation of the mother of small children who has 
not married their father. Their situation may possibly be described 
as one of decent illegitimacy. 

The third and fourth records in this Section (Numbers 34 and 35) 
bring out certain facts with reference to the terms and the administra- 


12 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


tion of the so-called Bastardy Act, of which the text is given later. 
The harshness of this act can be understood only when its relation to 
the Poor Law is also understood, for it is designed primarily as a pro- 
tection to the taxpayer.’ 

In this connection attention should be drawn to the fact that a full 
discussion of the care either of the unmarried mother or of the child 
born out of wedlock would lead into the fields usually discussed from 
the point of view of the delinquent girl’ and of the dependent child. 
An adequate discussion of the disposition and the care of the infant 
would include the subject of adoption and would also take notice of 
the rapidly changing attitude toward the question of illegitimacy. 
Attention should, of course, be directed to the invaluable series of 
publications dealing with this question published by the United States 
Children’s Bureau. 

The records selected will, however, serve to introduce the student 
to situations that are, fundamentally, family situations to which as 
rapidly as possible the same principles of thoroughness of investigation, 
adequacy of treatment, and continuity of co-operation applicable to 
any attempt at family care should be applied. 

The fifth record (Number 36) again introduces elements character- 
istic of the more closely organized Jewish system of benevolence. 

The cases in Section VII show the problems that arise in connec- 
tion with workmen’s compensation. 

The substantial denial of justice to the poor under the common law 
doctrine of employers’ liability which often rendered nugatory the 
claim of employees injured in their work to obtain damages from their 
employers has been universally recognized: 

The redress afforded injured employees by the law has called forth the 
bitterest attacks, and here the impartiality of the substantive law has 


« See page 896. 
2See Great Britain, Report of the Royal Commission on Poor Laws and Relief 
of Distress, 1909, Part VIII, chap. iv. 


3See Percy G. Kammerer, The Unmarried Mother; the annual reports of the 
Massachusetts State Board of Charities for the years 1913, 1914, 1915, and the 
publications of the Boston Conference on Illegitimacy and the Research Bureau on 
Social Case Work, Boston. 


4Publication No. 31, Norwegian Laws Concerning Illegitimate Children; 
No. 42, Illegitimacy Laws of the United States and Certain Foreign Countries; 
Nos. 66, 75, 128, Illegitimacy as a Child-Welfare Problem; No. 77, Standards of 
Legal Protection for Children Born out of Wedlock. 

See also the Survey, XLIX (October 15, 1922), 104, for the terms of the Model 
Act proposed by the Commissioners on Uniform Laws, 1922. © 


INTRODUCTION 13 


most justly been challenged. The workman who sought to recover for injur- 
ies sustained at work, due to the negligence of his employer, was placed at 
an enormous disadvantage by the rules defining the master’s liability. The 
fellow-servant rule and the doctrine of assumption of risk growing out of 
two cases (Farwell v. Boston and Worcester Ry., 4 Metcalf [1842], 49 [the 
first American case] and Priestly v. Fowler, 3 Meeson & Welsby [1837], 1 [the 
first English case] ), which are now severely condemned and elaborated by 
a process which can only be called judicial legislation, came perilously near 
to constituting an actual class distinction in the law. Happily this stigma 
no longer attaches, because within the last seven years [i.e., since 1912] 
workmen’s compensation statutes, which supplant the outworn doctrines 
of liability with the principles of insurance, have been enacted in nearly 
every jurisdiction.? 


Illinois is one of the states in which a workmen’s compensation 
statute has been enacted and a claim given to the injured man or his 
dependents for fixed amounts in compensation. ‘The first three records 
in Section VII (Numbers 37, 38, 39) selected from among many involv- 
ing the fact of industrial injury or occupational disease serve to call 
attention to the following points: 

1. The arrangement by which industry is made to allocate a fixed 
compensation to a certain number of persons injured by its processes 
relieves the social agency of a very real and very great burden of 
pecuniary cost in the support of the injured persons and their depend- 
ents. However, as the amount of compensation is as yet inadequate 
and as payments are made for a limited time, a part of the burden is 
still borne by the private agency which must continue to provide both 
services of a highly skilled order and supplementary aid often of an 
expensive character. In other words the compensation machinery 
will never be adequate until there is developed as an organic part of it a 
division that would correspond with the social service departments of 
hospitals or of courts. Industrial social service corresponding to 
medical or legal social service would relieve the general welfare agency 
of a heavy burden that should be paid for out of the earnings of in- 
dustry and not out of the gifts of the benevolent. 

2. The cases will also illustrate the very definite character of the 
service required in order to take advantage of the allowances under the 
Act and the rather subtle temptation offered the worker to be satisfied 
with that service without feeling the responsibility for the more 


*R. H. Smith, Justice and the Poor (Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement 
of Learning, Bulletin No. 13), pp. 14-15. See also United States Bureau of Labor 
Statistics Bulletins No. 126, 185, 240, 272, 332. 


14 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


thoroughgoing family treatment that in the absence of such public 
administrative co-operation would seem to be required. 

3. The case of Max Berger (Number 40), a case in occupational 
disease, will illustrate the cost resting on the private agency when the 
industrial claim has not yet been recognized; and, in comparison with 
the Juraitis case (Number 2), will bring out the increased definiteness 
of service rendered possible by the provision of a specialized agency for 
treatment—in this case the self-support experiment that has been so 
interesting a feature in several of the Jewish cases. 

There remain the four records in Section VIII. In the first of 
these, the case of Peter Johns, there are peculiarly interesting relation- 
ships between the general family agency and the children’s agency, and 
this record contains a transcript of a Juvenile Court record in which a 
petition in dependency was before the court. In this case the court, 
with hestitation, took the very decisive step of appointing the children’s 
agency a guardian with power to consent to the adoption of the child in 
whose behalf the petition had been filed. Some interesting and diffi- 
cult problems with reference to the social worker’s attitude toward 
certain legal presumptions, for example, are suggested by this record, 
as well as the relative emphasis laid by the three agencies on the im- 
portance of keeping the mother and infant together. ‘The brief record 
of the Caterigian family (Number 42) brings out the attitude of the 
Family Welfare Agency on this latter point in a very positive way. 

The record of Marcus Jackson (Number 43) suggests the old and 
forever recurring question ‘‘When is a man able-bodied?” Here, at 
any rate, the Poor Law authorities decided, in view of the large family, 
low earning capacity, and good character of the head of the family, 
to mitigate the orthodox practice of not aiding families in which there 
are able-bodied men. 

The record of Mrs. O’Callaghan (Number 44) suggests, as did 
the record of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (Number 3), the great lack of com- 
munity resources for caring for the aged. This last record suggests 
the difficulties involved in investigating the life histories of aged 
persons, and reveals an impulsive eagerness on the part of the worker 
to bring together this aged mother and her elderly son. 

It is hoped that as the student becomes familiar with these forty- 
four records of actual family situations they may (1) exhibit the very 
great variety in situation under which problems containing essentially 
similar factors present themselves; (2) enable the student to draw his 
own conclusions as to the treatment appropriate to the need; whether 


INTRODUCTION 15 


the record exhibits approved methods or displays discarded procedure; 
(3) reveal the relations that exist between social agencies, the methods 
by which co-operation is secured, and the results in lowered efficiency 
when different standards or contradictory purposes characterize the 
work of societies engaged in a common undertaking; (4) introduce 
the student to the recently developed interest on the part of case- 
work agencies in the problem of delicate and intricate human relation- 
ships between persons and in the conscious study of personality;* 
(5) convey an idea of the extent to which our older social machinery 
fails and needs to be rearranged and adjusted to modern conditions of 
family and community life. 

A well-known student of case-work method has wisely directed 
attention to the two conspicuous aspects of the case worker’s task in 
the following words: 

In two respects social case workers have a unique opportunity to further 
the application of psychological research to social science. First, their 
efforts to rehabilitate persons who for one reason or another_are out of 
adjustment with their surroundings bring them into an intimate knowledge 
of the trials and struggles of these persons with their families, their work, 
their companions, extending over a considerable period of time—over 
months or even years. Second, the difficulties of maladjustments in the 
lives of clients are difficulties which in lesser degree are universal. They are 
merely conspicuous or exaggerated instances of failure in personal adaptation 
or in social machinery which are the same in kind as those which we all 
experience.? 


And it is hoped that study of the case records in this volume may 
successfully develop in the student a quickened sense of the responsi- 
bility of the case worker for necessary community action. 


Mary E. Richmond, What Is Social Case Work? chap. v, pp. 126-433 
chap. vi, pp. 144-58. 

2 Ada Eliot Sheffield, “Identifying Clue-Aspects in Social Case Work,” 
Proceedings of the National Conference of Social Work, 1921, Pp. 243. 


SECTION I 


CASES IN WHICH SICKNESS GIVES THE OPPORTU- 
NITY FOR A SERVICE BASED ON CO-OPERATION 
WITH THE MEDICAL AGENCIES OF THE CITY 


1. The Family of Anton Chiesa 
(An Italian Tailor Who Was Ill with Tuberculosis) 


September 24, 1917 (Monday).—Miss Hill, nurse at the Municipal 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium? Dispensary No. 20, telephoned, asking 
assistance for the family of Mr. Chiesa, who has tuberculosis. Sani- 
tarium care has been recommended, and an application for the same 
has been made. Mrs. Chiesa is eight months pregnant. ‘There is a 
three-year-old child, Teresa. No income. 

September 25, 1917 (Tuesday).—Visited. The family live in a 
four-room front apartment, which they have occupied for three years.? 
The rent is $10.50. Sanitary condition is fair. Mr. Chiesa, a rather 
clean-looking Italian (thirty-three years old), has been in the city 
since he immigrated eight years ago. He has not taken out citizenship 
papers. He has worked as tailor five years for the Jessup firm, 
earning $12 a week and in 1917 has worked six months for the Cohen 
firm, earning $16 a week. Mr. Chiesa comes of good parentage. 
His father was a professor who married beneath him and died when 


*[The Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium operates under a statute enacted 
in 1907, authorizing municipalities on affirmative vote of the people to establish 
and maintain agencies for the care and treatment of victims of tuberculosis. It 
consists of the Sanitarium, in which there was provision in 1916 for 1,000 patients, 
besides a staff of physicians who practice at eight substations and of nurses who 
visit patients in their homes. In 1917 the revenue derived for this service from 
the special tax authorized under the statute was $1,071,007.83. (See below, p. 861 
for text of statute.)] 


2 [There were in 1910 in Chicago 45,169 persons born in Italy and 27,737 persons 
whose parents were born in that country. There are several recognized Italian 
neighborhoods (see Robert Hunter, Tenement Conditions in Chicago; Report of 
Committee of City Homes Association; “Two Italian Districts,” Grace P. Norton, 
American Journal of Sociology, XVIII, 509-42; Special Report of U.S. Labor 
Commissioner, Vol. IX, ‘Italians in Great Cities”; etc.)] 


16 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 17 


Mr. Chiesa was a little boy. His mother had a struggle to care for 
her family, and he had only two years of schooling. He has two sisters 
living near Florence with his mother, from whom he has not heard 
for a long time, who are teachers. His only relative in the United 
States is a sister, living in a suburb of Harrisfield, Pennsylvania. 
- He has been ill now four weeks and is getting impatient at the delay 
in sending him to the Sanitarium. He owes the landlord, who lives 
in the same building, two months’ rent, is in debt $30 for groceries, 
and has used up all his savings except $5.00. He plans if he is not 
admitted soon to the Sanitarium to return to work.! 

Mr. Chiesa is insured in Societa San Mareo, Botino Lodge. He 
is entitled to $5 a week sick benefit for six months. He is entitled to 
no death benefit. When the six months is up, he is not entitled to 
any more benefit. He has put in his application and has been advised 
that payment will be made the third Sunday in October. This will 
include payment from the date on which he left work and stayed at 
home, or about four weeks’ time. 

Mrs. Chiesa is an attractive, fleshy Italian woman of thirty-one 
years. She is five months pregnant. Her parents immigrated in 
1893, when she was seven, and she reached the fifth grade in the public 
school. Before her marriage in 1912 she worked in several tailor-shops, 
among them the Silverman Shop. She suffered a miscarriage before 
Teresa was born, but Teresa has always been an exceptionally healthy 

(The first interview —The service asked of the Family Welfare Agency by the 
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium for this little family, which had never been in 
contact with any social agency, was a simple and obvious one, including provision 
for their support during the husband’s incapacity and possibly help for the mother 
in connection with her confinement. Among the subjects obviously in the minds 
of all three during the conference are the following: How long has he been here, 
where has he worked, what savings has he accumulated, what are the possibilities 
of developing other capacities when he is better, what sources of aid does he sug- 
gest, what has her experience been in the matter of wage-earning and child-bearing, 
need she anticipate special difficulty, on whom does she rely ? | 

There is no embarrassment on either side. The family has been in contact 
with an agency, the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium, which is purely a health 
agency in that, while it deals chiefly with poor persons, it deals with them primarily 
and fundamentally because they are sick and with a preventive purpose. The 
family could not formulate the relationship, but they were probably conscious 
that the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium represents the interest of the com- 
munity in Mr. Chiesa’s restoration to health. He acquiesces in the Sanitarium 
plan but frets against the delay, substantially saying, ‘‘ Yes, I see that I should do 


what I can to get well; but beyond and above that is my obligation to feed my 
wife and child.”’] 


18 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


child and is attractive in appearance. Five months ago they lost 
a baby boy named David. She did not know the diagnosis, but 
thought it was swollen glands. Drs. Ball and Bellini attended. ‘The 
undertaker’s bill was $130, and the baby was not insured. ‘Teresa is 
now insured in the Municipal Industrial Insurance Company; they 
pay 50 centsa month. Mrs. Chiesa’s family, her parents, two sisters, 
a brother, and a nephew live just around the corner, and she has an 
aunt living in the same house, and a cousin, Nick Spolato, in the city. 
She has made no provision for confinement. Visitor gave her diagnosis 
blank and directions for going to the Lying-In Hospital and urged Mr. 
Chiesa to take out citizenship papers before going to the Sanitarium. 
Mrs. Chiesa will try to have her cousin go with him to take out the 
papers.” 

September 26, 1917 (Wednesday).—Telephoned Municipal Tuber- 
culosis Sanitarium.? Mr. Chiesa is an open case of incipient tuber- 
culosis. Application for sanitarium care was sent in several weeks 
ago, and an opening may be expected any day now. Miss Hill, the 
nurse, feels the family should be assisted during his stay at the Sani- 
tarium. Had not made arrangements regarding Mrs. Chiesa’s 
pregnancy as she felt perhaps this had already been attended to. 


t{Citizenship is not essential for admission to the Sanitarium. It might be 
said that for admission one must have not papers, but tuberculosis. But if he 
were permanently and completely incapacitated or if the illness proved fatal, 
citizenship would prove a factor in Mrs. Chiesa’s eligibility for a grant under the 
Aid to Mothers Law.] 

2([From the first interview the following lines of inquiry are suggested: (1) 
About how long may his illness be expected to last? It is inferred that he is curable; 
otherwise the plan would contemplate his going to the county institution for tuber- 
cular patients, on the same grounds with the Cook County almshouse, known as the 
Oak Forest Infirmary (see below, p. 854, for description of these institutions). It is 
also inferred that conditions in the home are safe for Mrs. Chiesa and Teresa and 
that they present no special problem of danger from infection. (2) What suggestion 
would her older relatives, mother and aunt, make with reference to her support and 
the care of Teresa during her confinement? Her condition precludes for a number 
of months the possibility of Mrs. Chiesa’s earning, but various combinations suggest 
themselves by which aid could be obtained from her relatives in the form of shelter 
and maintenance even if money contributions do not prove available. The Illinois 
Pauper Act (see below, p. 845) lays the duty of support of destitute persons on 
parents and children, brothers and sisters and grandparents and grandchildren. 
The interest and obligation of the sister in Pennsylvania is therefore not to be over- 
looked. If, however, there are no relatives who can support, there remains always 
the County Agent to furnish outdoor relief (see below, p. 851).] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 19 


Visited Mrs. Sodaro, aunt! of Mrs. Chiesa. She has a paralyzed 
husband who has been in this condition three years. Has seven 
children of her own and only one working. Could not render any 
assistance to her niece. Was a rather ignorant type of Italian 
woman. Mrs. Chiesa’s father, Mr. Sparlo, is also incapacitated with 
paralysis—Dr. Bellini attending. They are not able to aid the daugh- 
ter. Mr. and Mrs. Chiesa have gotten along fairly well during their 
married life but have never been able to get ahead. At the time of 
‘the death of the child recently they had no insurance and were obliged 
to meet heavy doctor’s and undertaker’s bills. They also have 
been encumbered during most of their married life with heavy furni- 
ture bills. Mrs. Sodaro understands that they have only recently 
completed payment on this. Were married at Roman Catholic 
Church of our Saviour. 

September 27, 1917 (Thursday).—Telephoned Municipal Tuber- 
culosis Sanitarium nurse and gave report concerning Mr. Chiesa’s 
desire to secure immediate care in Sanitarium or else return to old 
employment.? 

’ September 28, 1917 (Friday).—Visited Mrs. Sparlo, Mrs. Chiesa’s 
mother. Mr. Sparlo is hopelessly paralyzed and has been so for over 
three years. Smith & Co., for whom he was employed as a special 
policeman for about fourteen years, has been assisting the family 
with weekly allowances until very recently. There is one daughter 
in the home who is working. ‘There is a son of working age, but he 
does not seem to feel his responsibility and works very irregularly. 
One of the younger children, Rosie, a girl of about fifteen, is planning 
to secure employment. Family live in a five-room house. Premises 
were not very clean. Mrs. Sparlo, who is afflicted with a very bad 
goiter, says if Mrs. Chiesa goes to the hospital they will be glad to 
take Teresa. Visitor was not impressed with the fitness of the home 


t{Among the relatives the mother would be the one to whom it would seem 
natural to turn first in the face of her daughter’s difficulty. However, Mrs. Chiesa, 
while not telling of her father’s illness, had said that her mother would be little 
able to assist, and a visit to another near relative living in the same house might 
enable the visitor to approach the mother with better understanding later.] 


2 [It is not the responsibility of the Family Welfare Agency to get Mr. Chiesa 
to the Sanitarium. The Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium knows his needs as 
compared with those of other patients. There is no reason, however, why the 
nurse should not be told of his state of mind about his work—of that she may not 
be so well informed as the visitor.] 


20 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


for a child. Mrs. Sparlo stated Mr. and Mrs. Chiesa had been mar- 
ried five years and had been barely able to eke out an existence and 
get a small sum saved up. All this money had been expended at the 
time of the baby’s death about five months ago. 

Later —Visited Mrs. Nick Spolato, cousin of Mrs. Chiesa. Mr. 
Spolato is a barber. ‘They have eight children, and she did not feel 
they could assist Mrs. Chiesa and did not think it would be possible 
for her to come to live with them. ‘The family has a very nice cottage 
and looks decidedly thrifty. 

Later.—Visited Dr. Ball. Had not attended baby during recent 
illness excepting just at first. Did not know what the trouble was 
with it. Had known family for about six years. Both the immediate 
families and all the relatives are very poor and have no resources. 
He had recently endeavored to have Mrs. Sparlo submit to an oper- 
ation for her goiter at one of the free hospitals, but she had been 
afraid to have this done and she could not afford to pay for private 
care. 

‘Later.—Visited. (Mr. Chiesa had gone down town to look up an 
old friend who knew the date when he came to this country. He is 
planning to have a cousin go with him on Monday, the first, to take 
out his first papers.) Mrs. Chiesa had $3.60 on hand. ‘Told her to 
keep $1.00 for the first papers and use the rest for food. Had been 
to the Lying-In and received a card to call Dr. Brown on date of 
confinement, which was noted as either October or November. She 
does not wish to go to the hospital‘ as she has already purchased $17 
worth of coal for the winter; owes $7.00 on this yet. Mrs. Rabb, 
the landlady, will attend her during her confinement; and Mrs. Chiesa 
stated that she has so very little pain at such a time that she does 
not feel it is necessary for her to go toa hospital. There is no bathroom 
in their house, but she explains that she never takes a bath during the 
time of her pregnancy because it brings on a miscarriage; under 
ordinary conditions she uses the bathtub at her mother’s. Mr. 
Chiesa previously used the bathtub at her cousin Nick Spolato’s 
barber-shop. He, however, has not taken a bath for some time as he 
is afraid to do so because of his condition. Mrs. Chiesa has some 
baby clothing on hand but needs bands, a few dresses, and a skirt or 


t [See Adena Miller Rich, Prenatal Care, pp. 46 and 57; Grace Abbott, “‘The 
Midwife in Chicago,” American Journal of Sociology, XX (March, 1915), 684-99; 
The Midwife Problem in the United States (U.S. Children’s Bureau Leaflet)}. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES Pr 


two. She does some crochet work but is too nervous to crochet well 
enough for any outside person.? 

October 1, 1917 (Monday).—Telephoned County Agent, who will 
investigate. 

October 2, 1917 (Tuesday).—Letter written to the superintendent,” 
Associated Charities, Harrisfield, Pennsylvania: 


Will you please have your correspondent in Rushwood, Pennsylvania, 
make a visit on Mrs. Felix Pinelli, sister of Mr. Anton Chiesa 1467 West 
Street? .The situation recently came to our attention as Mr. Chiesa 
is ill with tuberculosis and is awaiting an opening to go for treatment to 
the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Mrs. Chiesa is seven months 
pregnant. The family appears to be absolutely without resources, and no 
one of the immediate relatives seems to be in any better circumstances. 
What can Mrs. Pinelli tell us about the past history of this family? Could 
she render any assistance or would she have any suggestions to offer for the 
present crisis ? 


Later.—Visited. Found Mrs. Chiesa at her mother’s and also 
Nick Spolato, the cousin to whom Mrs. Chiesa had referred. He had 
accompanied Mr. Chiesa to the Court on the morning of the first, 
_and then gone with him to the Sanitarium. Mr. Chiesa had paid his 
dollar for papers but had not had all the necessary information. Mr. 
Spolato was calling on Mrs. Chiesa to secure these papers which he 
will take down to the Court. Does not think it will be necessary for 
Mr. Chiesa to appear in Court again, but if so will have him come in 
from the Sanitarium. ‘Talked with Mr. Spolato and Mrs. Chiesa 
regarding hospital care. Mrs. Chiesa did not feel inclined to adopt 
this plan, but Mr. Spolato said he would talk it over with Mr. Chiesa 


«(The visitor is evidently trying to find a way in which Mrs. Chiesa may 
contribute to her own support. It is interesting to notice that, although Mrs. 
Chiesa had worked in a tailor-shop, the visitor never seems to think of home- 
finishing. It is also interesting that although there are four rooms in the little 
apartment, the lodger plan never suggests itself. On those points the Chicago 
agencies are probably quite clear. See “The Sweating System,” Hull-House 
Maps and Papers, pp. 27-25; ‘‘The Chicago Housing Problem,” American Journal 
of Sociology, Vols. XVI-XXI; and see Wright, Children of Working Mothers (U.S. 
Children’s Bureau Publication 102). Also see below, Section IV for illustrations 
of difficulties involved in mother’s work.] 


2(Through membership in the American Association for Organizing Family 
Social Work a reciprocity exists between the Chicago Family Welfare Agency, and 
similar agencies in 330 cities. At the request of other cities by letter or telegram 
the Chicago Agency makes investigations, secures assistance for their clients, and aids 


22 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


when he visited him at the Sanitarium, and would also discuss it with 
his own family. Mr. Spolato’s parents are quite old, and he has eight 
children and is therefore unable to give any assistance other than possi- 
bly keeping Teresa in case Mrs. Chiesa should go to the hospital. 
However, Mrs. Chiesa did not feel that it would be wise to store her 
furniture’ even if she went as she feels that she is a strong woman 
and would not need to stay in the hospital very long. Left $2.00 
grocery order.? 

October 5, 1917.—Telephoned County Agent’s office. Mrs. 
Chiesa is receiving Ration No. 2. 

October 8, 1917.—Visited Mrs. Chiesa at her mother’s. Talked 
with her again regarding going to the hospital, but she was unwilling 
to do this as she said she was ill only a few hours during confinement. 
Mrs. Chiesa asked for a cap, rug, and sweater from supplies. She 
has no money to purchase these. Told her if we had a sweater in 
supplies we would see that it was brought to her the following morning. 
Otherwise her sister, Rosie Sparlo, who was home that day ill, said 
she would get the things for Mrs. Chiesa and Mrs. Chiesa could repay 
her later. Rosie says she occasionally purchases little articles for 
Teresa, who appears to be a very spoiled child. ‘Talked again regard- 
ing the possibility of Mrs. Chiesa’s going with some one of her relatives, 
but both Mrs. Sparlo and Mrs. Chiesa’s sister felt this would be impos- 
sible. Left $1.60 cash to pay gas bill which was due and also $2.35 
grocery orders Mrs. Chiesa did not know whether Mr. Chiesa 


in devising and executing plans for their care. In the same way the Chicago Agency 
may call on any one of the societies in other communities. See Sixty-six Years of 
Service: An Account of the Activities of the United Charities of Chicago (1922), p. 25.] 


«(They had just recently finished paying for this furniture after nearly five 
years’ effort. And women like Mrs. Chiesa have little reason to think of child- 
bearing as anything more than rather incidental.] 


2[At this date the entries of relief given were part of the record. These items 
are now provided for on special sheet and do not appear in the narrative. The 
subject of the use of the grocery order might be discussed in connection with the 
Kruszka case below, p. 452.] 


3[It had become clear that support cath not be had from the relatives in 
Chicago. The last of the family’s savings are spent, and a policy of relief is entered 
upon. At this time no estimated budget was included in the record, but the follow- 
ing calculations throw light on the entries about food allowances. The County 
Agent’s Ration No. 2 was estimated as worth $3.69. The Chicago Standard 
Budget, which had been formulated by Miss Florence Nesbitt, required for a man 
food costing $2.10 a week. This amount was evidently treated as a sufficient 


allowance for an expectant mother. For the child the estimate was $1.10, or a total 
Aa 
ys s 


«sf 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES ZR 


actually had his first papers or not as he had told her he could not 
leave the hospital for two months and would attend to finishing up 
the matter at that time. 

October 12, ro17.—Letter received from Associated Charities, 
Harrisfield, Pennsylvania, inclosing letter received from Mr. Chiesa’s 
brother-in-law: 

RUSHWOOD, PENNSYLVANIA 


Octob 
DEAR Sir: Sore ae wo ke 


I received your letter regarding my brother-in-law Anton Chiesa of 
Chicago. Please let me know how long he was sick, and where he it is 
now, so if he is on his home or on some sanatorium. You know I am was no 
rich, but I am a poor, because I support 12 peoples, seven is on my family 
and five it is on the old country including his mother and his sister. But 
after I will do my best I can for help him soon as possible. Send to me his 


address if you have and I remain, 
Your 
FELIX PINELLI 


October 16, 1917 (Tuesday).—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had borrowed 
$5.00 from her sister for a sweater. Has not yet heard from the 
benefit society. Is anxious to get money in order to pay rent and her 
debt to druggist and other bills. Will, however, not spend any of 
this money before conferring with visitor. Left $2.35 grocery order 
and 75 cents to purchase olive oil and safety pins as preparation for 
new baby. Promised to bring baby clothing later in week. 

October 22, 1917 (Monday).—Letter written Mr. Felix Pinelli, 
brother-in-law of Mr. Chiesa: 


We have your letter of the ninth addressed to the Charities of Harrisfield. 
We have known the situation in your brother-in-law’s family since Sep- 
tember of this year. At present Mr. Chiesa is in our Municipal Tuberculosis 


of $3.20a week. This multiplied by 44 equals $13.87, the sum resulting from multi- 
plying the grant $2.35 by 4% and adding in the value of the County Ration No. 2. 
The record contains no reference to any explanation making clear to Mrs. Chiesa 
the way in which this amount was arrived at. Moreover, later (see entry of 
November 12, 1917), a quart of milk a day was arranged for in addition to the weekly 
allowance. Her allowance, then, is made up of County Agent ration, Charity 
Alliance milk, the society benefit, the Family Welfare supplementary grant, and 
various donations. For the method of framing a budget, see Benjamin R. Andrews, 
Economics of the Household (New York, 1923), chap. iii; ‘Minimum Quantity 
Budget Necessary to Maintain a Worker’s Family of Five in Health and Decency,” 
Monthly Labor Review, X (June, 1920), 1307; Florence Nesbitt, The Chicago 
Standard Budget for Dependent Families (published by the Chicago Council of 
Social Agencies).] 


24 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Sanitarium endeavoring to recover from a case of incipient tuberculosis. 
He left Mrs. Chiesa entirely dependent as their small savings had been used 
to defray the funeral expenses of the baby boy, who died five months ago, 
and also to pay for medicine and for a previous operation for Mr. Chiesa. 
Mrs. Chiesa is expecting another child this week. Our organization has ~ 
been assisting with food and has recently furnished clothing for the expected 
child. It seems that Mrs. Chiesa has no relatives here who are in a position 
to help her. She is expecting a $5.00 weekly payment from the Societa San 
Mareo, Botino Lodge, which payment was supposed to begin yesterday. We 
have not learned whether the payment has been made. Her rent of $10 is 
due. We would appreciate any assistance you can give Mrs. Chiesa and shall 
be glad to keep in touch with you regarding your brother-in-law’s condition.? 


October 23, 1917.—Visited Mrs. Chiesa at her mother’s. Her 
father was dying, and she was much disturbed. Her check will be 
forwarded this week from the benefit society. Will amount to $30 or 
$35. Advised that she does not spend any of this until the twenty- 
sixth, when visitor will call to talk over expenditures. 

October 26, 1917 (Friday).—Visited drugstore at the adjoining 
corner. Mrs. Chiesa owes them $5.00. Proprietor agreed that he 
would wait until Mr. Chiesa had returned from Sanitarium and secured 
employment before pressing for payment. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had hér $35 cash received from the 
benefit society carefully put away in a jar. She has a great horror 
of debt and seemed extremely anxious to pay the debts she owes at 
present. Planned with her to pay the rent, $10.50, and $7.00 coal 
bill; also milk bill of $3.72. Mrs. Chiesa explained that her milkman 
was a very poor man and she had promised to pay him on the twenty- 
seventh. Owes him two months’ milk bill. After this she will buy 
her milk from the store. In addition, she will have to pay the $5.00 to 
her sister for the sweater, as her sister had borrowed the money from 
friends. This will leave about $8.76, which will enable Mrs. Chiesa to 
buy groceries to the amount of $2.35 a week for three weeks and a half. 
Thinks the rest of the money from the benefit society will be due the 
third Sunday in November. Promised to try to secure underwear 
for Mr. Chiesa and shoes for Teresa. ‘Teresa was not feeling at all 
well and seemed to have a heavy cold. Arranged to send county 
doctor. (This was done by telephone later.) ' 

«(The record does not show any later correspondence between the Agency and 
Mr. Pinelli. It is of course possible that Mr. Pinelli wrote directly to Mr. Chiesa. 


Mr. Chiesa’s statement about his meager educational advantages makes it easy to 
understand why he and his sister do not correspond.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 25 


Later.—Visited landlord, with Mrs. Chiesa. Paid $10.50 rent. 
He is a very kindly man and has been of great assistance to Mrs. 
Chiesa. He went to find the coal dealer at the corner, to whom Mrs. 
Chiesa owes $7.00, but he was not in. Isa very difficult man to find. 
Mrs. Chiesa will try to get hold of him at the earliest possible moment. 

Mrs. Chiesa owes grocer across the street $5.00. In this connec- 
tion she said that although he has not pressed her for the money she 
feels ashamed whenever she sees him because she has not paid him. 
Is not accustomed to run bills and is anxious for Mr. Chiesa to come 
home and not find her loaded down with debts. Her father is insured 
in the benefit society of Smith & Co. for $1,000. This is in Mrs. 
Chiesa’s mother’s name. Smith & Co. has helped for two or three 
years, $6.00 a week, but has discontinued this help. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Adams, volunteer, who will try to secure 
clothing and shoes for ‘Teresa. 

October 30, 1917.—Telephoned nurse at Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium regarding underclothing for Mr. Chiesa. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Chiesa at her mother’s. Her father very 
low. She had not yet been able to pay the $7.00 to the coal man but 
had the money safely lodged in her waist. In addition to this she had 
$6.00 cash on hand, which she had in her stocking. She paid her gas 
bill of $3.72 and $5.00 to her sister for the sweater. In addition, she 
had spent about $1.50 on the baby. Has spent also $2.78 but could 
not recall what she had spent this for. Still had 4o cents left of her 
grocery order. Doctor had called and advised that child had a oy 
cold and had prescribed medicine which she had procured. 

November 8, ro17 (Thursday).—Visited Mrs. Chiesa at her 
mother’s. Left bundle of clothing from donation containing shoes for 
Teresa, which although worn, were usable; however, Mrs. Chiesa 
did not feel that they were heavy enough for the child. She had about 
$1.50 left. Does not think she will get $20 from the benefit society 
as she received $5.00 extra in her last payment; was really only entitled 
to $30. Doctor from Lying-In had called and had been surprised 
to learn that she had not as yet been confined. Promised visit on 
the thirteenth to leave grocery order for that week as her funds would 
not extend over that period of time. 

November 12, 1917 (Monday).—Telephoned Mrs. Coonley, Charity 
Alliance.t Gave report of Mrs. Chiesa’s situation and asked that 


t{An “endorsed”’ organization of relief and benefit character having a budget 
in 1921 of $3,853.06.] 


26 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Charity Alliance furnish a quart of milk a day. This was agreed to, 
beginning on the fifteenth. 

November 13, 1917.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa is anxious about 
Teresa’s shoes as she feels the child should have some heavier ones. 
Gave $2.35 grocery order. 

November 21, 1917 (Wednesday).—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa thinks 
she may receive benefit society money the twenty-second but will spend 
none of it with the exception of some for food until the twenty-fourth, 
when visitor will call to arrange with her for expenditures. Had 
telephoned Mr. Chiesa at the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium but 
thinks he must have been moved to a cottage as she could not get 
in touch with him at the main building. Is worried about him but 
he advised her sister on previous Sunday that he would possibly go 
to a cottage. His condition is much improved. Had 50 cents left of 
last week’s grocery order and had borrowed $1.35 from landlord with 
which to purchase shoes for Teresa as she felt those Welfare Agency 
gave her were too large." 

November 27, ro917.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had received the 
$20 from the benefit society but had not wanted to spend any of this 
until the visitor came, so had secured a small charge from grocer and 
promised him she would pay same when visitor had called to arrange 
about her money. Called in landlord and paid $10.50 rent from 
November 26 to December 26; in addition, arranged with Mrs. Chiesa 
to pay 50 cents back milk bill, 64 cents grocer, 50 cents insurance, 
and $1.35 which she had borrowed from landlord, also 25 cents for 
syrup. This leaves her $6.26, which will last her about three weeks, 
making it necessary for Agency to supplement small amount on the 
fourth week. Will receive her next payment from the benefit society 
shortly after the sixteenth of December. Left clothing from donation, 
with which she was greatly pleased. Has not heard from Mr. Chiesa 
at the Sanitarium and is much worried to know what has become of 
him. Arranged to telephone her mee the grocer when we heard 
from the Sanitarium. 

November 28, 1917.—Letter received from Sanitarium, in which 
it is reported that Mr. Anton Chiesa is a moderately advanced case 

« [This transaction was one of several in which Mrs. Chiesa with perfect firmness 
made known her needs and when they were not met by the Agency directly 
provided in some other way for their satisfaction. These incidents illustrate the 
futility of leaving out of the Agency’s budget any items likely to be thought essential 


by the client and at the same time expecting the client to devote such resources as 
she enjoys to satisfying the needs the Agency thinks imperative.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 27 


of .pulmonary tuberculosis, with disease extending to both: lungs. 
While he has been gaining in weight and is doing well so far, he ought 
to remain in the institution longer. 

Later.—Telephoned grocer. Gave report for Mrs. Chiesa regard- 
ing Mr. Chiesa. 

Later.—Visited Nick Spolato, Jackson Avenue. He owns a 
barber shop at 327 West Street, so went there tosee him. Mr. Spolato 
has not seen Mr. Chiesa since he went to the Sanitarium—therefore 
has not assisted Mr. Chiesa in getting his first papers. Says his work- 
ing hours are such that he cannot get off to see him. Gave visitor the 
first papers, for Mr. Chiesa to fill out—then he thought he could do 
the rest. Mr. Spolato had a roll of blank naturalization papers, both 
first and second, so evidently helps others in this also. 

December 4, 1917.—Visited. Gave Mrs. Chiesa first papers for 
Mr. Chiesa to fill out. She had spent $2.50 the past week. Had 
$4.50 on hand, which she thinks will last her until she gets her next 
allowance the third Sunday in the month. Her father was supposed 
to be dying this morning. Gave package of clothing from donation. 

December 13, 1917.—Visited. Mr. Chiesa had just come home 
from Sanitarium that day. Was on leave of absence until the fifteenth. 
Was looking immensely better. Came in to attend to his first papers 
and was going down with his cousin Nick Spolato to take these out 
tomorrow. Will borrow $1.00 from his cousin for this purpose. 
Mrs. Chiesa had used up all her money and will not receive her next 
benefit society payment until next week. Had been obliged to buy a 
thermometer for Mr. Chiesa, which had cost 50 cents. Left $2.35 
grocery order. 

December 19, t917.—Name given Mrs. Lee for Christmas. She 
will provide dinner and clothing. 

December 24, 1917.—Visited. A lovely 8} pound girl was born 
December 17. Mrs. Chiesa pleased with the care from Lying-In. 
Lying-In nurse came in and bathed baby while visitor was there. 
Said child was an unusually well-formed baby. Mrs. Chiesa has not 
named her. Said she was waiting for Mr. Chiesa to do this. Mrs. 
Chiesa’s father died December 17. Mother will receive $1,000, but 
most of this has been expended for funeral. Mrs. Chiesa had received 
$20 from the benefit society.t Had spent $2.00 of this. - Said that 


t (See below, p. 464, for fuller discussion of foreign benefit societies. See also 
S. P. Breckinridge, New Homes for Old, pp. 187-221, especially pp. 192-96; Michael 
M. Davis, Jr., Immigrant Health and the Community, pp. 92-111; John Daniels, 
America via the Neighborhood, especially pp. 98-107.] 


28 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


milk had stopped something over a week ago and landlord had pur- 
chased milk for her. Owes him 50 cents. Called in landlord. Paid 
rent, $10.50, to January 26. ‘This leaves Mrs. Chiesa $7.50; or enough 
money to keep her in groceries about three weeks. Mrs. Wilson of 
committee delivered Christmas basket, including some lovely baby 
things and staple foods. Mrs. Chiesa said Mr. Chiesa was much in 
need of rubbers or overshoes. Told her we would take up matter 
with Sanitarium. Mr. Chiesa had taken out his first papers on 
December 14. 

December 26, 1917.—Telephoned for 1 quart of milk daily until 
Welfare Agency notifies otherwise. 

December 29, 1917.—Telephoned Municipal Tuberculosis Rill 
tarium. Gave report that Mr. Chiesa needed rubbers and overshoes. 
They will see that same are secured at Sanitarium. 

January 3, 1918.—Mrs. Jonas of Advisory Committee, reported 
that she gave Mrs. Chiesa a chicken and $2.00 and sent clothing. She 
met Mrs. Wilson there, and she had taken in a Christmas dinner. 

January 9, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had been obliged to 
spend an extra amount for food as nurse had suggested a special diet 
including chicken broth for her until the baby is one month of age. 
Had but $1.00 of the benefit society money left and will not be paid 
until the thirty-first. Will be entitled to but $16 as one of the mem- 
bers of the society has died and she is obliged to pay $3.00 dues. Will 
be entitled to but $5.00 in February as this closes the sum due from 
the benefit society. Mrs. Chiesa asked for bedding. Had report 
from Mr. Chiesa that he may stay at the Sanitarium until the thirty- 
first of March. Very grateful for her Christmas remembrances, 
which included clothing for Teresa and food, also the $2.00 from Mrs. _ 
Jonas. 

January 14, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa asked for black cloth- 
ing for herself and husband, and shoes for the baby. Left EROSERY. 
order $2.35. , 

January 23, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had secured $16 hed 
the benefit society. Did not receive the total of $20 due as $3.00 had 
been used to pay dues and $1.00 for the death of a member. She 
understands there was some talk of the society’s taking up the matter 
of relief for her until March because of her helpless condition. If they 
do not do this she will be entitled to but $5.00 next month, which will 
be the final payment. Landlord was not present so could not pay 
the rent to him. Mrs. Chiesa said she preferred to keep $10.50 and 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 29 


make payment to landlord when visitor was present. Was to go the 
following day to the Infant Welfare Station with the baby. Is to 
take child there every two or three months when she receives notice 
to that effect. Was inclined not to go because of the condition of 
her clothing as she does not really have respectable black clothing. 
Told her if possible we would try to secure this. She promised to 
take the baby and wear what things she had. . 

January 26, 1918.—Visited. Paid rent to landlord of $10.50 
from January 26 to February 26. Mrs. Chiesa had just returned from 
the Infant Welfare Station with the child. Said the doctors were 
much pleased with the baby’s appearance. Said she was unusually 
well developed for a child of five weeks. Has decided to call baby 
Victoria. 

Later.—Sent clothing from supplies to Mrs. Chiesa which, how- 
ever, did not include black clothing for herself. 

February 8,1915.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had used up all the money 
last received from the benefit society. Will receive next payment 
February 17. Will take baby to Infant Welfare Station next Friday, 
February 15. Mr. Chiesa is coming home February g to stay over 
Sunday. Is getting along fine and expects to come home in April to 
‘stay. Had gas bill for $1.32 due the eighth. Left grocery order— 
$2.35. 

February 11, 1918 (Monday).—Visited. Mr. Chiesa at home for 
over Sunday. Looked strong and says he is feeling fine. Thinks he 
can come home the first of April. Wants Welfare Agency to find 
him a light job to begin with and last until he is strong enough to 
take heavy work. Left $1.32 for February gas bill. Mrs. Chiesa 
said grocery order left the eighth was gone because she had to buy 
extra food for Mr. Chiesa. Left $2.35 grocery order. 

February 18, 1918 (Monday.)—Visited. Found Teresa ill. Mrs. 
Chiesa had had a physician. She is expecting money from the 
benefit society on the nineteenth. Asked for shoes and black waist 
for herself. Gave her two pairs of shoes for Teresa and some clothes 
for Mr. Chiesa (donation). Left $2.35 grocery order. 

February 19, 1918.—Frank Benes telephoned. Mrs. Chiesa in 
his store asking that he call Welfare Agency to request that they send 
county doctor as Victoria is very ill, which was done. 

February 22, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa received $20 from the 
benefit society February 18. Will get $5.00 or $10 next month. 
Paid 50 cents for insurance. Rent ready for visitor to make pay- 


30 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


ment to landlord. Has 60 cents left on grocery order. Victoria is 
better. Teresa still seems to be bothered some with her stomach. 
Mrs. Chiesa has had a bad cold. 

March 2, 1918 (Saturday).—Visited. Nooneathome. Landlord 
said Mrs. Chiesa had gone to get! county supplies but thought she 
would be back soon. Had not paid him rent as she is waiting for 
visitor to settle matter. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had not returned. Explained to 
landlord that visitor would call on the fifth. 

Later —Mrs. Brown, Perry Avenue, telephoned. She wishes to 
visit some needy family and assist with one week’s groceries. Gave 
detailed report. She will visit Mrs. Chiesa. 

March 5, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa had on hand $14.50 and, 
in addition, $1.32 for last month’s gas bill—the gas bill money had 
been advanced from Welfare Agency. Does not think she will receive 
further payments from the benefit society. ‘They. are holding a 
meeting on the eleventh, and she will know after that date. Paid 
landlord rent from February 26 to March 26, 1918. This left $2.05 
after the gas bill was paid. Stated that Mr. Chiesa had returned a 
month previous to be present at christening of baby. 

March 6, 1918.—Letter received from Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium regarding condition of Mr. Chiesa. 


Replying to your letter of the 27th ult. inquiring in regard to the present 
condition of Mr. Anton Chiesa, I beg to report as follows: He is one of our 
Cottage patients, and has tuberculosis extending to both of his lungs. He 
has considerable cough and expectoration and his sputum contains tubercle 
bacilli. He has very little fever and has gained about 18 lbs. in weight. He 
ought to remain in here for the present, and it is impossible for us to say 
when he will be able to go home. 


March 8, 1918.—Mrs. Chiesa telephoned. Victoria quite ill. 
Asked county doctor, who called the same day. 


[The County Agent has several times suggested “‘that this Department be 
provided with a small autotruck for the delivery of rations in emergency cases— 
old age, ill, or isolated contagious cases—all of which now are handled by police 
patrol wagons. Appearance of a patrol wagon in communities of the poor often 
is misinterpreted by neighbors, who do not understand its charitable mission, 
and worthy recipients of emergency relief are embarrassed and grossly humiliated. 
Such a delivery truck should be added to the equipment of the new main office 
which the County now is constructing for the County Agent .... ” (Charity 
Service Reports, Cook County, Illinois, 1920, p. 19). See entry of April 2, 1918.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 31 


March 12, 1918 (Tuesday).—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa received word 
from the benefit society that it will be impossible to continue further 
relief after the six months. Victoria is better now. Had had a severe 
cold. Mrs. Chiesa had been advised by the Infant Welfare Station 
to get Russian oil to take herself as this would improve child’s 
condition. Is going twice a week to the Infant Welfare Society. 
Arranged with Mrs. Chiesa to go this week to Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium Dispensary with Teresa and the baby for a thorough 
examination. She promised to do so. Left $2.35 grocery order and 
4o cents carfare. While visitor was there, Visiting Nurse came in, 
having been sent by the county doctor who had called on Victoria. 
Stated that child seemed much improved. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Brown, Perry Avenue. She visited 
Mrs. Chiesa on March 8. Had planned to give her $4.00 but gave 
her only $2.50 as she thought she was ungrateful for assistance she 
had received from Welfare Agency. When Mrs. Brown asked her 
how she was getting along, she said Welfare Agency gave $2.35 a week 
for food and that this amount was not nearly enough. 

March 14, 1918.—Telephoned Mrs. Smith, Charity Alliance, 
asking whether they will pay next month’s rent for family. Request 
granted. 

March 19, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa not at home. Left grocery 
order for $2.35 with neighbor in the rear. 

_ Later—Met Mrs. Chiesa returning from Infant Welfare Station. 
Had been to Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary and was 
to return on the twentieth. Gave her ro cents carfare. 

March 28, r918.—Visited. Left grocery order for $2.35. Mr. 
Chiesa will return from Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium in two 
weeks and Mrs. Chiesa asked if Welfare Agency can provide for his 
blankets so that he can sleep out on her mother’s sleeping porch. 
She also asked for an Easter dress for Teresa, saying she had nothing 

t{Among the interesting topics to which space can hardly be given is that of 
introducing into the homes of the poor, persons who do not understand the situation. 
This volunteer evidently cherishes the older attitude toward relief-giving and regards 
it as the appropriate expression of a favorable moral or social judgment on the 
part of the donor. See below, entry May 7, 1918, for an expression of Mr. Chiesa’s 
appreciation of the help given him. Neither the volunteer nor Mrs. Chiesa had 
understood that while the food allowance was probably adequate as measured 
by the Standard Budget, it was only so when the county ration and milk were 


counted in and when the grocery order could be so used as to extract full value from 
its ostensible value.] 


32 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


fit for the child to wear to church. Teresa’s insurance was due Friday 
the twenty-second—so cents. Mrs. Chiesa asked if Agency could 
furnish so cents for this. 

April 2, 1918.—Telephoned Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 
Reported that Mr. Chiesa has not been dismissed as yet. If he says 
he plans to leave it is probably on his own accord. They have no way 
to prevent this although he must make application three days before 
he can leave. The doctor will look up the record and telephone later 
to Welfare Agency. 

Later.—Visited. House very clean. Mrs. Chiesa washing. Her 
sister will visit Mr. Chiesa tomorrow at the Sanitarium and urge him 
to remain another month or until doctor advises his dismissal. She 
and the children were examined at Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Dispensary and found free from tuberculosis. Will return next month 
for further examination. She will take baby to Infant Welfare 
Station April 3. She said she has no money at all. Asked for carfare 
to go to the Welfare Station. Borrowed 20 cents from landlady last 
week to go for county supplies. Has gas bill amounting to 62 cents 
—if paid before April 10. Asked for shoes and dress for the baby. 
Left $2.35 order, 50 cents cash for insurance on Teresa, and 30 cents 
to cover carfare. 

April &, 1918.—Visited. Mr. Chiesa at home. Says doctor 
told him he could do light work, and he is very anxious to begin next 
week. In-case Welfare Agency is able to secure him any work, they 
may telephone grocery. Mrs. Chiesa is greatly concerned about 
the rent, which she stated had not been paid since February 26. Left 
grocery order of $2.35. Mrs. Chiesa did not feel this would be suffi- 
cient since Mr. Chiesa is now home. Left cash—62 cents—with 
which she is to pay the gas bill; also clothing from donation. ‘Teresa 
is in need of new summer clothing as she has outgrown all her old 
clothes. 

April 12, 1918.—Visited. Mr. Chiesa returned Saturday, April 
6, with the consent of the doctor. His test has been negative for 
five weeks and the doctor told him he was able to work. He should, 
however, be out of doors for the sake of precaution. ‘The nurse from 
the Dispensary called the tenth. He spoke to her about a cot and 
blankets in order that he might sleep on mother-in-law’s porch. She 
promised same for him. He is very anxious to work at once so that 
he may assume his own financial responsibilities. Seemed worried 
about the rent, for which landlord is pressing him. Mrs. Chiesa 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 33 


called landlord in, and visitor explained that owing to Mr. Chiesa’s 
condition the family had been unable to pay the rent in advance as 
they had been formerly accustomed to do, Welfare Agency had paid 
the last rent for month ending March 26 and assured him that by 
April 26 he would have either from agency or Mr. Chiesa the rent 
for the-month ending April 26. Left grocery order for $3.00 since 
the budget was now increased owing to his presence in the home. 

A pril 15,.1918.—Letter received from the Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium: ! 


Yours of the 11th to hand, requesting diagnosis and prognosis of Anton 
Chiesa. Our Medical Department reports as follows: ‘This patient was 
suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis, involving both lungs; his sputum 
was negative for several months before he left us. He was discharged by us 
as he was taking a good deal of physical exercise, and we thought he ought 
to be able to work. We think Mr. Chiesa should be able to work eight 
hours a day at any kind of light work.” 


Later.—Telephoned Handicap Department.’ Referred visitor 
to National Council of Defense, Employment Bureau, for suitable 
work for Mr. Chiesa. 

April 25, r918.—Visited. Mr. Chiesa secured position through 
Employment Committee for Handicapped, April 23. Was referred to 
the S. & S. Railway Company for work as night watchman. His hours 
are from 6:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. The work is not difficult but so 


t{A number of rather tedious entries showing efforts to secure Mr. Chiesa 
light outside work are omitted. They would, if retained, illustrate the fact that 
maladjustments in social machinery account for many situations in which aid is 
asked. Mr. Chiesa had been maintained six and a half months at the Sanitarium 
beside enjoying the services of skilled physicians and nurses. His prompt recovery 
and return are triumphs for the service. Surely considerations of mere economy 
would indicate the wisdom of developing efficient machinery for so utilizing his 
energies afterward that he will not again soon become a victim to the same 
malady. These entries show his eagerness and the futile good will of many persons: 
for example, the employment committee of the National Council of Defense, 
the members of the District Advisory Committee, officials of the South Park 
Commission, a board of five members appointed by the Circuit Court judge who 
exercise jurisdiction over a district covering 92.6 square miles. There are in that 
district under this commission twenty-four parks and 32.98 miles of boulevard 
requiring in 1918 a large staff of workmen and always the source of desperate 
hope in times of difficulty about employment. Private individuals offered Mr. 
Chiesa work that was too heavy, the office sent him on errands, and finally through 
the Employment Committee for the Handicapped a job as night watchman was 
secured. | 


34 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


much walking tires him, as he is not used to it; however, he feels that 
the work will not be too strenuous and is anxious to keep the position. 
Will not be paid for one month, but Mrs. Chiesa thinks he will receive 
$75 per month. He was sleeping, and she requested that visitor call 
on next visit between the hours of 4:00 and 5:00 P.M. so that she 
might talk with him regarding his wages and the strenuousness of 
his work. Gave $1.00 in cash in payment for errand which he did for 
office April 23. Requested that this be kept for carfare for him. 
Left grocery order for $3.00. 

April 30, t918.—Visited at 4:30 as promised. Mr. Chiesa was 
up and ready to start to work. Does not feel entirely satisfied with 
position, as he is not able to sleep well during the day time owing to 
the noises on the street. Does not feel the position is too hard for 
him, however, and will stay with it until he secures something which 
he considers better. He will return to the Handicap Department and 
explain to them the advantage from the physical standpoint of his 
securing a day position and see if they will not keep him in mind for 
such a position. ‘Talked over with Mr. and Mrs. Chiesa the advisabil- 
ity of establishing credit for them at grocery. They are very willing 
for this and feel that with the current month’s rent paid they can 
manage both back rent and current grocery bills on the $75 which 
he will earn. He will receive his first pay May 14. Left $1.00 cash 
for carfare for him. Paid the rent to the landlord for the month— 
March 26—April 26—$10.50. 

Later. —Visited grocery store and talked with grocer with whom 
the family had used the Agency’s grocery order; arranged for credit 
until May 28 since Mr. Chiesa will receive only part pay on May 14 
and will not be able at that time to pay his bill in full. 

* May 2, 1918—Telephoned Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Dispensary. Mrs. Chiesa is non-tubercular; Teresa is still under 
observation but shows no.tendencies at present. Mr. Chiesa has 
shown no signs as yet that his work is detrimental to his health. Will 
notify Agency as soon as any signs appear that his work is too heavy 
for him. 

May 7, 1915.—Visited. Mr. Chiesa more enthusaistic about 
position as he thinks there will be a raise in salary the first of the 
month. Will receive three weeks’ pay May 14. If credit is estab- 
lished for them until May 28, Mr. Chiesa will keep this amount for 
carfare and incidentals. ‘Talked over their budget of expenses. 
Both are assured that they can get along now by themselves, and 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 35 


besides meeting their regular expenses Mr. Chiesa plans to save 
$5.00 each month. Very grateful to visitor for her assistance. Asked 
visitor to call upon them whenever in the neighborhood. 

June 22, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Chiesa reports they are getting 
along in a very fine way. Mr. Chiesa is still working as night watch- 
man with the Railway Company at $75 a month. ‘They now have the 
back rent all paid, and Mr. Chiesa and Mrs. Chiesa and the children 
still go to the Dispensary for observation. ‘The doctor from the Dis- 
pensary called last week to investigate Mr. Chiesa’s sleeping quarters 
and pronounced them satisfactory. Mr. Chiesa sleeps in the front 
room where he has the benefit of ventilation from three windows. 
Mrs. Chiesa would not care to go on a summer outing as she feels 
Mr. Chiesa is her first consideration and is sure he would have no 
place to stay which would be satisfactory. Would be very glad to go 
with the children on a boat trip if tickets are given. Mrs. Chiesa 
asked Agency’s plan regarding milk. Expects to pay for it themselves 
but it has been coming regularly as it did when sent by Agency and 
she wondered if it had not been discontinued at the office. 

Later—Telephoned Mrs. Smith of the Charity Alliance. Gave 
report regarding milk. If milk has not been discontinued it has been 
an oversight on the part of the secretary. Will call it to her attention 
immediately since the family is able to pay for it. 

November 21, r919.—Visited. There is a baby boy, Ernest, 
born November 7. Mrs. Chiesa is rather weak and complained of 
headache, but this may be due to being up so soon after confinement. 
Mr. Chiesa has been well except for a cold now and then. He is still 
working for the same employer and started to work today in the day- 
time. Teresa and Victoria both looked well. Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium nurse visits family. They seem to be getting along nicely. 

July 25, 1923.—Visited the Chiesas, who have moved. They 
live in a newer district, just two blocks south of their former address. 
The street is ungraded. They occupy a four-room flat on the second 
floor front of an attractive two-story frame house, belonging to Alex- 
ander Ferro, who married Mrs. Chiesa’s sister, Rosie. 

Mrs. Chiesa, a rather tall, plump woman of dark complexion, 
was doing the family washing. ‘The kitchen looked clean and neat as 
did the rest of the house. Mrs. Chiesa appears to be pregnant. The 
family is getting along well. Mr. Chiesa is still a watchman at the 
same plant and works all the time. All the children are well except 
the baby, Bernice, born September 3, 1921, who has been sick for 


36 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


the past week and has lost considerably in weight and looks very pale 
and quite thin. Mrs. Chiesa did not welcome suggestions as to Ber- 
nice’s medical care. Said she had taken the baby to her own doctor 
and thought she would improve now. Mrs. Chiesa said she didn’t 
like their new flat at first because she missed the noise and bustle 
on the other street, on which there was a car line, and the new neighbor- 
hood was so quiet at night that she was a little afraid at first. She 
is glad, however, that they are near a school, which is only one block 
east and that the children do not have to cross any street-car tracks 
now. Mr. Chiesa, who is on his vacation this week, came in later. 
He is a nice-looking man with a ruddy, full face and very bright brown 
eyes. At first he somewhat resented the presence of an outsider, 
but his attitude changed after it was explained to him how glad his 
friends would be to know of the family’s well-being and his good health. 
Mr. Chiesa says he feels three times as well as he did before going to 
the Sanitarium. The heat affects his appetite somewhat, but he 
appears very well and alert. He says he knows how to take good care 
of himself, 

During the last two weeks, he has, with the aid of a helper, built 
on an inclosed rear porch, first and second floor, with nice wide stairs, 
and has also painted the house. He is planning to use part of this 
addition as a sleeping-porch for himself and will gradually add win- 
dows, as he cannot do it all at once. Mr. Chiesa’s brother-in-law, 
from whom he rents the flat, does not charge him the full amount, so 
Mr. Chiesa takes care of much of the necessary repair work. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Chiesa speak English very well. Mr. Chiesa 
appears to be a competent American workman who takes pride in 
being able to provide for his family. Mrs. Chiesa is not interested 
in a summer outing because the children are small, but might like to 
go next year when it would not be so hard. 


2. The Family of Joseph Juraitis 
(A Lithuanian Laborer, Incurably Ill with Heart Trouble) 


November 5, 1918 (Tuesday) —Mr._Kiras, a Lithuanian business 
man, reported the Juraitis family to be without funds. Mr. Juraitis, 
a Lithuanian immigrant, aged forty-one, has been ill for eleven months. 
Heworked at Vincent’s, using a large screw driver, which he often pushed 
by holding it against his chest. This resulted in a tumor, which the 
doctors say cannot be removed. During the first nine weeks that he was 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 37 


at home he received a sick-benefit from the Employees’ Benefit Associ- 
ation at Vincent’s, at the end of which time the company doctor said 
he could resume light work. He was given this for three weeks and 
then put back on his old job. He suffered a relapse and could not 
work. Later he tried work in a meat-packing establishment, but 
again had to stop. He has had many doctors and has spent about 
$600 for medical care. He has borrowed $25 from a friend, Felix 
Balutis, for doctors’ bills. The Society of Lithuanian Brothers, a 
lodge to which he belongs, paid him $5.00 a month for six months. 
This is all the assistance to which he is entitled from that organization. 
The family are members of a Lithuanian Roman Catholic church. 
Besides Mr. Juraitis, there are his wife, aged twenty-three, and two 
little girls. John Kolecki lives with them and pays $6.00 a month. 
Mr. Juraitis has two brothers, Tony and John, who live in the city. 
Mrs. Juraitis has a cousin, Stanley Legaikis, who lives near Harrisburg, 
Pennsylvania. Family need assistance. Mr. Kiras may be able to 
help occasionally. 

The Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium is registered on the case 
(June 22, 1918). 

November 6, 1918.—Telephoned Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitar- 
ium Dispensary. Mrs. Juraitis was examined and diagnosed non- 
tubercular. 

Later.—Visited [with interpreter].! Mr. Juraitis came home from 
a neighboring store. Is a quiet-appearing man who seemed fond of 
his two children, Eugenia (born March 17, 1915) and Sophie (born 
October 27, 1917). Children are rather pale. The home, for which 
they pay $10 rent,” is nicely furnished and comfortable looking. They 

t [The inference is that Mrs. Juraitis, being young and foreign-born, will prob- 
ably not speak English. The visitor therefore takes an interpreter. (See Mary E. 
Richmond, Social Diagnosis, chap. iv, Part IJ, especially p. 75, for discussion of 


difficulties involved in use of interpreter. See also S. P. Breckinridge, New Homes 
for Old, chap. ix, pp. 280-86.)] 


2 {The Juraitis family lived on the first floor front of a brown, flat-roofed, neat, 
frame cottage of two stories on a street running east and west. On the east, a 
narrow passage separates the house from a rather old-appearing, two-story frame 
building, the first floor of which is occupied by a barber-shop. On the west, the 
house is bordered by a neat yard extending toward the rear of the lot where there 
is a two-story plain brick building. The block is not at all congested. There are 
vacant lots at the corner to the west and at intervals between the houses, while, 
in addition, some of the buildings have good-sized and well-kept gardens. A 
number of shops are scattered along the block or occupy corners of neighboring 
blocks: groceries, meat markets, a barber-shop, a dry-goods store, a tailor-shop, 


38 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


have lived here five months. A previous address at which they lived 
two years and two months was obtained. 

Mr. Juraitis said he came to America and stayed twelve and a 
half years.‘ He then returned to his old-country home six years ago 
and married the neighbor farmer’s daughter and remained a year 
and three months after he married her. 

Mr. Juraitis said that eleven months ago he became ill and has 
been out of work all that time. His savings, $500, have gone to pay 
doctors’ bills and living expenses. He borrowed over $100 from his 
brothers, Tony and John, both of whom are unmarried, living in 
another district and in another parish in Chicago. Said he worked 
at Vincent’s? off and on for eight years. Could not give exact dates. 
Quit the last time because work was too heavy and receives no benefit, 
although he did at one time belong to the Employees’ Benefit Associ- 
ation. Also worked at the King Tool and Die Company and showed 
visitor recommendation from there dated August 15, 1917. 


drug-stores, and former saloons. There is a municipal playground about a half- 
block west of the Juraitis’ house. 

Churches seem to be numerous in this district. There are within a very few 
blocks two small Catholic chapels, a Methodist church, a Spiritualist church, and 
an Evangelical Lutheran German church. A little farther away are a larger 
German Catholic church and parochial school, a German Evangelical Lutheran 
church, and still a little farther west and toward the south the Lithuanian church 
that the Juraitis family attended. 

To the north and a little east there is a Settlement house. 

The Poles are probably in the majority in the neighborhood, though there 
are many Lithuanians and Bohemians. The latter are, however, according to a 
resident of a neighboring Settlement, moving farther west. Until five years or 
more ago, there were many Germans in this district, but the majority have moved 
out since the coming of the Poles. About two blocks south and somewhat west 
there is a small Italian section.] 


t[The prominent part played by Mr. Juraitis in the negotiations with the 
agency is to be explained by his greater familiarity with American life. His wife 
is much less at home. The effect of this difference of experience is not consciously 
recognized by the visitor, but enters into the whole situation.] 


(That is, The American Farm Implement Company, commonly spoken of as 
“Vincent’s.”’] 

3 [The Illinois Workmen’s Compensation Act has included occupational disease 
only since 1923. Until then compensation was available only for injuries due 
to accident. See below, p. 907, for statute. Prior to that time, recovery of any 
damages could be had only as a gratuity from the employer, as a benefit under some 
company insurance plan, in compromise of some alleged grievance or as actual 
damages for negligence on the part of the employer in cases in which the defenses 
of assumption of risk, fellow-servant, or contributory negligence were not available.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 39 


Mr. Juraitis has been to many doctors. Dr. George Lyford, 
August 22, 1918, gave him a slip stating that he had a dilated heart 
and should have light employment. In July he was in the County 
Hospital,t and Dr. A. A. Wayland there gave him the following state- 
ment: “ Joe Juraitis has a mediastinal condition, which is most probably 
aneurysm of the arch of the aorta. X-rays on file at the County 
Hospital.”’ At present Mr. Juraitis is going to Chicago Free Dispen- 
sary, and Dr. Williams is treating him. Said that insurance doctor 
at Vincent’s referred him there because he had no money to pay doctors. 

Mr. Juraitis said Mrs. Juraitis had gone to his brother’s to borrow 
money to go to a Lithuanian doctor tonight because her sides ache 
and her legs swell. Promised we would come tomorrow to refer Mrs. 
Juraitis to West Side Free Dispensary.’ 

Mr. Juraitis does not speak English fluently and talked more of 
his illness than of anything else. Said he cannot lift anything because 
face becomes blue. Was worried about this month’s rent and gas 
bill. Gave Mr. Juraitis card to the County Agent. 

November 7, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Juraitis is a pretty woman, 
who speaks no English. Both Mr. and Mrs. Juraitis seemed to be 
fond of one another and of the children. Mrs. Juraitis was washing 
and had all the necessary equipment for same—washing stand, wringer, 
etc. Mrs. Juraitis said she had been to several doctors but had no 
help—sides ache, legs swell, arms ache. Some doctors claim she has 
kidney trouble. 

Two weeks ago Mrs. Juraitis and the children were ill with influ- 
enza. Dr. Kraft was called. 

Mrs. Juraitis did not see her brother-in-law yesterday. He will 
come today. Mr. Juraitis will ask him for the rent and will get the 
exact addresses of both brothers from him. Told Mrs. Juraitis to 
go to West Side Free Dispensary tomorrow. She has no relatives — 
in Chicago, but she has a cousin in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, whose 
address was obtained. They have one lodger, who pays $6.00 a week. 

November 8, 1918.—Telephoned Chicago Dispensary, Dr. Williams. 
He said Mr. Juraitis was in a serious condition and could not be cured. 
Has aneurysm of the aorta. As soon as it bursts, Mr. Juraitis will 
die. May livea day ora year. Is unable to work. Dr. Williams is 
treating Mr. Juraitis, but there is no hope of recovery. 

t [The County Hospital was not registered.] 


2 [See Michael M. Davis, Jr., Immigrant Health and the Community, chap xv, 
“The Dispensary,” pp. 326-43. See Mary E. Richmond, Social Diagnosis, chap. 
x, “Medical Sources,” pp. 204—20.] 


40 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later —Letter written to King Tool and Die Company, asking 
work record, earnings, length of employment, and membership in 
benefit society. 

Letter written officer of Lithuanian lodge, asking about benefit. 

Letter written head of Vincent’s Employment Department, asking 
diagnosis of company doctor and reason for Mr. Juraitis’ leaving. 

November 9, 1918 (Saturday).—Mr. Juraitis in office. Said he 
had seen Dr. Schoenfeld last Tuesday night. Brother had given 
him $10 the week before, and as his teeth ached Mr. Juraitis had gone 
to the dentist and paid $2.00. Showed paid bill. 

Mr. Juraitis said Mrs. Juraitis had gone with him to Chicago 
Free Dispensary Wednesday instead of the West Side Free Dispensary, 
because county investigator came in the morning, and when Mrs. 
Juraitis went to the West Side Free Dispensary she was too late to be 
examined. Her number at Dispensary is 527. Mr. Juraitis said he got 
county supplies today. Showed visitor gas bill of $11, about which he 
was going to complain at main office downtown. Worried about rent. 

Later.—Letter received from King Tool and Die Company. Mr. 
Juraitis worked there six weeks, was a good workman, steady. So 
far as they knew he did not belong to benefit association. 

November 11, 1918 (Monday).—Mr Juraitis in office. Said his 
brother Tony could not give him money for rent. Had been sick 
himself. 

November 12, 1918.—Letter written to superintendent of Family 
Welfare District where Mr. Juraitis’ brothers lived, asking visit on 
Tony. . 

November 13, 1918.—Telephoned Dr. Williams about Mrs. Juraitis, 
who was diagnosed as having chronic appendicitis. Doctor cannot 
say until next week whether or not she needs an operation. 

November 14, 1918.—Mr. Juraitis in office with rent notice and 
gas bill of $10.68. Had been to gas office and was told bill was 
correct as minimum gas bills had previously been given Mr. Juraitis 
which he had not paid. Mr. Juraitis said he had about 3 tons of 
coal and a load of wood in shed, and disliked to move. Said friend, 
Felix Balutis, had been to see him Sunday. This friend loaned $15 
to Mr. Juraitis about a month ago. Mr. Juraitis says friend had 
about $2,000 saved so he could return to his wife in the old country 
since war is over. 

Mr. Juraitis expects money from his brother John to pay for milk 
bill due next Monday. Has less than $1.60 left. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 4I 


Telephoned Mr. Kiras and gave report. He said he would come 
to office sometime to talk over situation. Mr. Juraitis used to do 
investigating for Mr. Kiras several years ago. 

November 14, 1918.—Letter received from secretary of lodge, 
saying that Mr. Juraitis was insured, would receive benefits ($5.00 a 
week) for six months from June 29. After that, $2.50 a week until 
year was up." 

November 15, 1918—The following letter was received from 
Vincent’s Employment Department: 


Replying to your inquiry of November 8, 1918, concerning Jos. Juraitis 
beg to state that he was a member of the Employees’ Benefit Association 
last time from December 3, 1917, to March 22, 1918. On March 22, 1918, 
the membership lapsed contemporaneously with his service, he having 
voluntarily quit. 

He was absent from work during the period December 14, 1917, to 
January 12, 1918, with a relapse from January 17, 1918, to February 7, 
1918. The diagnosis was Neuralgia and Neuritis of right arm. He was 
paid sickness benefits for lost time at the rate of $1.75 per day. His average 
daily earnings prior to beginning of disability being $3.50 per day. During 
the time he was disabled, he was under the care of company doctors. He 
was also visited, but not treated, by the medical examiner of the Benefit 
Association. ‘The writer is unable to state the reason why this man volun- 
tarily left the service. 


November 21, 1918.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis said he received $10 
about two weeks ago from the lodge. Would not receive any more 
benefit until December 14. Said he did not get it regularly and never 
knew how much it would be because of extra assessments. Left 
$2.00 grocery order and 60 cents meat order. 

November 22, 1918.—Letter received (from superintendent of 
adjoining district), reporting unsuccessful attempts to find Tony and 
John. 

Later.—Visited previous Jandlord. Mr. and Mrs. Juraitis lived 
there two years and two months leaving about a year ago. Were 


t [See John Daniels, America via the Neighborhood, pp. 98-110, 148-51; Robert 
E. Park and Herbert A. Miller, Old World Traits Transplanted, chap. vi, ‘Immigrant 
Institutions,” pp. 119-44, for discussion of lodges in the life of the immigrant. 
The social agencies have done little to interpret to the lodges modern methods of 
social work. Their officers are leaders among the people, and their understanding 
would mean much wider appreciation on the part of the foreign-born of what 
social agencies are trying to do. They are usually treated, as here, simply as a 
source of material aid.] 


42 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


very nice, quiet people. Always paid rent on time. Mr. Juraitis 
not well. Changed jobs to suit his health. Mrs. Juraitis has no 
relatives. Mr. Juraitis had a brother who was a drunkard. Did 
not know where he was. 

November 30, 1918 (Saturday).—Mr. Juraitis in office. Is much 
worried about the rent. Said his brother Tony has been sick and can- 
not help him. He has moved. Asked if he could arrange to have 
Tony meet our visitor at his home some evening. Said he would be 
willing to. Talked over budget with him. Told him we thought 
brothers ought to combine and pay rent. He will not receive lodge 
money until December 14. Asks shirts for himself—wears size 15.7 
Gave $2.00 grocery order and 50 cents cash and promised to take up 
other matters the first of the week. 

Later.—Letter received from secretary of lodge, explaining further 
about assessments in lodge. 

December 3, 1918 (Tuesday).—Visited. Kitchen dark and Mrs. 
Juraitis had gas burning—this room is darkest in home. Said Mr. 
Juraitis went to the County Hospital, December 1, 1918 (Sunday) 
at 12:30 P.M. Felt very ill—coughed—and thought he was going 
to die. Mrs. Juraitis said he is in Ward 21, Room 74 on 7th floor. 
Mr. Juraitis went alone. Brother Tony was going to take him but 
he did not come. Mrs. Juraitis was going to see Mr. Juraitis tonight. 
Would leave children with lady upstairs. Mrs. Juraitis said Mr. 
Juraitis on Saturday, November 30, still had $4.00 left from his lodge 
money. On December 2 Mrs. Juraitis paid milkman $3.92. Had 
on hand 23 cents and some beans, flour, and oatmeal. 

Mrs. Juraitis was worried about rent. Told her we would tele- 
phone landlord and ask him to be patient until arrangements could | 
be made. 

Mrs. Juraitis said she was supposed to go to the Dispensary 
yesterday; did not go because of Mr. Juraitis’ illness. Said county 
supplies were not due until the following Monday. Did not know 


«(The practice of using the permanent record as a memorandum book has, 
of course, not been entirely abandoned. It has, however, been greatly reduced. 
The students will not be confused by these entries. The validity of later practice 
as well as the problem of distinguishing between facts of permanent and those of 
momentary value will be borne in on them. A number of entries of this character 
including such as securing Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets and other incidental 
services, not affecting the general problem, have been eliminated from the remaining 
portion of this record.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 43 


how she could get them, because her side pained her and she could 
carry nothing.* 

December 4, 1918.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Gave him some baby 
clothes (donation). Will take baby to Infant Welfare Station 
tomorrow. 

Later.—Telephoned landlord, who was not in. His wife, Mrs. 
Bergman, said she would take message. Explained situation to her. 
Told her we wished to see Mr. Juraitis’ brothers regarding rent and 
asked landlord to have patience until further investigation could be 
made. Mrs. Bergman said that Mr. Juraitis had always paid the 
rent promptly before and she understood family was pretty hard up. 
Felt sorry for Mr. and Mrs. Juraitis. 

Later.—Visited. Gave Mrs. Juraitis a baby’s cape (donation). 

December 5, 1918.—Mrs. Juraitis in office about rent, two months 
of which is due tomorrow. ‘Told her the visitor would have to talk 
with Anton,? Mr. Juraitis’ brother, and to notify him to be at Mrs. 
Juraitis’ tomorrow evening. Mrs. Juraitis is not sure whether he 
works days or nights. Told her to notify visitor tomorrow morning 
if Anton works nights. 


7 [In the entry of November 30, 1918, visitor says she talked over budget with 
Mr. Juraitis. The idea for the time was to persuade his brothers to pay the rent, 
to obtain the county agent’s rations, to meet incidentals from the Family Welfare 
Agency and to rely on donations for extras. The food allowance for a man, 
woman, and two young children at this time was according to the Standard Budget 
($4.10+$3.30+$4.00) X44=$49.40 a month. The county rations were supposed 
to be worth $10.10, leaving $39.30, or $9.07 a week to be obtained elsewhere 
for food.] 

2 [Under the Pauper Act, Section 1 (see below, p. 845) brothers and sisters are 
under a duty to support each other. The liability of these two able-bodied unmar- 
ried men lay heavy on the visitor’s mind. The entries with reference to them 
illustrate (1) the difficulty on the part of rural-minded people in the city in the face 
of street names and numbers; (2) the isolated and irresponsible life imposed on 
men in the non-family groups (see Report of the Massachusetts Commission on 
Immigration, 1914 [House Doc. No. 2300], p. 64); (3) the difficulties of dealing 
through an interpreter. The visitor did not mean that she wanted to know whether 
or not Anton worked at night, but whether his work was so arranged that he 
could come to see her, and if so, by day or night (see entries of December 10 and 
11 with reference to Anton’s visit). This difficulty comes out, too, in the entry of 
December 4, 1918. Mrs. Juraitis was in the District office for her baby’s clothes; 
someone telephoned the landlord but did not tell her of the conversation; and 
although, as a new donation enabled the visitor to add to the baby’s wardrobe, 
a call was made on her to give her the garment, she comes needlessly to the office 
the next day about the rent.] 


44 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


December 10, 1918.—Mrs. Juraitis at office asking food. Rations 
were due yesterday' and she is unable to go and get them. Received 
second gas bill. Asks that Agency pay same. Landlord came to see 
her last week about rent; said he will wait until December ro and if 
rent is not paid will serve another notice. Mrs. Juraitis said she 
notified brother Anton to be at her home December 6; he came and 
waited until 9 P.m., and when visitor did not come, left very angry and 
said he will never come to Mrs. Juraitis’ home again. Promised a visit. 

December 11, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Juraitis apparently is deaf 
and does not understand well. Said brother Tony had stayed home 
from night work to see visitors. ‘Told her she should have let us 
know if he worked nights. Mrs. Juraitis said she didn’t understand. 

Mrs. Juraitis said county investigator promised to send supplies 
by policeman. Told Mrs. Juraitis we would try to see Tony in a few 
days. Left $2.00 grocery order and 60 cents meat order. 

Later—Met Mrs. Juraitis and landlord on street. Told latter 
we would see Mr. Juraitis’ brother ina few days and would telephone 
him. 

December 12, 1918.—Telephoned the County Hospital. ‘The nurse 
said that, although Mr. Juraitis’ condition is good, doctor reports 
that his case is hopeless. He needs medical attention, and it is best 
for him to be in hospital. He is suffering with aortic aneurysm. 

December 17, 1918.—Infant Welfare nurse in office. Asked that 
we provide clothing for the baby so that Mrs. Juraitis could take her 
to conference. She said Mr. Juraitis had returned from the hospital 
today. He mentioned the fact that his brother was going to be over 
this evening. | 

December 18, r1918.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis, who seemed very 
weak, coughed a great deal during the interview. He says he came 
home because doctor at hospital told him that he could not get well, 
that medicine would do him no good, and that he might die in a month. 
The room he occupies is small and has only a very small window. He 
is, however, unwilling to have his bed moved to the front room as 
he fears it might be cold there as there is no stove and the room is 
too large to heat from the kitchen range. Are not using flour from 
county ration as stove does not bake. Promised to send someone to 
estimate cost of repairs of stove. 


1 [See above, p. 30, county agent’s comments on the delivery of the rations at 
the homes of beneficiaries under the Pauper Act. Seealso p. 69 and p. 474 forillustra- 
tions of the cost of the present method to the family and to the private agency.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 45 


John and Tony came in during the interview. Both had been 
drinking, ‘Tony enough to be rude and irritable. His mind could not 
be diverted from the recital of his own troubles. He says he has not 
been well since last winter when he was nearly frozen. He is under 
treatment by some doctor on 1toth and Hoyne streets (name he does 
not know). He is frequently out of work, never working more than a 
few daysaweek. He is $35 in debt, and was eager to know who would 
help him. He does not know where he is working and says that he 
has just been laid off. He is illiterate. No appeal brought out the 
least interest in how his brother is to manage but always a question 
about help for himself. 

John’s face is clearly that of a drinking man. He was not as 
neat as Tony, but a little more jovial. He is employed by Gren- 
feldt & Shurman as a laborer and earns $20 a week. He also com- 
plained of ill-health and said he misses some time on that account. 
Did not think he could help his brother as he can barely meet his own 
expenses. ‘Told him that when he gets his pay December 21 we would 
expect him to pay at least one month’s rent for Mr. Juraitis. He 
would not commit himself. Gave $2.00 grocery order. Mrs. Juraitis 
seems very deaf. 

December 28, 1918 (Saturday).—Mr. Juraitis in office with a 
prescription from Dr. Kraft. When Mr. Juraitis came out of the 
hospital, he was dreadfully ill, and Mrs. Juraitis called in Dr. Kraft. 
Has been to his office twice after that. Mr.Juraitis said he was too 
weak to go the Dispensary. Would like Welfare Agency to approve 
prescription as the medicine gives him relief. Mr. Juraitis asked about 
rent. Was very much put out because Agency has not _paid_it as 
yet and became very angry when visitor said that Mrs. Juraitis should 
have telephoned Agency for doctor when Mr. Juraitis was ill and she 
would have saved this money. Mr. Juraitis said he paid doctor out 
of the $10 that he received from his society.? 


1 [Reference to certain Christmas activities is omitted.] 


2|Two interesting considerations emerge from this entry: (1) The great diff- 
culty of relying exclusively on free medical services. Pain does not always come 
when the office is open, nor will the wife of the poor man always weigh his sufferings 
against the cost of the medical service. (2) The feeling of Mr. Juraitis about the 
money from the benefit society as being something different from that obtained 
from other sources. It was a benefit for medical service, and the plan to substitute 
for the agreeable and timely help that costs the gratuitous but less immediate help 
so as to have the benefit payment for rent seemed to him to be taking an advantage 
of him. He was, whether rightly so or not, indignant, as well as ill.] 


46 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Telephoned Dr. Kraft. He was called in about two weeks ago 
shortly after Mr. Juraitis returned from hospital. Mr. Juraitis was 
in a critical condition at the time. Was suffering with aneurysm of 
aorta. Had charged Mr. Juraitis $2.00 for the visit and $1.00 for 
the two times Mr. Juraitis was at office. Explained to Dr. Kraft 
that Mr. Juraitis was attending the Chicago Free Dispensary Clinic. 
Dr. Kraft said he knew this, but Mr. Juraitis was in no condition to 
go there. Does not think he will ever be able to go as he is too weak 
to do much walking or to ride in the street cars. Says, if Mr. Juraitis 
will return with prescription, he will mark it so that the druggist will 
give him medicine for about 50 cents or 75 cents, which will mean just 
half the retail price. 

While visitor was telephoning doctor, Mr. Juraitis left office. 
Did not return. 

December 31, 1918 (Tuesday).—Mr. Juraitis in office. Went home 
Saturday because he felt very ill. Said the roomer had left and 
Mr. Juraitis is glad of it. He was a drunkard and never paid his 
rent on time. Moved somewhere in the neighborhood. Mr. Juraitis 
received $10 benefit. Had to deduct dues and assessments from this 
amount as seven persons have died during the month. Paid $4.00 
to Dr. Kraft, $3.25 medicine, and $1.96 to milkman yesterday. 

Mr. and Mrs. Juraitis went to Dispensary yesterday. Dr. Wil- 
liams told Mr. Juraitis to continue taking medicine Dr. Kraft had 
given him. Mrs. Juraitis was examined again; operation for her 
was advised. Both are to return next Monday afternoon. 

January 2, 1919 (Thursday).—Mr. Juraitis in office asking whether 
Agency will pay rent. Landlord was over to see them on December 31 
and told them he would have to evict if they did not pay it. Mr. 
Juraitis went to the Chicago Dispensary on Monday. They told 
him to continue using the medicine that Dr. Kraft gave him and to 
return when it was used up. 

Mrs. Juraitis also went to the Dispensary. Doctor told her that 
he would have to operate. Mr. Juraitis will have to pay for bed. 
Explained to him that Agency had telephoned the landlord and 
explained the delay so that he will wait, also told him to have the 
doctors at the Dispensary notify Agency if they decide to operate on 
Mrs. Juraitis as we can probably secure a free bed. 

Later.—Telephoned landlord. Three months rent will be due 
January 5. They are very much in need of money as they have had 
sickness infamily. Said we were taking up matter today with church, 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 47 


Later. —Visited Father Riley, Society of St. Francis. He promised 
to take up the matter of paying rent and to report about the sixth 
or seventh. 

January 8, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office asking food. The roomer, 
who paid them $6.00 a month, left December 11. Says his lodge 
dues will be payable on January 11 which will be about $8.00. Six 
members had died and Mr. Juraitis will have to pay up $5.00 more. 
He expects to get sick benefit from the lodge on the eleventh, and this 
he will apply to his dues. Gave him $2.00 grocery and 25 cents meat 
order and $1.00 cash. 

January 9 , 1919.—Telephoned Society of St. Francis.t. They will 
pay rent from now on—but no back rent. 

January 10, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis asks rent. Visitor from Society 
of St. Francis came to see them today; left check for $10 for rent from 
January 10 to February 10. Told Mr. Juraitis they would pay rent 
each month. Explained to him that Welfare Agency will pay last 
month’s rent (December 5—January 5) and his brothers will have to 
pay November rent. Mr. Juraitis does not know whether they will. 
They do not help him any. Last time they. helped was three months 
ago. Mr. Juraitis said John is a heavy drinker. Gave Mr. Juraitis 
$10 check for rent from December 5 to January 5. Mr. Juraitis asks 
underwear for Mrs. Juraitis and himself. Mrs. Juraitis feeling 
worse. Mr. Juraitis says he is feeling better. 

January 13, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office asking underwear. Also 
said they are having a hard time on money which Welfare Agency gives 
them. Roomer has left, and lodge will give only $2.50 monthly sick 
benefit. Said when he goes to West Side Free Dispensary he always 
spends a dollar, as he has to pay for his own medicine, which is 75 
cents. Said lodge told him to get statement from Dispensary, 
showing that he is ill and how long it will be before he will be able to 
work. Suggested that Mr. Juraitis go to Chicago Dispensary for 
this. Also told him we would figure out his budget again. -Gave 
him 25 cents carfare and also card to West Side Free Dispensary, 
asking that they furnish the medicine free. 

January 14, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Went to the lodge 
yesterday; received only $2.00. Four men and two women have 
died in the lodge, so $5.00 is deducted to pay their death benefit and 
$3.00 is taken for dues. His wife is still feeling poorly, but the doctor 
at the Dispensary is trying to cure her without an operation. She is 


™{A sectarian relief society.] 


48 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


willing to have an operation if the doctor thinks best. He still uses 
Dr. Kraft’s prescription. He has been to him twice recently, but the | 
doctor has charged him nothing for his visits. Mr. Juraitis looks and 
says he feels much better, but Mrs. Juraitis feels miserable. Has 
seen nothing of his brother since visitor’s interview. Claims John is 
angry and will do nothing. And Tony, who is kinder than John, has 
been out of work. Gave $4.00 grocery order and $2.00 cash. 

January 18, 1919.—Letter written Society of St. Francis, asking 
that they furnish part of the food. 

January 23, 1919.—Society of St. Francis reports that they will 
give $6.00 a week and furnish fuel. 

January 24, 1919.—Telephoned Dr. Williams, Chicago Dispen- 
sary. Mr. Juraitis is unable to do any work whatever. Should not 
bend or lift or walk far. There is a blood vessel above his heart 
which is about ready to burst, and he will probably drop dead any day. 

Later.—Telephoned Mr. Kiras (source). He has been ill so has 
not answered letter. Would like to talk to visitor. 

January 25, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Asked him about the 
places where he has worked.’ When he came here, he began working 
for Vincent’s and was there about four years. From there went to 
work for the Grenfeldt firm as a switchman; then to Chicago Heights, 
Ward and Wells Company, as night watchman for six months or so. 
Again he worked at Vincent’s for two or three years; at City Contract 
Building for one year; at King Tool and Die Company for over one 
year; and again at Vincent’s up to March, 1917. Could not remember 
exact dates of the previous work or places of work. Had a very hard 
time talking. Gave names and addresses of eight doctors he had 
consulted. ‘The last doctor gave him a card to Vincent’s, saying he 
could not do heavy work. They gave him light work, and after 
three weeks they were going to transfer him to his old work; when 
he could not do it, they laid him off. He was sent to Dr. Williams at 
the Dispensary by the insurance doctor at Vincent’s. 

Mr. Juraitis was very weak and could hardly talk. Visitor did not 
wish to question him further as he was having too hard a time breathing. 
Told him to go home and go to bed. He said they are short of food 


t (We have here a second stage in the dealing with the problem. Before this 
everything has been very temporary. Mr. Juraitis might die any moment. But 
he has now lived nearly three months since the Agency learned to know him and 
he is feeling better. It may be a long strain, so the problem is attacked de novo 
as it were. We have now something in the nature of a second “‘ First Interview.’ 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 49 


this week. Explained budget to him, telling him Society of St. 
Francis are going to pay $6.10 a week. He will have to pay rent out 
of this. Agency will buy clothing and supplement to the amount of 
$3.00 a week. Gave him $2.00 cash. Mr. Juraitis asks for under- 
wear for himself and Mrs. Juraitis. 

January 28, 1919.—Letter written Dr. Williams, sitet prognosis. 

February 3, 1919 (Monday).—After several attempts to visit 
Mr. Kiras (source) finally reached him by telephone. Mr. Juraitis 
worked for him about six years ago as an investigator of personal 
injury cases. ‘Thought him a bright and satisfactory employee. He 
went to Europe and so gave up his position. When he returned, the 
place was filled by a young Lithuanian law student. It was Mr. Kiras’ 
impression that Mr. Juraitis was married here after his return. Mr. 
Kiras gave Mr. Juraitis some financial assistance when Mr. Juraitis 
came back before he obtained work. Has not helped in present 
emergency. He will consider paying Mr. Juraitis’ back rent; would 
like to come to office to talk to visitor. Promised to come in on 
Wednesday, the fifth. 

February 24, 1919.—Mz. Juraitis in office. He is short of money. 
Says that it is impossible to manage on money given by Society of 
St. Francis and that their visitor said Agency should help them out. 
His brother Tony is dead.t_ He had only $50 insurance. Mr. Juraitis 
had to take charge of things. Undertaker charged $74, cemetery 
$15, priest $10, and he had to buy suit, shoes, etc. The whole thing 
will come to $175. Only had been sick a month, and landlord took 
his suit and watch in payment of board bill. John can be counted on 
for nothing. Works five hours a day and then gets drunk. Mr. Jurai- 
tis does not know how he will meet these bills. Borrowed $10 from 
a friend of his brother’s to pay the priest. The man insisted upon 
being repaid; therefore he paid him $5.00 on Saturday out of the $6.00 
which the Society of St. Francis had given him. The Society gives 
$6.00, not $6.10. Mr. Juraitis feels that he got off quite easily by 
paying the priest only $10 as he had at first wanted $25. Mr. Juraitis 
seems to have no idea how he will meet the remainder of the bill. 

Talked over his budget with him. He insists that county supplies 
do not amount to $10.10. Talked over what he received. Insists 

™{Among the evidences of the Agency’s limited resources is the frequent 
failure to be in the situation of the family with comfort and neighborly contact. 
Death comes to the group, but the visitor knows nothing of it until it is all over 


and there is the question of keeping down costs. See below, p. 133, the Konczewski 
case as well as the item about Mr. Juraitis’ own death (March 30, 1921).] 


5° FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


that there is not so much lard, bacon, or sugar as our list shows. 
He has scales and weighs the things. Promised to make an exact 
list of what he receives next time. Is unable to use his flour as stove 
is not yet fixed. Man of Stove Repair Company came to see it. Mr. 
Juraitis said he could not tell how much he spent on food a day; some- 
times 75 cents, sometimes over a dollar. He promised to keep account 
from now on. Gave him $4.00 cash and asked him to keep account of 
expenditures and come to our offices with same when money was 
exhausted. Says his wife does not seem to be any better. Has been 
to a private physician twice and paid $1.00 each time. 

Telephoned Society of St. Francis. Visitor says they felt they 
were doing all they could for the family. She felt that we had dropped 
the family. Told her that amount given them was almost sufficient 
for budget, according to our letter, and that we would keep track of 
how the money had been spent. ‘Told her Mr. Juraitis had paid $10 to 
priest for mass for brother. She promised to see priest and try to 
have him refund money. Suggested that she ask priest for reading- 
matter for Mr. Juraitis' as visitorhad been told the church had a 
great deal of reading-matter. 

March 4, 1919.—Visited. Gave $17.17 for gas bill to cover June 
‘through January. Said he expected brother’s lodge would meet the 
funeral expenses. Mr. Juraitis has not been to library for any 
reading. 

March to, t919.—Mr. Crane, the County Agent,? telephoned 
that Mr. Juraitis was in office with list we said comprised county 
supplies. Mr. Crane says that they do not give so much as that. 
Said we could call and get their lists. 

March 12, t919.—My. Juraitis in office. Gas collector has not 
been around. Has February bill for $2.00, Mr. Juraitis says he 
thinks he is entitled to something from Vincent’s. Mr. Juraitis spoke 
of Mr. Kiras as his cousin. Said Mr. Kiras was going to try to get 


*[The question of keeping Mr. Juraitis busy now suggests itself. Reading, 
then training for barber’s job is proposed, appearing before committee (May 26, 
1919), light manual work (November 21, 1919), looking for ‘‘ vacant rents” for 
visitor (May 1, 1920), coming to the office (July 16, 1920), and so forth.] 


2 (Sound. principles of co-operation would require that the County Agent let 
the Welfare Agency know when changes are made in their food allowances. Simi- 
larly any agency which undertakes a service at the request of another is under 
obligation to let that other know if for any reason the service is not rendered as 
promised (see entries March 19, 1919; May 10, 1919; May 16, 1919; August 
5, 1919).] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 51 


Tony’s lodge to meet all bills for his funeral. Tony owed many bills 
before he died. Mr. Juraitis planned to go to Dispensary today. 
Mrs. Juraitis is no better; but, as Dr. Williams has been sick, nothing 
has been done for her. Promised to revise budget according to 
County Agent’s actual contribution. Gave $2.00 cash for gas bill. 

Dr. Williams, who is away because of illness, did help Mrs. 
Juraitis. Mr. Juraitis said county coal was delivered today and instead 
of leaving one-half ton only about one-fourth of a ton was left. 

Telephoned Chicago Dispensary. They do not know when Dr. 
Williams will return. Said they could have Mrs. Juraitis see another 
doctor very well. Have very good physicians on the staff, etc. 

Telephoned County Agent, who said he would take matter of 
coal up with company and telephone later. 

Later —County Agent telephoned. Coal Company will have 
balance of coal delivered tomorrow. 

Advised Mr. Juraitis to take Mrs. Juraitis to clinic and tell doctor 
that medicine does not help her and he will prosably try something 
else. Also told him to let Agency know whether coal is delivered or 
not. Gave ro cents for carfare to go to gas company and $2.00 for 
February bill. 

March 14, 1919—Mr. Crane, County Agent, teleplioned that 
superintendent of coal yard told him driver had said that Mr. Juraitis 
had about seven tons of coal in shed. Will send visitor out and let 
us know what he finds. 

March 15, 1919 (Saturday).—Mr. Juraitis in office asking grocery 
and meat order over Sunday and $2.00 to pay milk bill. Received 
$10 from lodge for February dues, with which rent was paid. Coal 
man delivered extra coal. Mr. Juraitis brought in receipted gas bill. 
Received $6.00 from Society of St. Francis on Monday (last week’s 
allowance). Gave $3.00 grocery and meat order and told him to 
come in Monday afternoon for milk money. 

March 19, t919.—Mtr. Juraitis in office. He receives only $5.00 
this week from the Charitable Corporation.’ Paid his $2 milk bill, 
bought some stockings for Mrs. Juraitis and a scrub board, and has 
only $2.50 left. 

Telephoned Charitable Corporation. They sent only $5.00 
because they understand Mr. Juraitis is going to get insurance from 
brother. 


« [A new form of organization within the sectarian relief work, which has taken 
over certain aspects of the work of the Society of St. Francis.] 


52 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Juraitis does not know name of secretary of brother’s lodge. 
Mr. Kiras is attending to collecting money. Thinks he will receive 
$50 and $1.00 from each member, amounting to about $215 in all. 
Funeral will be over $140, and a tailor is attempting to garnishee lodge 
collections for $60, which brother owed him. Mr. Juraitis would 
like to go to a barbers’ school. Was a barber in old country and by 
a little practice here thinks he could get a license. 

Telephoned Chicago Dispensary. Dr. Williams still sick. Dr. 
Bell asks that Mr. Juraitis come in on the twenty-first, and he will 
see if he could do barbering. 

Gave underwear, dresses, coats for children (donation) and bought 
pair of stockings for each. 

Talked over budget again. Mr. Juraitis weighed everything 
from County Agent and claimed that he received only 5 pounds rice 
instead of 6; 20 pounds flour instead of 24; 4 pounds sugar; 2 pounds 
lard, and one can syrup and other supplies as on list. 

Mr. Juraitis said he did have some coal of his own bought last 
summer, but it is almost all gone. Gave $2.00 cash. 

March 20, r919.—Telephoned visitor of Charitable Corporation. 
She has not seen Mr. Juraitis for some time. Will try to locate 
brother’s lodge and get refund from priest of $10. 

March 21, to19.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Telephoned Chicago 
Dispensary. Closed, as it was almost five o’clock. Asked Mr. 
Juraitis to return on Monday morning. . 

March 24, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Went to doctor who 
said he could do work as barber. 

Telephoned the Dispensary and was told that Mr. Juraitis could 
do work as barber. Advised Mr. Juraitis to go to Society of St. 
Francis and ask them if they would help pay for barbers’ school and - 
let us know. 

March 26, t919.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Has made arrangements 
with the Smith Barber College to take the course for $20. Telephoned 
Smith Barber College. Mr. Juraitis ought to be able to learn barber- 
ing in from four to eight weeks. If he pays $15 for the course, he can 
go for eight weeks. He can pay this in instalments of $5.00 a week. 

Telephoned Jones Barber College. They charge $35 for the 
course and $15 or $20, for the tools. Length of course the same. 
Might make some reduction for Welfare Agency. 

Got in touch with a barber, He has never heard of the Smith 
Barber College. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 53 


March 27, t919.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Mr. Kiras cannot assist 
with tuition as he put a great deal of money in his new company. 
Mr. Juraitis has a friend at 28th and Alden streets, who, he is sure, 
will give hima place. Also might get work at 30th and Harlem streets. 

Telephoned U.S. Employment Agency. They have no calls for 
barbers. Probably Union supplies demand. 

Telephoned Barbers’ Union. Secretary discouraged Mr. Juraitis’ 
taking up barbering. He thought it would be very hard with heart 
trouble. Also said he would learn nothing at the school. Advised 
him going as an apprentice to.a barber. 

Mr. Juraitis said his friend could not take him as an apprentice 
because he would lose customers if Mr. Juraitis made a mistake in a 
hair cut. He had to go to school to learn American styles. Mr. 
Juraitis returned underwear which was given for Mrs. Juraitis as it 
was too small. 

Gave Mr. Juraitis $5.00 deposit for tuition at barber school. 
Told him someone would visit regarding underwear for Mrs. Juraitis. 
Says she has two changes of same but it is so shabby she is ashamed 
to go to doctor on Monday. 

March 28, 1919.—Visitor of Charitable Corporation telephoned 
for report. Told her that we will pay fee at barber college and asked 
that they continue relief as heretofore. 

April 2, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office asking for some money for 
carfare and food, also $5.00 for next week’s tuition. Says beginning 
with April rr he will get half of what the barber takes in from work 
Mr. Juraitis does, may amount to $2.00 or $3.00 a week. Gave 
$2.00 cash and $5.00 for barber fee. 

April 8, t919.—Mrs. Juraitis in office. Says she has no food in 
house. Asks doctor for two children who are ill. Says County Agent 
refused to deliver rations. 

Telephoned County Agent. Asked that doctor make visit. Also 
asked about delivery of rations. County Agent said that police 
will deliver rations this afternoon. Police patrol busy this morning. 

Promised visit this noon. 

April 9, tor9.—Mr. Juraitis in office asking for some money. 
Said nurse from Visiting Nurse Association was in yesterday. His 
daughter is sick, and he needs some money for medicine. Promised a 
visit today. Gave 50 cents for carfare and lunch. 


t[In 1921 there were twenty county doctors who made 18,027 calls in the 
homes at a cost of $23,851.] 


54 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Visited. Gave $2.00 cash grant. County doctor had 
been to see baby. 

April 11, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office asking $5.00 with which to 
pay his tuition. Telephoned college but proprietor was out and could 
get no information about Mr. Juraitis’ progress. Mr. Juraitis is satis- 
fied and feels that he is getting along nicely. Gave $5.00 for tuition. 

April 17, 1919.—Visited. Gave $1.85 cash grant. 

April 18, t919.—Visited. Gave flowering plant for Easter. 

A pril 21, 1919.—Mrs. Juraitis in office very much upset about Mr. 
Juraitis, who is very ill. Promised to send doctor and telephoned 
County Agent for doctor. 

April 24, 19190—Visited. Gave $1.85 allowance. Mr. Juraitis 
feeling very much better. Still in bed. 

May &, tot9.—Visited. Found Mr. Juraitis up and feeling much 
better. Asked for a coat for the older girl; says she can’t go out of 
doors because she has no wrap to put on. He asks also that we tele- 
phone County Agent and ask him to send in the supplies as both he 
and his wife are unable to go and get them. Left $1.85 cash. 

May 9, t919.—Mrs. Juraitis in office asking that Agency telephone 
County Agent to send in food. Told her that Mr. Crane said he 
would sent it in. Asks about coat. Had none to give her from 
donation. ‘Told her to ask Charitable Corporation. Says she did 
and that they had none. 

May 10, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office. Looks badly. Seems very 
weak. Lips quite blue. Said county doctor very nearly killed him 
by using cold compresses. Mr. Juraitis sent for Dr. Kraft, who will 
not charge him, but it is necessary to spend between 85 cents and 
$1.00 a day for medicine. Have used up money Society of St. Francis 
gave this week. County supplies have not come. Gave $2.00 
grocery order. 

Later —Telephoned County Agent. Will send in supplies today. 

May 15, t919.—Gas collector in asking whether Agency will pay 
gas bill. Told him it would be necessary for visitor to speak with 
Mr. and Mrs. Juraitis. 

May 16, t919.—Mr. Juraitis in office, still very weak. Had to 
come because no one from Society of St. Francis or Welfare Agency 
came to see them, and they had no food. His medicines cost $17; 
he sold his watch for $7.00, and now he doesn’t know what to do. 

Telephoned Society of St. Francis. Visitor promised to visit Mr. 
Juraitis today. Mr. Juraitis very anxious about Eugenia. Doctor 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 55 


told him she would get tuberculosis if she was kept indoors so much. 
Says he asked for a coat for her several times but Agency always had 
an excuse and never bought one for her. Said he would buy one with 
the $2.00 visitor gave him. 

May 23, 1919.—Mtr. Juraitis in office. He feels somewhat better, 
but Mrs. Juraitis is sick in bed. Has fever. Does not like to call 
Dr. Kraft as he has done so much without pay. Mr. Juraitis is still 
buying medicine. Told him that he really must bring prescriptions 
to office. He is having Mrs. Juraitis’ coat made over for Eugenia. 
It will cost $2.50. Thought Agency would pay it. 

He will get about $300 from brother’s lodge, but there are many 
debts. Mr. Kiras is handling matter and knows secretary’s name. 
Does not expect to get money for another three months. Gave Mr. 
Kiras’ new address. 

Later.—Telephoned for county doctor. 

May 23, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Juraitis was lying in bed. She 
was better, and Mr. Juraitis did not want the county doctor. He has 
no faith in him. Dr. Kraft is taking care of her. He would not 
like to send Mrs. Juraitis to a hospital for an operation; not just now 
at any rate. As soon as she isa little better and will be able to get up, 
they would like to go to the Chicago Clinic and have an X-ray taken. 
Then if any operation will be necessary, they may consider it. Mr. 
Juraitis will get bill for coat tomorrow. Gave $1.85. 

May 24, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office with bill for Eugenia’s 
coat. Gave $2.50. 

May 26, t919.—Visited to ask if Mr. Juraitis would speak against 
replacing smoking cars’ at hearing of City Council Committee. He 
said he would. 

May 27, 1919.—Telephoned Visiting Nurse. They have sent 
down throat culture of Mrs. Juraitis. Will know result tomorrow. 

May 28, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Juraitis was up and feeling pretty 
well. Told Mr. Juraitis the Agency would pay the last gas bill, but 
hereafter he must endeavor to pay his own bills. When he needs 
medicine he should come to the office, and we would get it for him. 

Later.—Mr. Juraitis in office with prescription for medicine. 

Telephoned Dr. Kraft. He said that the only thing that saves 
Mr. Juraitis’ life is the medicine which he is using. An artery above 


t(In 1918, during the influenza epidemic, the practice of setting aside certain 
cars or portions of cars for smokers was abandoned by the local transportation 
companies. | 


56 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


his heart is enlarged and that caused his present condition. Mr. 
Juraitis will never be well, but Dr. Kraft believes he will be able to 
work as barber. Dr. Kraft does not charge him for the services; 
he does not remember seeing Mrs. Juraitis lately.t 

June 3, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office to have his prescription filled. 
Asked for a waist for Mrs. Juraitis. Gave a summer dress. Mr. 
Juraitis says he is going back to the barber college in a day or two. 
Mrs. Juraitis is feeling better, but is still too weak to go down to have 
an X-ray taken. 

June 11, 1919.—Mr. Juraitis in office with Eugenia, who has the 
whooping cough. Dr. Kraft gave prescription for some medicine 
for her as well as for Mr. Juraitis. Gave a card to Rose Drug Store 
asking them to fill out these prescriptions. Last Friday night Sophie 
became suddenly ill. Dr. Kraft was out of town. Mr. Juraitis called 
Dr. Charles. Paid him $2.00 and also gave 75 cents for medicine. 

June 18, t919.—Visited. Eugenia was playing out in the parlor. 
Mr. Juraitis complained of pain in his side and did not go to the barber 
school. Would like to go with Mrs. Juraitis to see Dr. Williams at 
Chicago Dispensary. Do not want to go to West Side Free Dispen- 
sary because you have to wait so long. It costs $2.00 to have an 
X-ray taken. Gave $1.85 cash grant. 

June 27, 1919.—Telephoned Mr. Kiras. He believes that the 
lodge will not be able to extend any more payment because at present 
they are not in very good standing financially. He feels very sorry 
for Mr. Juraitis and is willing to help with the moving expenses if 
we find suitable rooms for them. Mr. Kiras believes that Mr. Juraitis 
ought to get the money which his brother has left. Of course there 
are debts, but in Mr. Kiras’ opinion Mr. Juraitis is much more in 
need of the money than the people to whom Mr. Juraitis’ brother 
owed this money. Mr. Kiras does not know the name of the lodge. 
The secretary is Mr. Kelmy, who has a furniture store at 30th and 
Western. Mr. Kiras is not a relative of Mr. Juraitis. He is the 
godfather of one of the little girls. Mr. Kiras will be very willing to 
help any time we think the Juraitis’ in need of his assistance. 

July 1, t919.—Mr. Juraitis in office with prescription. He is 
asking pension today because he must have some razors sharpened. 
Told him he would have to wait until tomorrow. Mr. Juraitis says 
his rent will be due Saturday, and he will not receive any more money 
from his lodge. 


*{A number of entries about medicine and prescriptions, etc., are omitted.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 57 


July 2, t9t9.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis was not at home. Gave 
$1.85. 

July 5, t919 (Saturday).—Mr. Juraitis in office asking money for 
rent. Interviewer told him to come Monday at 9:00 A.M. when visitor 
would be in office. He will go to West Side Free Dispensary heart 
clinic if we wish it. 

July 7, 1919.—Mts. Juraitis in office with prescription. Told her 
we would speak to landlord about the rent. The plan is that we will 
try to move them in about two weeks and if no suitable rooms are 
found that the whole rent will be paid. If rooms are found and they 
are moved, then we shall pay for the number of days they have lived 
there. 

July 18, t919.—The following letter written to employment man- 
ager at Vincent’s: 

Last November you wrote us with regard to Mr. J. Juraitis and gave us 
a very full report of your contact with him. However, you did not state 
just what sort of work Mr. Juraitis was doing when last with you. May we 
ask you to let us know the the kind of work at which he was employed ? 


July 19, t919.—Mrs. Juraitis in office asking pension and rent 
check. Mr. Juraitis has been at home sick for three weeks. Has 
been unable to find rooms. The old landlord has sold out, and the new 
one does not know his address. Was there saying he must have the 
money on time, as he does not care to wait. She will continue to 
look for rooms. Gave her check for $10 to pay rent from June 5 to 
July 5 and $1.85 cash. Mrs. Juraitis asked for some gingham for 
dresses for children. 

July 23, 1919.—Employment manager at Vincent’s telephoned. 
He thought our inquiry as to what kind of work Mr. Juraitis had done 
quite unjustifiable. 

July 25, 1919.—Mrs. Juraitis in office asking for sheeting material, 
girls’ petticoats, and food. Promised visit this afternoon. 

Later—Visited. Mr. Juraitis was very ill. Could scarcely 
walk. He had to call Dr. George. Was given medicine which allayed 
the pain. He has been borrowing from Mr. Felix Balutis. Now will 
attend the Dispensary. He has had to buy medicine. Ran short 
on food. The children are in need of undershirts and sheeting. Asked 
Mrs. Juraitis to come to our office some day next week when visitor 
would buy them for her. Left $2.00 pension. 

August 5, 1919 (Tuesday).—Mrs. Juraitis in office. Mr. Juraitis 
still very sick. Asks rent. Charitable Corporation has not visited 


58 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


this week. Gave $10 rent July 5-August 5 and promised to telephone 
the Corporation. Mrs. Juraitis is to let us know if they do not come 
in this afternoon. 

August 9, 1919.—Mrs. Juraitis in office. Charitable Corporation 
had not sent visitor. ‘Telephoned their office. Visitor had left with 
pension. 

August 10, 1919.—Visited. Inspected rooms Mr. Juraitis had 
found. Rent $10. Landlord refused to admit visitor suspecting 
her to be from Welfare Agency. Said Mr. Juraitis had paid deposit 
on rooms. Landlord of course did not know Mr. Juraitis is Agency’s 
client. Rooms appeared light, clean, and airy. ‘Toilet in yard. 

Later —Gave Mr. Juraitis $10 check to pay rent. Explained that 
visitor did not tell landlord he is being assisted by Welfare Agency. 
Advised he locate cheap expressman and notify visitor cost of moving. 

August 19, 1919.—Visited. Asked Mr. Juraitis to take out second 
papers. Mr. Juraitis expects some insurance from his brother’s 
death, some mistake having been made by which estimate of insurance 
was $200 short. He could give no information since he left all the 
papers with a friend who was to take them to a lawyer. Asked him 
to bring the papers to the office so that if necessary Legal Aid? can 
take care of matter. 

August 21, 1919.—Telephoned Dr. George. Mr. Juraitis has been 
under his care intermittently for past six years. X-ray pictures 
were taken at Cook County Hospital which showed nothing. Dr. 
George diagnosed the case as aneurysm. He is not sure if there are 
other complications. The prognosis is bad. He feels sure that 
Mr. Juraitis will never be able to work. 

September 9, 1919.—Following letter written to Juvenile Court: 


Juraitis Case 

Joseph 

Mary 

Eugenia (b. 1915) 

Sophie (b. 1917) 

The Juraitis family was referred to this organization on November 5, 
1918, by Mr. Stanley Kiras, 225 Monroe Street, telephone Randolph 2143. 
Mr. Juraitis told us he had been employed by the Vincent Company as a 
breast drill operator and became ill in November, 1917, and has since been 


™ (See R. H. Smith, Justice and the Poor (Carnegie Foundation Bulletin No. 13), 
Part III, especially pp. 219-25.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 59 


unable to work. (See attached copy of letter from Vincent’s Employees’ 
Benefit Association. Also see copy of letters received from Society of 
Lithuanian Brothers, regarding lodge sick-benefits.) 

Dr. George Seeley on August 22, 1918, gave Mr. Juraitis a slip stating 
Mr. Juraitis had dilated heart; recommended light work. (Slip read by 
our visitor.) July 1, 1918, Dr. E. E. Webb gave the following statement 
to Mr. Juraitis: “Joe Juraitis has a mediastinal condition, which is most 
probably aneurysm of the arch of the aorta. X-rays on file at the 
County Hospital.’ On March 6, 1918, Mr. Juraitis was treated by Dr. 
Williams at Chicago Free Dispensary, having been referred to Dispensary 
by insurance doctor of Vincent’s Employees’ Benefit Association. Dr. 
Williams by telephone on November 8, 1918, reported to us Mr. Juraitis 
in serious condition, diagnosis aneurysm of aorta. Advised Mr. Juraitis 
may live one day or one year—perhaps longer. 

Mr. Juraitis next entered County Hospital, December 1, 1918. Report 
received by us per telephone conversation with doctor in ward on Decem- 
ber 12 gave diagnosis as aortic aneurysm. MHospital care recommended, 
case hopeless, also patient could live only short time. Mr. Juraitis left 
County Hospital several days later when he heard case was hopeless. 
Was next attended by Dr. Kraft, who diagnosed case as aneurysm of aorta 
and said Mr. Juraitis had only a short time to live. [The names and 
addresses of six other doctors are listed.| One of these doctors, Dr. George; 
gave us report on August 21, 1919, that Mr. Juraitis had been under his 
care intermittently for the past six years; diagnosis aneurysm of aorta, 
perhaps other complications. 

On July 12, 1919, we wrote employment manager at Vincent’s ask- 
ing the exact nature of Mr. Juraitis’ work, our object in writing being to 
ascertain cause of Mr. Juraitis’ illness). Employment manager replied by 
telephone July 23, 1919. He thought our inquiry as to kind of work 
Mr. Juraitis had done quite unjustifiable. We have not pressed the matter 
farther. 

Mr. Juraitis told us he came to U.S.A. in 1910 and started working for 
Vincent’s where he continued for four years. He next worked for Gren- 
feldt & Shurman, length of time unknown. He changed to Ward & Wells Co., 
as night watchman for six months or longer, when he returned to Vincent’s 
for two or three years. He was employed by City Contract Building 
one year, also by King Tool and Die Co. He returned to Vincent’s 
in 1917, where he continued until his illness. Mr. Kiras reported Mr. 
Juraitis worked for him as an investigator on personal injury cases for 
six years in the evenings. He was bright and a satisfactory worker. Left 
his employ when he returned to Europe to be married. 

In March, 1919, Mr. Juraitis became very eager to work. Dr. Kraft 
advised Mr. Juraitis would probably be able to work as barber. We paid 


60 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


tuition fee of $15 for an eight weeks’ course at the Smith Barber College. 
Mr. Juraitis was unable to attend classes regularly. It,.of course, is a 
question if his physical condition will ever permit him to use this training. 

After remaining in Chicago for twelve and one-half years, Mr. 
Juraitis returned to his home in Russia and married a neighboring farmer’s 
daughter. He remained in Europe for one year and three months when 
he returned to Chicago with his wife. 

At the time of Mr. Juraitis’ illness they had saved $500 but this amount 
with $100 borrowed from Mr. Juraitis’ brothers, John and Tony Juraitis, 
was spent for living expenses and medical care before application to Welfare 
Agency. We have found the children always neat and clean and the parents 
show a great interest in them. The house, although plainly furnished, is 
well kept and attractive. Mrs. Juraitis was diagnosed on November 
13, 1918, by Dr. Williams as having chronic appendicitis. An operation was 
at one time suggested by Dr. Williams, but never urged. 

The Charitable Corporation gives a regular allowance of $26 per month. 
We pay the rent $10 and give a $2.00 regular allowance weekly, plus clothing 
as needed. We have expended on family to date, $142.65. 

Mr. Juraitis’ brother Tony Juraitis died February 24, 1919. He was 
insured with a lodge for $300, but there were many debts to be settled. Mr. 
Kiras is handling case, which has not been settled. Tony Juraitis, when 
living, assisted Mr. Juraitis irregularly. He was a heavy drinker, irregular 
worker, not dependable. 

John Juraitis, also a brother, has assisted Mr. Juraitis irregularly in the 
past. He also drinks heavily; refuses to take any interest in the family. 
We understand he is single and earning good wages. We have not taken 
matter up of his assistance through County Court. Our record mentions a 
friend, Felix Balutis, having loaned Mr. Juraitis a small amount of money, 
address unknown. 


September 24, 1919.— Mr. Juraitis in office, showed undertaker’s 
bill for brother, $160, paid. He claims debt of brother John was eight 
years old. Told him we would see secretary of lodge and find out 
situation. Charitable Corporation sent him to West Side Free 
Dispensary. He is now going to Dr. F. C. James. He charges only 
for medicine, and Mr. Juraitis is greatly benefited by it. Mr. Juraitis 
has no wedding certificate but could produce many witnesses who saw 
him married in the old country. He said he owns a farm in the old 
country that was worth $2,000 or $3,000. He received $200 a year 
rent for it. When he was last home tenant paid him in advance for 
six years. With this money he bought tickets to America, $125, and 
spent money on furniture here, $150. ‘The remainder he used in the 
year he was sick before he applied to us. He had many bills for medi- 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 61 


cal services during that time. He kept this money ina bank at LaSalle 
and Adams streets. 

October 1, 1919 (Wednesday).—Visited Mr. Kneigis, president of 
lodge of Tony Juraitis. Mr. Kneigis works at Vincent’s and is home 
only after 7:00P,M. His wife could not give check number nor depart- 
ment of his work. She recalled case slightly. Says that lodge is 
poor and will pay when they can. She suggested that either Mr. or 
Mrs. Juraitis attend lodge meeting on Saturday, October 4. 

Later.—Visited cashier of the lodge. He has no information but 
also invited attendance at next meeting. 

October 18, 1919.—Reached president of the lodge by telephone. 
He says $148 death benefit is coming to Mr. Juraitis; $50 has already 
been collected, and the rest will be paid shortly. 

November 13, rg19.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis is ill in bed with a 
heavy cough. Dr. George in attendance. Dr. George promises 
to care for patient without pay until he is able to work. He has also 
obtained reduction in price of medicine. 

The house is very clean. Mrs. Juraitis mending children’s clothes. 
Mr. Juraitis says he has no warm underwear and there is only one 
comforter for the two beds. 

Telephoned Dr. George, who says that Mr. Juraitis will never be 
able to work, that he has an incurable heart condition that will prob- 
ably never be better than it is now. He has never found evidence of 
tuberculosis. 

November, 21, 1919.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis is able to be out of 
bed during the day, but the slightest exertion seems too much for 
him, Left cash grant $4.00. Promised to send underwear for Mr. 
Juraitis and comforter for bed as soon as possible. Mr. Juraitis 
said he would like to try some light manual work. 

Telephoned Dr. George. He says that the lightest kind of work 
would be too much for Mr. Juraitis. The cardiac condition does not 
seem to respond to treatment. Dr. George suggests that Mrs. 
Juraitis be given work. 

November 28, 1919.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis said that he and his — 
brother were going to Legal Aid Society this afternoon to sign papers 
for money from Tony’s lodge. Mr. Juraitis seems slightly better. 
His rent is due tomorrow. .... 

December 24, 1919.—Christmas basket, toys, and clothing given 
by Thompsons. 

December 30, 1919.—A baby daughter was born—Hedwiga. 


62 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 2, 1920.—Family notified by Juvenile Court to make 
application for mother’s pension.* 

February 27, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis showed bank book 
of National Trust and Savings Bank: 


February 19 a deposit of $101 was made by Legal Aid to his account 

February 19 he made a withdrawal of his share, $30.50 

February 26 brother’s share, $30.50 

Balance, $40.00 
which must be left in bank for one year. 

February 22 he paid Felix Balutis, who was leaving for Europe, 
$25 he had borrowed from him for his brother Tony’s funeral expenses 
($10 for priest, $15 for cemetery). February 26 paid bond as adminis- 
trator $5.00. Mr. Juraitis had left 50 cents which he easily spent for 
carfare in settling up estate. Mr. Juraitis has application blanks 
for his second papers. 

March 24, 1920.—Telephoned Dr. George. Mr. Juraitis is in 
same condition as before. He is likely to die suddenly with slight 
overexertion. Dr. George sees him regularly and charges nothing. 

May 1, 1920.—Mr. Juraitis in office. He has been walking the 
streets for the visitor looking for “vacant rents.” With his usual 
good nature he agreed to continue the job. He seems pleased each 
time the visitor suggests some new small errand that he can do. He 
commented on how hard it had been for him not to be able to work 
to support his family. Mr. Kiras gave him a suit recently. 

May 7, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis had pain in his side and a 
bad cough. He takes his medicine regularly. The children and 
Mrs. Juraitis are well. The house was clean and neat. 

May 13, 1920.—Telephoned Mr. Kiras. He has seen Mr. Juraitis 
occasionally only. He gave him a suit and promises to send a check 
he has not yet remitted in payment of Mr. Juraitis’ moving last 
Summyver. OSs 

May 24, 1920.—Telephoned Dr. George. Mr. Juraitis had had 
another bad spell with his heart. Heavy coughing spells make him 
weak. Dr. George had corresponded with the County Hospital 
and West Side Free Dispensary. Neither physician who examined 
Mr. Juraitis has arrived at a diagnosis, nor can Dr. George diagnose 
him. Aneurysm of aorta, diagnosis of 1918, could not be correct, 
for a patient so afflicted could not live this long, especially with such 


t [See Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 23, sec. 323, “Aid to 
Mothers and Children.’’j 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 63 


a heavy cough. Dr. George wants to take Mr. Juraitis for consultation 
with Dr. Stevens, specialist in internal medicine. No case could be 
made for industrial commission without a diagnosis. 

May 26, 1920.—The following letter written to Kelmes Valsciaus 
Taryba, Kelme, Lithuania: 

Mr. J. Juraitis, formerly of Kelme, is now living in our neighborhood 
in Chicago. He is permanently incapacitated and unable to support his 
family. We should like very much to secure for him a pension from the 
county. 

We understand that Mr. Juraitis owns a farm near Kelme. We should 
like to know if this farm is still in his name. What is its value and what is 
the possibility of selling it? Because Mr. Juraitis is supposedly the owner 
of this farm, he is not eligible for a pension. 

We would be very glad if you could give us the desired information on this 
property and could also suggest some one who would act as Mr. Juraitis’ 
agent in the sale of the same if Mr. Juraitis is really the owner. 


June I, 1920.—Mr. Juraitis is feeling much better. Dr. George 
is giving him some, “swell new medicine.” He is proud that his 
spell lasted only a week in place of his illness of a month last year. 

June 4, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Juraitis received a letter today 
from her father in the old country, mailed March 20, 1920. Her 
youngest sister died in the old country this spring. ‘The houses had 
all been burned and the people had nothing to work with. Mr. 
Juraitis says farms are cheap; but horses and implements are so high 
amancannot farm..... ; 

July 16, 1920.—Mr. Juraitis in office. He has felt very well for 
this week. He has been examined by Dr. Layton, a physician who 
knew him before the war. Mr. Juraitis hopes that he and Dr. George 
may be able to arrive at some diagnosis by consultation. 

His wringer is broken. Visitor agreed it should be repaired. Mr. 
Juraitis did not stay at home to see visitor. He likes to get out and 
come to office. 

July 19, 1920.—Telephoned Dr. Layton to whom Mr. Juraitis 
had referred. Mr. Juraitis, he is sure, has an aneurysm of arch of 
aorta. He may drop dead any day. Doctor will examine him again 
this week and communicate with visitor. 

August 6, 1920.—Mr. Juraitis in office to get supplies. Eugenia 
is gaining in weight since her tonsils were removed by Dr. George. 

t [This testimony to conditions abroad suggests the burden of fear in the hearts 


of foreign-born who had come from those parts of Europe over which the armies 
had passed to and fro.] 


64 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Juraitis does not want to return to Dr. Kraft. He puts his 
faith in Dr. George; likes his treatment and medicine. However, 
if Dr. George will take him to another physician, he will agree to 
consultation. His back and side have been aching badly. He has 
heard recently from Lithuania. 

August 12, 1920.—Mr. Juraitis in office. He is to return to Dr. 
George in a couple of weeks when his present medicine is finished. 
He is feeling better. He does not think Mrs. Juraitis would consider 
going to the English class at the Settlement, even with mother’s 
pension as an object. He will speak of it. She is timid and retiring 
and wants always to stay at home. 

September 1, 1920.—Mr. Juraitis in office. He talked at some 
length over his affairs, saying that the county supplies were so different 
from what they used to be that they could not be counted upon. 
He formerly got bacon, fruit, sugar, and potatoes, but now gets only 
flour, lard, tea, and beans. He finds it most difficult to get along 
ont the money given by the Charitable Corporation and Welfare 
Agency. | 

October 8, 1920.—Telephoned Dr. George. He is very much 
puzzled over Mr. Juraitis’ case. He feels that Mr. Juraitis has never 
been diagnosed correctly and suggests that we make an effort to get 
him into Knox Hospital for a couple of weeks under observation of 
Dr. Stevens. 

December 3, 1920.—Dr. Layton in office. He was much interested 
in Mr. Juraitis. Had obtained reports from County Hospital 
and West Side Free Dispensary. Diagnosed case as aneurysm of 
aorta—enlargement of artery leading from heart which weakens 
artery to such an extent that death may come at any time. Hence 
Mr. Juraitis unable to do any kind of work. He cannot even use 
his arms. Dr. Layton believes this condition due to Mr. Juraitis’ 
former employment as it is general medical opinion that constant 
pressure causes such a condition. He is not charging for his services. 
He states that Mr. Juraitis is too ill to go to be examined at Knox 
Hospital and doesn’t advise it as his condition is incurable. 

Thinks Mrs. Juraitis stays too close to her home and is quite 
untouched by living in America. . .. .? 


*{A number of entries recording routine services are omitted from the 
remainder of this history.] 
2 (See Frank V. Thompson, Schooling of the Immigrant, pp. 109-11; S. P. Breck- 
inridge, New Homes for Old, pp. 159-69, 180, 203, 230-48.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 65 


December 31, 1920.'—The family has been visited regularly during 
December. Mr. Juraitis’ condition is about the same. Some days 
he feels pretty well and is able to get outdoors; and other days he 
hardly leaves his chair. The children are in need of clothing, but 
neither Mr. nor Mrs. Juraitis seems willing to discuss definite needs. 
Hedwiga seems unusually well and lively. Mr. Juraitis calls her ‘‘an 
American baby.” | 

January 7,1921.—Visited. Mr. Juraitis was sitting by the kitchen 
table and breathing heavily. He has a pillow on the table on which 
he lays his head when he wants to sleep. He does not lie down at all— 
has not for over two weeks. 

Mr. Juraitis very much resented recent suggestions of Welfare 
Agency to Mrs. Juraitis that she take the baby to the Infant Welfare 
Station and that she go to the County Agent herself when Mr. Juraitis 
was not able to go. He has arranged with a friend of his to attend to 
the trips to the County Agent’s office. Mr. Juraitis maintains ,that 
Mrs. Juraitis is not used to going out alone. He cannot seem at all 
to see the need of her getting used to it. 

Although two dresses were purchased for each of the little girls 
as recently as September, Mr. Juraitis declared that they had nothing 
to wear, and in substantiation of this he pointed to the children as 
they were playing about the kitchen. Neither of them had a dress 
on. When it was suggested that before new clothes were bought, 
we should know exactly what the children have in order to determine 
what is most needed, Mr. Juraitis became perfectly frenzied. He said 
he ought to know what the children needed, and that it ought to be 
sufficient for him simply to report their needs. He was most violent 
in his criticism of Welfare Agency and referred repeatedly to insurance 
papers that had been taken away from him by a visitor, and although 
the subject of clothes had been taken up with Mrs. Juraitis, Mr. Juraitis 
refused to let her talk, and told the visitor to get out and stay out. 

Later—Telephoned Dr. Layton and explained situation to him. 
He advised that Welfare Agency take care of food only for the time 
being, and he will use his influence to try to bring Mr. Juraitis around 
to a right attitude.” 

™[A new system of recording supervisory visits at monthly intervals is adopted 
at this time.] 


2(Two and a half years have elapsed. The strain is unendurable for both 
client and Agency. The visitor was in a trying position, but the lack of response 
on the part of the family is easily understood when words of this kind creep into 
the record. ] 


66 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


[The rest of the story may be summarized. The Agency ‘‘stays 
out.” Groceries are sent in, but no visits are paid for three weeks. 
No entry is made of Mrs. Juraitis’ pregnancy, though she gives birth 
to a boy baby two months later. After an interval, Mr. Juraitis gets 
better, swallows his pride, and goes to the office. He apologizes and 
asks a return to the former practice of getting cash instead of groceries. 
Visits are renewed, but relationship with the co-operating sectarian 
agency is not perfectly satisfactory, and the visitor chafes against the 
sense of helplessness in the face of language difficulties. She is suspi- 
cious of the influence of the church and of the neighborhood and yet 
helpless. February 18, he gets his ‘‘second papers,” and finally, March 
29, 1921, the visitor learns by passing the house and seeing a wreath 
on the door that he has died. The surviving brother and the church 
are said to be in charge of the funeral. In fact, the funeral bill of 
$264 is paid within the week by the brother, and Mrs. Juraitis is 
provided with mourning. She comes, however, the day of the funeral 
for the usual allowance. Evidence of the marriage is later obtained 
from Lithuania, a budget of $82.45 is worked out, and November 10, 
1921, the maximum grant for four children under the Mothers’ 
Pension Law, which had been recently amended, allowing $25 for one 
child and $15 for each other child, $70, is made by the court. The 
contact is now between the probation officer and the family. Many 
sources of confusion and difficulty are removed, and the new relation- 
ship is simpler and happier. Eugenia starts to school. Mrs. Juraitis 
says that she will go to English classes as soon as she can take the baby 
out; she looks forward to the time when six-year-old Eugenia will 
help her with her accounts, and she “‘manages nicely” on the allowance, 
which is $12.45 less than the court thinks she should have. 

Between November, 1918, and October, to19, the Welfare Agency | 
gave the Juraitis family $192.96. During the fiscal year October, 
1919, to September, 1920, the amount given was $445.61; between 
October, 1920, and May, 1921, $285.72 was given, making a total of 
$924.20. 

In addition to these grants the family received rations and fuel 
from the county, $26 a month from the Charitable Corporation, the 
benefit from the lodge, and such additional gifts as Thanksgiving and 
Christmas baskets. | 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 67 


3. The Family of Frederic Lewis 
(An Elderly Infirm Man Who Makes and Sells Metal Forks) 


December 6, 1919.—Miss Fowler, General Office, telephoned that 
family are in need. They have enough coal for the next two days. 
Mrs. Lewis has been working, but has been ill for the last two 
days. Source was Miss Pike, Service League for Handicapped.? 
Mrs. Lewis secured work from them, and they became interested in 
family. 

December 7, 1919.—Telephoned Service League and talked with 
secretary, who said that they had become interested in family through 
Mrs. Lewis, who has been making rugs for them. Thinks Mrs. Lewis 
a very refined, deserving woman, who has been used to better circum- 
stances. They have been assisting a little, and advanced $12 for 
a rug Mrs. Lewis is now making so they could pay rent. Dr. Mary 
Bullock, of Grove Park, a friend of the secretary, is attending Mr. 
Lewis and giving her services. Thinks Mr. Lewis is anemic and 
needs nourishment. They will be glad to co-operate in any possible 
way. 

Later.—Visited. Family have lived for four years in a four-room 
attic for which they pay $12. Rooms are comfortable, well lighted, 
and quite well furnished. A number of oil paintings which Mr. Lewis 
has done were around the room. 

Mr. Lewis, who is sixty-two years old, has been sick for about five 
weeks. Said he had not been very well for some time previous to this 
but had been able to work. He worked for Holt & Company, mak- 
ing wire forks used to pin price marks on meat and vegetables in 
market windews. ‘These, it seems, are sold, and Mr. Lewis receives a 
commission averaging about 80 cents a gross. This averages about 
$18 a week.?, He seemed very cheerful and said he had large orders 
waiting to be filled. Mrs. Lewis makes rugs for the Service League, 
receiving from $12 to $14 per rug. It takes about six weeks to make 
a rug if she works steadily. 

t [Service League for the Handicapped, an indorsed. agency whose objects are 
“to render service to handicapped persons and particularly to assist persons who 


are physically handicapped in their means or efforts to obtain support, main- 
tenance or education.” The budget in 1921 was $21,059.] 


2(The standard budget for a family like this at this time required food ($4.10 
a week for the man, $3.30 a week for the woman, or $7.40 a week multiplied by 
44) $32.07 a month; rent, $12; fuel (stove), $8.50; household supplies, $5; or 
total, without clothing or sundries, $57.57.] . 


68 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Lewis was born in Chicago. His people were originally from 
Utica, New York. His grandfather was a wealthy lumberman there. 
His father, it seems, was a very reckless man, and at the death of the 
grandfather it was found that Mr. Lewis’ father had drawn most of 
his inheritance in checks, amounting to thousands of dollars. ‘The 
family moved to Des Moines when Mr. Lewis was a small boy, his 
father going into the lumber business, but he failed. Mr. Lewis claims 
his mother was prominent in club circles, having been at one time the 
secretary of the Y.W.C.A. there. He has only one sister, living in 
Nebraska, but has not been in touch with her for years. After Mr. 
Lewis’ first marriage they moved to Chicago, where they lived a 
number of years, Mr. Lewis doing various things. At one time he 
traveled for a grocery company, and it seems made some speculative 
investments and left his wife and a daughter of about eighteen. He 
was badly in debt, so he went to California. He wrote to his wife and 
daughter, Mabel, but they refused to come to him and went to Des 
Moines, where they kept house for Mr. Samuels, whom the daughter 
later married. Mr. Lewis went back to Des Moines, but his family 
would have nothing to do with him. ‘The first Mrs. Lewis died about 
twenty years ago, and a few years later (June 10, 1905) in La Porte, 
Indiana, he married the present Mrs. Lewis, whom he met in Chicago, 
who is also sixty-two years old. 

Mr. Lewis wrote a letter to Mabel seven years ago. Mr. Samuels 
was then in Chicago and met Mr. Lewis by appointment. He told 
Mr. Lewis they thought he was dead, and it was a terrible shock for 
Mrs. Samuels to hear from him. She wanted him never to bother her 
in any way. He said Mr. Samuels was a member of the Cosmos 
Club, and was vice-president of the Washington and Jefferson Coal 
Company. He is a man of about Mr. Lewis’ age (he refused to give 
his Des Moines address). Mrs. Lewis, whose maiden name was 
Ellen O’Donnell, was born in Boston, and shows every evidence of 
having been brought up in refined surroundings. She is very hard of 
hearing and uses an electrophone. She came to Chicago with her 
mother and brother years ago. The brother worked for the Times but 
has been dead about twenty years. Her mother died fifteen years ago. 
The family have moved about a lot since they married, living a while 
in Massachusetts, and in Philadelphia, Mr. Lewis doing this same work 
in each place. They have been in Chicago for the last seven years. 
Neither is insured. He is Methodist and she, Roman Catholic. One 
former address at which they lived in 1913 was obtained. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 69 


Later.—Reported family.to County Agent. 

Later.%—Talked with Dr. Bullock, who seemed very much inter- 
ested in family, and gave the diagnosis of Mr. Lewis’ malady as chronic 
kidney and intestinal trouble. She said Mr. Lewis did not follow 
her directions carefully and was very indiscreet in eating. 

Later.—Telephoned secretary of Service League, Miss Pike, and 
gave foregoing report. 

December 11, 1919.—Miss Pike telephoned. They will take care 
of family for Christmas and will also pay one month’s rent. 

December 19, 1919.—Accompanied Mrs. Lewis to County Agent 


for supplies. 
December 24, 1919.—Delivered County Agent’s Christmas basket 


to Mrs. Lewis as she was not well enough to go for it. 

January 7, 1920.—Telephoned Holt & Company. Mr. Lewis has 
worked four years for them, and they have found him most reliable. 
Did not know he was in need of financial aid. He averaged from $18 
to $20 weekly. About two years ago he left them and went into the 
grocery department at another department store, thinking he could 
make better wages, but he stayed only two weeks. They will be very 
glad to co-operate and will take matter up at once. 

Later.—Mr. Holt telephoned. Said he will send out $10 tonight, 
and will pay rent during Mr. Lewis’ illness. 

Later.—Read County Agent’s record. 

January 19, 1920.—Since Mr. Lewis showed no marked evidence 
of improvement, conferred with Dr. Bullock with regard to hospital 
care. The latter approved of this, and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis seemed 
especially anxious for Mr. Lewis to go to hospital for thorough 
examination. He admitted he had not felt well for three years. Dr. 
Bullock said she had been very glad to give her services to family, but 
she lives in a suburb and it was difficult to come in so that she would 
be very glad to have doctors in hospital take case. She will be glad 
to be called upon at any time. Arranged with Whitfield Hospital, 
and accompanied Mr. Lewis to hospital. Mrs. Lewis has broken her 
electrophone, which made it impossible for her to hear at all, so 
arranged with Magniphone Company, and they repaired same, dis- 
counting cost to Welfare Agency, which made the total $5.00. Service 
League paid for same. 


«(The investigation—(a) After reporting to the County Agent for food and 
possibly fuel, medical diagnosis is sought. (b) The employer’s advice and help is 
obtained. (c) Correspondence with the daughter is made possible after Mr. Lewis 
becomes seriously ill and gives her address.] 


70 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


When Mr. Lewis became ill, before receiving help from Welfare 
Agency, Mrs. Lewis pawned a leather bag, which she valued very 
much. She secured this from pawnshop by paying $3.60. This was 
paid out of the $10 given by the Holt Company, and she used the 
remainder for necessary bedding. Mr. Lewis did not know Mrs. 
Samuels’ address, could not remember name of coal company with 
which Mr. Samuels was connected; thought it was Arkansas Coal and 
Coke Company, but this address was secured from Des Moines 
directory. Mr. Lewis would not consider any communication with 
daughter at first. He said she had asked him not to bother her, and 
he was good as his word. Insisted she would not wish to hear about 
him and became very excited when he talked of her. On the day 
he went to the hospital, however, he said he was too sick to think 
about it, so would leave matter of informing Mrs. Samuels to the 
discretion of visitor. 

January 31, 1920.—The following letter was written by the district 
superintendent of the Chicago Welfare Agency to the secretary of the 
Family Welfare Society, Des Moines, Iowa: 


May we ask your society to visit Mrs. L. W. Samuels, 3257 Washington 
Avenue? She is a daughter of our Mr. Lewis, whom we have been assist- 
ing since December. He was referred to us at that time because of illness 
and has been confined to his bed ever since. We found it necessary to pro- 
cure hospital care for him, and he was taken to the hospital January 109. 

Mr. Lewis tells us that Mrs. Samuels is his only child. She is a daughter 
by a former marriage, her mother having died about twenty years ago. It 
seems they came to Chicago from Des Moines shortly after their marriage, 
and when Mrs. Samuels was about eighteen years old Mr. Lewis had to leave 
the city because of financial difficulties. He expected to join his family 
later, but they would have nothing more to do with him. He seems to 
blame the daughter for this, as he said Mrs. Lewis cared for him. Mrs. 
Lewis and her daughter, soon after his departure, returned to Des Moines, 
where they kept house for a Mr. Samuels, a widower, whom the daughter 
later married. Mr. Lewis wrote about seven years agc, and Mr. Samuels 
made an appointment to meet him in Chicago, but they were not reconciled. 
Mr. Samuels is vice-president and manager of the Washington and Jefferson 
Coal Company, 481 Waverley Building. 

Mr. Lewis married the second Mrs. Lewis, a very refined Boston woman, 
in 1905, and soon afterward went to Boston to live; but they have lived in 
Chicago for the last seven years although neither has relatives here. Mrs. 
Lewis is very hard of hearing, and not very strong physically. She seems 
very fond of Mr. Lewis. - She has helped in the support by making rugs for 
the Service League, but she is a very slow worker, and manages to earn on an 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 71 


average of $6.00 per month. Since Mr. Lewis has been ill, she has been 
compelled to devote all her time to him. 

This seems a very pathetic case, and we wonder if Mrs. Samuels could 
not be made to feel some interest in her father and to assume some responsi- 
bility for their support. The estrangement worries Mr. Lewis very much. 
He has been rather reticent in giving past information, and Mrs. Samuels 
may have more to tell. What suggestions can she offer? Would she be 
willing to contribute $20 per month or more until Mr. Lewis is well enough 
to work. Mr. Lewis has worked for the W. L. Holt Company for the last 
four years, earning on an average of $18 per week. They speak very well 
of him, and have contributed toward the family support during this 
emergency. 


February 11, 1920.—Following answer received from head of the 
Registration Department of the Des Moines Family Welfare Society: 


In answer to your letter with regard to the Lewis family a visit was made 
as requested at the home of Mrs. L. W. Samuels, 3257 Washington Avenue, 
daughter of your client. Mrs. Samuels lives in a very attractive apartment 
in our best residence section, and she herself is a charming and evidently 
cultured woman. At first it was rather hard to gain her confidence, as she 
feels very bitter and resentful toward her father; and it was only after a great 
deal of persuasion that she could be made to feel that he was not doing this 
purposely to humiliate her. 

It seems her father’s family are the Lewis family of Des Moines, an old 
family of very good standing, but he was always the black sheep of the 
family. Her first recollection of difficulties was when she was about thirteen 
years old and she and her father and mother lived in Chicago. Her father 
was at that time established in business of his own when suddenly without 
any cause at all, he disappeared together with all the funds of the concern, 
including the capital which he had borrowed in order to start the business. 
He left his wife and daughter with no funds, many debts, and the disgrace 
to face. Nothing was heard of him for several years. Then a letter came 
to her mother from San Diego, California, in which her father wrote that 
he was there and wanted his family to join him. Mrs. Lewis sold all her 
furniture except a few family heirlooms, sending these on to San Diego, but 
before she herself could start they received another letter from Mr. Lewis 
telling them to wait until things were going a little better. Again nothing 
was heard from him for a long time when he suddenly appeared only to go 
away again mysteriously. After this Mrs. Léwis and her daughter came to 
Des Moines, borrowing from relatives enough money to start a boarding- 
house, and were doing splendidly when Mr. Lewis appeared again, appar- 
_ ently expecting to stay, but never attempting to get a position, simply 
allowing his wife to support him. This continued for some time, and then he 
went away again. It seems that this performance was repeated five or six 


/ 


72 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


times. The last time that Mrs. Lewis went back to him was after her 
daughter’s marriage. Mrs. Samuels tells us that her husband and her 
mother were very congenial and when Mr. Lewis again left his wife she came 
and made her home with her daughter. Just how it was Mrs. Samuels 
does not know, but it seems that Mrs. Lewis learned only after returning 
to him the fifth time that there was some other woman in whom Mr. Lewis 
was interested and with whom he had been living when away from his family. 
With this knowledge, Mrs. Lewis secured a divorce from him ams continued 
to live with her daughter until her death. 

Mrs. Samuels feels that she has absolutely no obligation to her father. 
From time to time he has appealed to her, always for financial aid, and the 
last time her husband went to Chicago to see him and investigate matters. 
He returned saying that Mr. Lewis had misrepresented his needs and that 
he would only misuse any aid which they might give him. However, Mrs. 
Samuels feels that as the present need seems authentic she would be willing 
to help him a little, not because he is her father, but because he is someone 
in need of assistance. She requested that we give her the name and address 
of the Welfare Society, so that she herself might write to them. We did this 
and are hoping that by this time you have heard from her. She does not 
want to pledge herself to any certain amount each month, but gave our 
organization $20, which we are inclosing, that is to be used for her father as 
you judge best. 

We hope this information is satisfactory, and if there is any further 
assistance we can render you, we will be glad to do so. 


February 16, 1920.—Letter written to Mrs. L. W. Samuels, 3257 
Washington Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, by the district superintendent 
of the Chicago Family Welfare Agency: 


We received a letter a few days ago from the Des Moines Family Welfare 
Society, inclesing check for $20 for Mr. Lewis. I am very glad indeed that 
you are willing to help at this critical time. Iam sure it will be something 
of a comfort to him, not only because of what has happened in the past, but 
because of his very serious condition. He is still in the Whitfield Hospital 
and is showing very little improvement. . 

Mrs. Lewis is braiding rugs at home, but because of her extreme deafness 
and age is unequal to any more remunerative work. 

We will let you know how your father is and hope very much that he 
can be relieved in his present suffering. 


February 21, 1920.—Letter received from Mrs. L. W. Samuels: 


My DEAR MADAM: 


It is indeed a comfort to know that there is a society like the Welfare 
Agency of Chicago through which a person can be of assistance to another 
and know that money will be spent judiciously, and I am only too glad to 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 73 


help Mr. Lewis in a modest way through you. I sent hima little cheer today 
in the way of some flowers; hope he receives them. It seems unnecessary 
to go into details of the past—sufficeth it to say that I feel that whatever I 
do for my father is in the spirit of “‘ Forgive and ye shall be forgiven.” It 
is impossible for me to leave Mr. Samuels as he has been ill with an affliction 
of the eye for three months or I. would go to Chicago to see Mr. Lewis. It 
was indeed nice of you to write me personally, and I would appreciate it so 
much if you will keep me advised as to his condition—and the nature of his 


ailment. : 
Most cordially, 


(Mrs.) MABEL SAMUELS 


February 27, 1920.—Reports from the Whitfield Hospital show 
Mr. Lewis has had very serious disease of bladder, for which he has 
been treated at hospital, and this condition seems much improved. 
The complete diagnosis shows pernicious anemia, and the prognosis is 
only temporary improvement of perhaps a year or less. He seems, 
however, to have gained 6 pounds and is cheerful. At first he was 
very melancholy and worried to such an extent that he had hallucina- 
tions and in one of these spells wandered out of the hospital at eleven 
o’clock at night, insisting that he must be shown the way home. A 
policeman brought him back to hospital, and he was persuaded to 
stay. He calmed down in an hour and has not had a return of these 
spells. He laughs and jokes about it now, and calls it his “crazy 
time.” 

A later visit to the hospital and a conference with Dr. Stone veri- 
fied foregoing statements. Mr. Lewis is showing a decided improve- 
ment, and will be kept in hospital at least another month. Dr. 
Goodall is also attending physician. In speaking with Mr. Lewis at 
hospital he expressed his appreciation of reconciliation with his 
daughter and said that alone was worth being sick for. She has sent 
him flowers and a beautiful basket of fruit. — 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Lewis was dressed to go to hospital. Said 
she had been visiting Mr. Lewis every day but promised visitor she 
would go only three times a week after this as she is not well enough to 
go more often. She had finished a rug for the Service League. Said 
two visitors of Service League had been in to see her and had left her 
$2.00, which she had used for extras for Mr. Lewis. Mrs. Lewis has a 
spinster cousin, Annie Kegan, in Boston, who is about sixty years of 
age and keeps a little shop. They are on very friendly terms and 
correspond. Miss Kegan did not want her to marry Mr. Lewis 
because he was poor. She added that they had a very hard time at 


74 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


times for Mr. Lewis was no financier, though never lazy, just a poor 
manager and ‘‘out of luck,” as she expressed it. For instance, while 
’ in Boston, he invented a wire hanger for postcard use, and while he 
was struggling to get it through, someone stole the patent and made 
it by machinery and Mr. Lewis was put out of work. For the past 
few years he has had to work very hard to get sale for his wire forks 
outside of what he had for Holt & Company, in this way trying to 
supplement his wages, but it was almost impossible to get orders. 
This year he has been besieged by orders and is not well enough to fill 
them. Arranged with Mrs. Lewis to go to County Agent for supplies 
February 26, and Miss Bane, volunteer, helped her take supplies home. 
Mrs. Lewis received mattress sent by Welfare Agency and said she 
had been able to keep warm at night since sleeping on it. Rent is due. 

Talked to Holt & Company, who said they would send rent out 
to Mrs. Lewis the following day. They feel a great interest in Mr. 
Lewis and asked to be informed of his condition occasionally. 

Later —Talked to visitor of Service League, who said Mrs. Lewis 
would be kept busy with rug-making so she would not have so much 
time to worry over Mr. Lewis. Besides they needed her work when 
she was well enough to doit. [From February, an allowance was made 
the family varying in amount. In February, when Mr. Lewis was 
in the hospital, it was $11.] 

March 17, 1920.—Mr. Lewis returned from hospital March 12. 
A report from the doctor showed that Mr. Lewis was dismissed, the 
doctor feeling he would get along as well at home as in the hospital. 
He had shown a decided improvement, but it is necessary for him to 
report to clinic every fortnight. 

Mrs. Samuels wrote a very nice letter to Mrs. Lewis, which 
delighted them both very much. 

March 31, 1920.—Visits have been made, and Mr. Lewis is show- 
ing improvement. He reports to hospital every two weeks, and walks 
out into the air when the day is nice. On March 30, Mrs. Lewis 
received $14 from Service League for rug. She used $12 of this for 
rent, since Holt & Company had failed to send this (after being 
telephoned twice). 

During March an allowance of $19 was made. The visitor of the 
Service League makes occasional visits to the home, and she stated 
that her first acquaintance with the family was through a letter from 
Mrs. Lewis answering an ad in the paper asking for women to make 
rugs. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES (ae 


Doctor’s report: A report from the hospital after Mr. Lewis’ 
examination March 29 was very favorable. Dr. Goodall thought he 
was getting along better than they expected, and they are very much 
encouraged over his condition. Hospital is supplying medicine free of 
charge. 

April 29, 1920.—A visit was made April 25, and Mr. Lewis is 
getting along very well. He is still reporting to the hospital, and he is 
able to walk out and seems to have gained a great deal. He said the 
doctor had told him he had made a remarkable improvement. He 
thinks he will be able to do a little of his work in two weeks. Mrs. 
Lewis finished another rug for the Service League, and was paid $8.00. 
She applied this to the rent, since Holt & Company failed to send 
this as promised. 

Mrs. Samuels had written to them, and had addressed it to Mr. 
Lewis as “ Dear Father,” which delighted him very much. Talked to 
Holt & Company, who said that Mr. Holt was out of the city and 
they had no authority to send the rent. He will return in a few days 
and they will take the matter up with him. [During April, $30.16 
relief was given.| 

May 6, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Lewis has been working a few hours 
a day but tires quickly. Mr. Springer, of Holt & Company, visited 
last week and paid the rent. 

May 26, 1920.—A visit was made on May 10, and it was found 
that Mr. Lewis had been re-admitted to the hospital May 14. Dr. 
Goodall found this necessary since he had been losing in strength. He 
was discharged May 22, but will report weekly to the hospital. On 
May 26 a visit was made, and Mr. Lewis was quite a little improved 
and much encouraged over his condition. Mrs. Lewis had been busy 
on her rugs and had finished one for which she hopes to receive 
$8.00, which will be applied on the rent. [During May, $24.05 was 
given. | 

June 10, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Lewis said he had gained 6 pounds 
since returning from the hospital and thinks he will be able to work 
very soon. Gave him a card to dentist, Dr. Mallory, who will attend 
to his teeth. Mrs. Lewis had not been paid for her rug, but expected 
to see League for Handicapped visitor soon. 

June 30, 1920.—Mr. Lewis has been fitted with a plate by Dr. 
Mallory at the reduced rate of $25. He returned three times for minor 
adjustments. He is very much relieved and is hopeful that his general 
health will improve more rapidly. 


76 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


At request of Welfare Agency, Mr. W. L. Holt sent a check for 
one month’s rent. It seems he is not Mr. Lewis’ exclusive employer, 
but that he has been buying his forks, paying him 70 cents a gross and 
selling them at $1.50. In addition Mr. Lewis sells direct to retail 
grocers and butchers but at lower rates. 

[During June, $50.05 ($25 for dental work) and during July and 
August $23.05 was given.] 

September 7, 1920.—Mr. Lewis has been going regularly to the 
South Side Clinic for blood tests. As he was losing ground he went 
to the hospital August 24 and was there until September 4. He is 
feeling very much stronger and hopes to work soon. He says he feels 
better than at any other time after leaving hospital. He has been 
unable for some time to do even a few hours work a day. 

Mrs. Lewis is still making rugs and tries to pay the rent in this 
way. [During September, $32 was given.] 

September 16, 1920.—Visited Mr. Holt. He has not paid rent for 
three months. He will go to see Mr. Lewis and will consider keeping 
him further. 

September 22, 1920.—Weekly visits have been made. Mr. Lewis 
is feeling stronger and working a few hours each day. He has made 
$6.00 since he returned from hospital and will use it to help pay rent. 

September 29, 1920.—Letter received: 


My DEAR MADAM: 


Thanking you for the inclosed check to Mrs. Lewis and take this 
opportunity to thank you for all the kindness bestowed on us by the Wel- 
fare Agency and friendliness of you and the visitors. I know I am great 
trial to all, and that I owe my life to care taken of me. I was taken to 
Hospital just in time. My blood count was then 650,000 Red Corpuscles— 
about as low as possible. 

I get, it seems, more real strength every time I take treatment except 
as Dr. Goodall of Whitfield says, my blood is not normal enough yet to build 
up my muscle. I tire so easy. However, I am gaining some strength— 
only every extra exertion causes me to, using a hospital phrase, slip, which 
takes me back to hospital. They are watching me very close. I go for. 
blood test every ten days or two weeks. 

Thanking you again for all the kindness and hoping my condition will 
soon justify all the assistance in my behalf, also thank you for the comfort 
you were to Mrs. Lewis while I was in Hospital. I can never forget or 
praise the Welfare Agency too much for all they have done. 

Yours thankfully, 
FREDERIC LEWIS 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 77 


October 28, 1920.—Weekly visits have been made. Mr. Lewis as _ 
usual thinks he is improving. He goes every other day to the Clinic 
and blood tests show some improvement. He works a little each day 
and in good weather goes out to dispose of his wares. He finds it hard 
to sell them and makes no more than $2.00 per week, using this for 
gas bills and to help out on rent. Mrs. Lewis averages $8.00 a month 
on her rugs. Mrs. Lewis is not well, but will not consent to go to the 
doctor. Mrs. Lewis seldom goes to church, and Mr. Lewis never. 
Mrs. Lewis has no particular friends in the church and is reticent about 
making friends. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are quite cheerful in ‘spite 
of their difficulties. Mr. Lewis feels hurt that his daughter does not 
write to them. 
_.. November 4, 1920.—Miss Eleanor Vickory, who is doing volunteer 
work for the League for the Handicapped, has asked Mr. Lewis for 
samples of hand-painted Christmas cards, saying that she would take 
all he could make if they suited. Mr. Holt has received a large order 
of wire forks, and will need no more of Mr. Lewis’, and Mr. Lewis is 
not able to walk the distance required to sell them himself. He thinks 
inside work would be better for him. 

December 9, 1920.—Letter written to the secretary, Family Welfare 
Society, Des Moines, Iowa, as follows: 


You will recall that during last February you made a visit on Mrs. 
L. W. Samuels, 3257 Washington Avenue, Des Moines, a daughter of Mr. 
Frederic Lewis and step-daughter of Mrs. Ellen Lewis. 

Since that time Mrs. Samuels has contributed $105 toward the support 
of her father, through us, as follows: 


February 10 $20.00 July g $20.00 
February 21 5.00 September 15 10.00 
March 17 20.00 October 30 10.00 
April 27 20.00 105.co—Total 


We have had very pleasant letters from Mrs. Samuels from time to time, 
and she says that she would gladly do more if it were not for the fact that 
her husband has been very ill; I believe he has lost the sight of oneeye. At 
first Mrs. Samuels wrote to us on the letterhead of the Washington and 
Jefferson Coal Company but recently she has torn off the top of the letter- 
head. JI am wondering if Mr. Samuels is still a member of the firm, or if 
you can find out from some of your business men or Board of Directors about 
how he is situated. 

We have been caring for the Lewis’ now for just a year, supplying a 
quart of milk daily and $7.00 or $8.00 for food each week, besides fuel. Mr. 
Lewis is better than he was, but I am beginning to doubt if he will ever be 


78 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


able to support himself and wife. Anemia is a difficult thing to combat in 
a man of his age. We would appreciate a second visit to Mrs. Samuels and 
a tactful approach as to future plans. We appreciate what she has done, 
but cannot help wondering if she might not do more if she realized how 
difficult it is for us to continue caring for the family. . 

It is dubious as to whether we can get them into an old people’s home, 
he being Methodist and she Catholic, and our homes just now are badly 
overcrowded. I have no idea whether Mrs. Samuels will ever consider 
providing a home for them. Could she be persuaded to come to Chicago 
and talk over plans with us and them? It seems to us that something must 
be done very soon and much depends on her attitude and willingness to help. 

I have thought it best to correspond directly with her since your initial 
visit, but it seems now as if a further conference might be advisable. 


December 16, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lewis complained of trouble 
with her eyes when she sews. Gave card to West Side Free Dispensary 
to have eyes tested for glasses. Mrs. Lewis will receive the usual 
amount for her rugs and will make the extra $2.00 needed for her rent 
by making four table runners at 50 cents each for the Society of 
Shut-Ins. 

December 24, 1920.—Letter received from the secretary of the 
Des Moines Family Welfare Society as follows: 


At last we have been able to get in touch with Mrs. Samuels, but at 
first we received a very cold reception. This, however, may be due to the 
fact that at present she is very upset over her husband’s physical condition. 
It seems that he has not been very well for some time and that they have 
just returned from Hot Springs, where the doctor had ordered him to go. 

The Washington & Jefferson Coal Company, of which Mr. Samuels 
was a member, has gone out of business, and at present there is no income 
coming into the Samuels home. However, Mr. Samuels is making a new 
venture, and they feel that by February they can tell you something definite. 

Mrs. Samuels tells us that her husband is bitterly opposed to her helping 
her father and everything she does she has to do secretly. However, she is 
delighted with the idea of placing the couple in a home and feels sure she 
could persuade her husband to pay the money for this. We believe that 
you will get the best co-operation by writing directly to Mrs. Samuels. 
She seems so bitterly opposed to having outsiders come into her home, and 
it was only after our visitor had talked with her an hour that she became 
friendly at all. While the family lives in a beautiful home, Mrs. Samuels 
explained that they were not at all wealthy. They have no machine, and 
she is doing her own housework. She tells us that she sent her father $5.00 
for Christmas a few days ago. If you will write her full particulars regarding 
admission into the Old Folks’ Homes of your city, she will be very glad to 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 79 


talk the matter over with her husband, and feels that, by the first of 
February, they will be able to give you a definite reply. 


January 6, 1921.—Visited. The family received no basket for 
Christmas. Mrs. Lewis must go three times a week to Dispensary to 
have eyes treated. Left money for extra transportation and medicine 
for eyes. Visitor from Vocation Bureau for Shut-Ins gave two suits 
of underwear each, and one suit and three shirts for Mr. Lewis. 

January 25, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Lewis received glasses and 
was very much pleased with them. Mr. Lewis has been in bed with 
a cold for two days but is better now and does not wish to have a 
doctor. 

February 18, t921.—Visited. Mrs. Lewis sick in bed. Promised 
visit by Visiting Nurse Association. 

February 23, 1921.—Visited. Visiting Nurse called February 19. 
Dr. J. P. Arnold, who had called at request of visitor, pronounced 
illness bronchitis and nurse found much improvement this morning. 
Mrs. Lewis will make no rug this month as Secretary of League for 
Handicapped had no material for her the first two weeks in the month, 
and she has been too ill to work since. 

Later —Miss Pike called to inquire about Mrs. Lewis’ health. 
Miss Pike will appeal to members of committee and report to Agency 
concerning paying rent. 

April 29, 1921.—Weekly visits have been made. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lewis’ health remains the same. On April 14 Mrs. Lewis had some 
dental work done. Both have said they would be glad to enter an 
old people’s home. Mr. Lewis does not understand his daughter’s 
silence. Thinks she should be pressed further to send money. 

October 11, 1921.—Mrs. Samuels in Family Welfare Agency office 
asking about the present situation of the Lewis’. She said it was out 
of the question to place them in a home in Des Moines. Would like 
to have them placed in a home in Chicago, but could not pay more 
than $300 or $400 for their entrance. Mr. Lewis was never wilfully 
unkind to her mother, but continually failed in investments on the 
stock exchange. After each failure he would disappear for several 
months. Mrs. Samuels finally persuaded her mother to secure a 
divorce, saying she had to choose between them. Mrs. Samuels had 
just met Mrs. Lewis for the first time and was very much pleased with 
her. She thought that after the first of the year Mr. Samuels’ business 
would improve. But Mrs. Samuels says she could save more out of 
her allowance to assist her father. Wants to make donations through 


8 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Welfare Agency. ‘Told her that if the Lewis’ again became dependent, 
the Welfare Agency could not take care of them unless her donations 
covered the expense. Mrs. Samuels thinks she might be able to do 
this and will start saving toward this end. 

July 18, 1923.—Visited. Found Mrs. Lewis, a tall, shibehatnen 
woman with a pale, full face, very pleasant and friendly, working about 
flat, which looks fairly comfortable, even though the furniture and 
rugs are plain and well worn. Mrs. Lewis is feeling well and is only 
bothered by her extreme deafness. Mr. Lewis is always cheerful and 
well enough to go out and sell his forks at least two or three days a 
week, making on the average about $8.00 to $9.00 weekly. Mrs. 
Lewis is still making rugs for the Service League, which furnishes all 
necessary materials except thread. She can make two rugs in three 
months and $7.00 to $8.00 monthly in this way and is able to pay for 
the milk, gas, and small expenses. The rent has been raised to $17 
a month, which Mrs. Lewis feels is rather high for them, but she likes 
their flat because it.is so airy. She says that tall tree on the lot to 
the south of the home is ‘“‘the prettiest one in Chicago.’”? 

Mr. Lewis’ daughter, Mrs. Samuels, gave them $10 last Christ- 
mas, but has given nothing since then. Mrs. Lewis feels that it 


t [The neighborhood in which the Lewis family lives was formerly for the most 
part Scandinavian; but four or five years ago the Poles began to appear in large 
numbers, and now they are probably in the majority at least on the street on which 
their house falls. There are, however, a few Bohemian, Russian, Irish, and German 
families living on the same street. The east side of the neighboring boulevard is 
largely occupied by Jews of various nationalities., Several of the shops on a nearby 
avenue showed Scandinavian names. 

The family lives on the second floor of a neat, brown, two-story frame cottage, 
set back on the west side of a street running north and south. It is (in July, 1923) 
just being painted a light-cream color. A well-kept grass plot, separated from the 
street by an iron fence, extends back to the house, and beds of geraniums and other 
flowers are laid out around the entrance. As there is a small vegetable garden just 
north of the house and a grass-covered lot between the Lewis cottage and the alley 
south of it, there is plenty of open space. The east side of the street opposite the 
house consists of attractive and well-kept two-story frame houses and three-story 
brick flat buildings. The space between the street curb and the sidewalk has been 
planted with grass and shade trees all along the street. A nearby corner is occupied 
by an Evangelical Lutheran church. There is a public park not far away, and the 
boulevard a little to the west of the Lewis’ house is quite attractive with very decent 
residences and modern-looking apartments. Not far away is an avenue largely 
given up to small shops on the first floor of three-story brick flat and office buildings. 
The Catholic church which Mrs. Lewis attends is about three-fourths of a mile 
north and slightly to the west.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 81 


would relieve them greatly if Mrs. Samuels could contribute just a 
few dollars a month from her plenty, for they are barely able to make 
both ends meet. They cannot afford ice, but Mrs. Lewis buys only a 
small amount of food at a time and feels she does not need it except 
for milk and butter.? 

When Mr. Lewis does not feel well enough to sell forks, he goes 
over to the park and sits in the sun. Only on Sundays does Mrs. 
Lewis sometimes accompany him, for she tries to spend all her spare 
time making rugs. Mrs. Lewis cried a little and said she greatly 
appreciated all the Welfare Agency had done for the family. She 
said she was glad to have a call made.? 


4. The Family of Vittold Wojtatiwicz 
(A Polish Metal Worker, Ill with Carcinoma)3 


October 8, 1919 (Wednesday).—Mrs. Wojtatiwicz, an Austrian- 
Polish woman, in office referred by the Polish visitor of the Immi- 
grants’ Protective League. Mr. Wojtatiwicz is incapacitated for 
work, as his hand is in a cast. Was at the County Hospital for 
several days and is to return next Monday (October 13). Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz was employed in a machine shop on Harrison and Racine, 
earning $24 a week. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz is working in a packing-house 
near West and Halsted streets, earning about $13 a week. During 
the time Mr. Wojtatiwicz was in the hospital she left the two chil- 
dren, Irene (born October 8, 1916) and Henry (born August 17, 1918) 


t [Ice tickets were sent the next day.] 


2{Prior to May, 1921, $446.92 had been given the Lewis family, out of which 
$332.14 had come from the general fund of this Agency.] 


3 [This is the first case in the series in which there is a personal application for 
aid and the applicant comes introduced by the Polish visitor of the Immigrants’ 
Protective League. This is an indorsed agency, which was incorporated in 1908 
for the protection of immigrants throughout the city; it takes up matters connected 
with immigration and emigration, and renders assistance in naturalization, irre- 
spective of length of residence in the United States, and does protective case 
work among foreign-born who have been in the United States less than five years. 
It is supported by contributions from private individuals and organizations. Mrs. 
Wojtatiwicz had gone to the League on the first of the month and had given the 
visitor there the facts now related to the interviewer in the office of the Welfare 
Agency, together with the dates of her own and of Mr. Wojtatiwicz’s arrival in the 
United States. She had then been referred to the Welfare Agency. The records 
of the League show that on the tenth of October Mr. Wojtatiwicz sought the aid of 


82 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


with a neighbor, to whom she paid $6.00 a week. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz 
is not well and does not think she can continue working. Family is 
not receiving county supplies. 

They were married January 25, 1916, at Saint Mary’s. Mrs. 
Wojtatiwicz has a brother and an aunt living in the city. [The names 
and addresses of a doctor and three friends and three previous resi- 
dences were obtained as well as the names of two former employers of 
Mr. Wojtatiwicz.]! 

October 13, 1919 (Monday).—Mr. Wojtatiwicz in office, on way to 
the County Hospital. Said he has had rheumatism in his right arm 
for two years. It became so bad that he had to stop work two weeks 
ago. Mr. Wojtatiwicz took out first papers October 10, 1919. He 
worked for the Highland Can Company on Ashland and Fairfax 
streets fora year anda half. He then went to Columbus, Ohio, where 
he worked in a munitions factory. He returned six months ago and 
since then had worked for the Stability Company, 114 Sawyer Street. 
He belonged to the machinists’ union for a few months and then 
dropped it. Had a policy for $500 with the Reliance Insurance Com- 
pany, paying $14 a year, but had to drop this last year, because Mrs. 
Wojtatiwicz and the children had influenza. 

Mr. Wojtatiwicz is very anxious to get light work and asks assis- 
tance in doing so. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz is not well, and the children 
need her attention. 

October 24, 1919.—Visited. Family have lived for three months in 
four-room flat, which is bright and airy, every room being an outside 


the League visitor in taking out his “first papers” and that on the twenty-fourth 
the League visitor called the Welfare Agency to learn what, if anything, had hap- 
pened to the family, and was told that the visitor for that district had been ill 
and no visit had been made until that day. The League registered only on the 
fourteenth, and no other agency was registered on the case until the following month 
when the County Agent (November 14, 1919) and the Infant Welfare Society 
(November 25, 1919) registered.] 


« [The factors in the problem seem to be somewhat as follows: (1) Mr. Wojtati- 
wicz’s illness is being diagnosed by the members of the staff of the Public Medical 
Agency; (2) Mrs. Wojtatiwicz has a job in an “outside” packing-plant where 
many Polish women work. The Welfare Agency has no right to assume that his 
malady will not be properly diagnosed, nor can it undertake to relieve all mothers 
of young children who are earning wages supplementary to those of the husband and 
father. See below, p. 448, Helen R. Wright, Children of Working Mothers (U.S. 
Children’s Bureau Publication No. 102). See also p. 507 for the provision made by 
the Jewish Bureau for Mrs. Meyer.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 83 


room. ‘The home is comfortably and attractively furnished, indicating 
that the family have good standards of living. The rent is $12. 

Mr. Wojtatiwicz came to America eight years ago from Russian 
Poland to avoid army service in Europe. His family were in comfor- 
table circumstances, living in a good-sized town, and Mr. Wojtatiwicz 
had the advantage of good schools. He attended Gymnasium for 
four years and was then apprenticed to a machinist for three years. 
Showed visitor a certificate which stated that he had fully completed 
course as a machinist. Upon coming to America he went into this 
line of work. He was with a machine company at Fulton and Ash- 
land for a number of years. 

Mrs. Wojtatiwicz (Frances Kruszka) comes from Austrian Poland 
(Galicia) and has been in this country for seven years. 

Mr. Wojtatiwicz has felt this condition in his arm coming on for 
about four years. He was bothered with pains occasionally, which 
came every few months and lasted a few days at a time. Later the 
pains became more severe, and Mr. Wojtatiwicz, thinking it was 
rheumatism, took electrical treatments. However, these did not seem 
to do much good. Several months ago his arm began to bother him 
continuously, and when he left his position he was unable to hold a tool 
in his hand. Upon his going to the County Hospital for treatment his 
arm was put into a cast and left there for five weeks, during which 
time the arm continued to swell to such proportions that he was forced 
to take the cast off because of the intense pain which it caused him. He 
asked the advice of Dr. Leedle, 4850 Armstrong Avenue, and he told 
him to have his teeth and tonsils examined, and if the cause of infec- 
tion was not found there, he should have a thorough physical examina- 
tion. When Mr. Wojtatiwicz became unable to work, Mrs. 
Wojtatiwicz immediately set out to earn their living. She is work- 
ing for a packing-house, but Mr. Wojtatiwicz declares the work is 
much too hard for her, as she is forced, to carry large pieces of meat. 
She is earning $13 a week." 

Six weeks ago, when matters began to look very serious, they took 
another family, a young couple with a baby of three months, in with 
them to help pay the rent (half the rent and half the coal and gas). 
During the influenza epidemic last fall the whole family were ill with 
it, and Mr. Wojtatiwicz has been unable to make up what was lost 
during that time. 


t{At this home visit; Mr. Wojtatiwicz is interviewed. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz is at 
work, and he is taking care of the children.] 


84 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Wojtatiwicz said as far as he knows there was no history of 
illness in his family. He has several brothers younger than himself 
who had to serve in the army. He feels his family have probably lost 
much of what they possessed by this time. 

Mr. Wojtatiwicz is a very refined type of Pole and would probably 
be able to develop other possibilities for himself if he should be incapa- 
citated for his own line of work. He is anxious to learn to speak and 
read English, and has been studying by himself. The children were 
attractive youngsters, and looked well cared for. 

October 27, t919.—Mr. Wojtatiwicz in office. Is very much dis- 
satisfied with treatment he has been receiving at County Hospital. 
Gave him card to West Side Free Dispensary. 

October 28, 1919.—Social worker, West Side Free Dispensary, 
telephones that they are keeping Mr. Wojtatiwicz for observation at 
the Knox Hospital. 

Later—Visited. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz has stopped working as she 
is not feeling well.‘ She is a very attractive looking young woman, 
neat in her dress and appearance. She is very much worried about 
her husband’s condition. 

November 3, 1919 (Monday).—Mr. and Mrs. Wojtatiwicz in office. 
Mr. Wojtatiwicz upset as Dr. Sewall recommends amputation of his 
arm. Wants to get another diagnosis. 

November 4, 1919 (Tuesday).—Visited County Hospital and read 
report. Mr. Wojtatiwicz entered hospital September 25, 1919, and 
was discharged October 3, 1919, case diagnosed as periosteitis of right 
elbow. Dr. Farquhar examined Mr. Wojtatiwicz with X-ray. [Dr. 
Farquhar’s diagnosis is omitted.]_ Was in Ward 24. 

Visited Knox Hospital and talked with Dr. Sewall, who says that 
the operation should have been performed six months ago, before 
infection spread. Does not give much hope of recovery for Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz even after having operation performed as the growth has 
spread through the arm. Will be glad to perform operation whenever 
Mr. Wojtatiwicz is ready for it. Diagnosis, sarcoma. 

November 5, 1919.—Mr. Wojtatiwicz in office. Is going to the — 
American Hospital for examination.? 


™(The visitor sees Mrs. Wojtatiwicz for the first time. However, a program 
of relief is entered on shortly after this. See below, p. 92, for total relief given 
family.] . 

2(A third diagnosis is sought in the face of the sentence pronounced by Dr. 


Sewall.] , és 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 85 


November 7, 1919.—Visited previous address, 235 Ashland Avenue.' 
Family lived here about six months. Were reliable type of people, 
Mrs. Wojtatiwicz keeping a clean house and taking excellent care of 
her children. Neighbors complained to landlord that the family were 
proud and considered themselves above everyone else; but landlord 
stated that was due to the fact that the Wojtatiwicz family kept very 
much to themselves, and he did consider them superior in every way 
to the usual type of tenants he had. 

Mrs. Wojtatiwicz and children were always dressed tastefully and 
neatly. When she finished with her work, she usually took her 
two babies and spent the afternoon in the park with them. Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz frequently took care of them on Sunday afternoons, 
allowing his wife to attend the movies, or they would all go together 
for an afternoon and evening in the park. During the summer months 
Mr. Wojtatiwicz sent Mrs. Wojtatiwicz and children to the country 
for two weeks’ vacation, landlord thought to a farm or a summer 
resort, for Mrs. Wojtatiwicz knew no one there. 

The family had a number of friends coming to see them, most of 
whom seemed to be in fairly comfortable circumstances. 

The landlord stated that when the family moved there they were 
known as Kukulski and that all their mail came to them under that 
name. ‘Then about two months after their arrival, Mr. Wojtatiwicz 
gave him a card with his present name on it, stating that mail under 
that name was meant for them also. Landlord thinks they were receiv- 
ing mail under another name also. Does not know reason for this. 
Neighbors all know family as Kukulski, and even landlord failed to 
recognize family when visitor inquired for them under the name 
Wojtatiwicz. 

Mr. Wojtatiwicz always worked regularly, always paid his rent 
regularly, and the family in every way were desirable. 

Talked with neighbor who lived next door, to whom landlord 
directed visitor, as the two families visit one another. She knows 
family under name of Kukulski. ‘They were always quiet, respectable 
type, Mr. and Mrs. Wojtatiwicz usually going out together. Mrs. 
Wojtatiwicz did not mingle with neighbors. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz visited 
this neighbor last week, and told her about condition and the possibili- 
ties of an operation. Has never visited family at present address. 


|The family has lived at present address a very short time. The social investi- 
gation, as distinguished from the medical diagnosis, begins with this visit to the 
former neighborhood. On the subject of visits to former neighbors, see Mary E. 
RicHgond, Social Diagnosis, p. 274; Amelia Sears, Charity Visitor (4th ed.), p. 8. 


86 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


November to, 1919 (Monday).—Mr. Wojtatiwicz in office. Feels 
that he is ready for amputation if that is necessary. 

November 11, 1919.—Telephoned Dr. Macllveen, American Hos- 
pital. Gave diagnosis as sarcoma, and amputation is necessary. 

Later.—Visited Joe Krusza, brother of Mrs. Wojtatiwicz. Mrs. 
Wojtatiwicz came to United States about seven years ago. After 
living here a short time, she sent for her brother. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz 
worked in a packing-plant, previous to her marriage, so it was not 
hard for her to secure a position when Mr. Wojtatiwicz became ill. 

Mr. Krusza became acquainted with Mr. Wojtatiwicz about a 
year before Mrs. Wojtatiwicz married him. Mr. Wojtatiwicz was 
always a steady worker, and a man of good habits. 

About a year or two ago Mr. Wojtatiwicz met with an accident 
while working for the Highland Can Company. Was hit by a beam 
which swung from the polishing machines. ‘This made his whole right 
arm black and blue. First aid was given him at the shop, but Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz never had any medical attention for it and though it was 
bruised, he never paid any attention toit. Mr. Krusza thinks trouble 
originated from this bruise. 

Mr. Krusza saw Mr. Wojtatiwicz on the Saturday previous, and 
was aware of the condition in the family. Mr. Wojtatiwicz has no 
relatives in America; Mr. Krusza and Mrs. Wojtatiwicz have an 
aunt living on Joseph Street. 

Mr. Krusza was a fine-looking young man of about twenty-four 
or five years of age. Does not appear to be of such a high type of 
Pole as Mr. Wojtatiwicz and probably does not have such high stand- 
ards of living. His wife appears to be of the peasant type. Was 
very neatly dressed and her home was extremely clean. They have 
two small children, the oldest probably of about three years of age; 
the baby is not able to walk. Mrs. Krusza is pregnant. 

Mr. Krusza is employed in a packing-plant. Does not feel he can 
do anything for family at present. They need special care for their 
own baby, but he is planning to keep in very close touch with the 
family. ‘The Kruszas live in a rather poor neighborhood back of the 
Yards, the street needing paving and in a filthy condition. The houses 
on the street were old and rather ramshackle, although the cottage 
that the Kruszas occupy was neat and well taken care of. 

Later.—Visited previous address, Racine and Groveland avenues. 
Family lived here a year or more. Mr. Wojtatiwicz rented flat, and 
Mrs. Wojtatiwicz came to live with him. Was married while here. 


‘(This aunt was never visited. See later entry, December 22, 1920]. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 87 


Mr. Wojtatiwicz worked steadily, stayed at home nights with his 
wife, although landlord knew him to be of socialistic tendencies. Left 
his position here to go to Columbus, Ohio, but the landlord knew 
they did not remain there for a long period of time. After they 
returned to Chicago, the landlord heard the family were living under 
an assumed name in order to evade paying debts. Several collectors 
called upon him after the family moved away, among them a col- 
lector from Schmidt’s on Halsted Street, who claimed that family 
still owed for some furniture. Mr. Wojtatiwicz always paid rent 
promptly. 

Landlord stated that they were a quiet couple who minded their 
own business and who did not mingle much with the neighbors. The 
house was always clean and neat and in fact the couple were quite 
superior to the average tenant. Thought that Mr. Wojtatiwicz 
belonged to Polish National Alliance. 

Visited office of Polish National Alliance. Mr. Wojtatiwicz had 
been a member of society, joining November, 1913, and dropping 
April, 1914, policy for $1,000. 

Later—Visited Saint Mary’s Church and verified marriage of 
Vittold Wojtatiwicz to Frances Krusza, January 25, 1916. Witnesses 
were Joseph Krusza and Julia Dombrowski. 

Later —Read County Agent record. Have nothing new except 
that Mr. Wojtatiwicz was discharged from Highland Can Company 
for instigating a strike. 

November 12, t919.—Sécured work record of Mr. Wojtatiwicz as 
follows: 


Security Machine Company. Worked there over a year, leaving Jan- 
uary 29,1917. They do not know why he left unless it was to receive higher 
wages elsewhere. No complaint against him. Home address while there 
was Racine and Groveland. 

Highland Can Company. Worked from January 30, 1917, to July 10, 
1918, earning about $24 a week. ' No complaint of his work, but he was dis- 
charged because he was inciting the men to strike. Factory is ‘open shop,” 
and they did nct care to have the agitating type of workman. Home address 
while there 18 Noble Street. 

Stability Company. Worked here from February 14, rg19, until a few 
weeks ago. Gave satisfaction. Home address while there, 235 Ashland 
_ Avenue. 


November 14, t919.—Telephoned Knox Hospital. Dr. Sewall is 
willing to perform operation as soon as Mr. Wojtatiwicz cares to return 
to hospital. 


88 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


November 21, t919.—Mrs. Wojtatiwicz in office. Mr. Wojtatiwicz 
is to be discharged from hospital. 

November 22, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Wojtatiwics wishes further 
care for Mr. Wojtatiwicz as he is run down physically 

Later—Telephoned social service worker at hospital. Will 
arrange for Mr. Wojtatiwicz to go to Convalescent Home for a few 
weeks’ rest before returning home. 

December 5, 1919.—Visited. Mr. Wojtatiwicz is very anxious to 
do some work. He is learning to write with his left hand and is doing 
well. Mr. Wojtatiwicz had a letter from his mother, telling him that 
his brother who was in the army was killed sometime in May.‘ His 
father, who at one time employed about a hundred people, has lost 
everything during the war. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz wrote that at times her 
husband’s mind is unbalanced. He is always talking about money, 
making contracts, etc. Mr. Wojtatiwicz showed visitor photographs 
of his family. His mother is an attractive-looking woman. Her 
clothes and those of her daughter were fashionably made. ‘The 
daughter has married this last year. Judging from their appearance 
they were in comfortable circumstances. 

Mr. Wojtatiwicz has one brother, who is about eleven years old. 
Three brothers have died, one being killed during the war and one 
drowned. 

Mr. Wojtatiwicz said that when he went to live in Columbus, 
Ohio, he was earning $65 a week. He bought a house, paying $200 
down. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz did not want to live there as they had no 
friends. She thought they might return to Poland some day, and 
the property would be a burden to them. On their return to Chicago, 
the family had influenza and used their entire savings. Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz could not keep up with the insurance so he stopped pay- 
ment. Mr. Wojtatiwicz said he was disgusted and burned the policy 
and the papers he had from the property in Columbus, Ohio.? 

December 16, 1919.—Milk continued from December 16 to Janu- 
ary 16. 

December 19, 1919.—Infant Welfare Society reports Mrs. Wojtati- 
wicz brought Henry to clinic November 20. She should report twice 
a month. Child is about 4 pounds underweight. 

‘(This was the moment when from various war-stricken areas letters were 


coming to residents in crowded city quarters. The long period of anxious and fear- - 
ful uncertainty was being penetrated by brief and often tragic statements of fact.] 


[This statement was never pursued by the Agency, the Probate Court, or the 
Juvenile Court.] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 89 


January 30, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Wojtatiwicz has been attending 
the School of Occupations" since January 19. Telephoned and learned 
that Mr. Wojtatiwicz comes regularly and is very bright. He has 
been given letters .to write so they may be able to judge as to his capa- 
bility; is able to write with his left hand. Mr. Wojtatiwicz is quite 
anxious to return to work. Both Henry and Irene had bad colds 
and grippe; case was reported to Miss Spencer, Visiting Nurse Asso- 
ciation. 

February 27, 1920.2—Visited Mr. Ploskonka, a Polish friend of 
Mr. Wojtatiwicz, who is employed in the Highland Company Shops. 
Mr. Ploskonka does not know of any accident which Mr. Wojtati- 
wicz met with while he was employed by the Highland Can Company 
and he feels that Mr. Wojtatiwicz would not be able to secure any 
compensation. Mr. Wojtatiwicz had been out to see Mr. Ploskonka 
about the accident which he claims he met with, but Mr. Wojtatiwicz 
was unable to give Mr. Ploskonka any witnesses toit. Mr. Ploskonka 
stated that Mr. Wojtatiwicz was a fine type of workman and the 
Highland Can people would have no objection to taking him back if 
he had not become involved in union troubles. Mr. Wojtatiwicz 
endeavored to unionize the shop. Mr. Ploskonka suggested that Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz might secure work as a tool keeper and suggested that 
visitor get in touch with the Metal Workers’ Association. 

April 29, 1920.—Mr. Wojtatiwicz ill with pleurisy; case referred 
to county doctor and Miss Spencer, of Visiting Nurse Association. 

March 22, 1920.—Miss Cannon, Visiting Nurse, reports that 
Dr. Spray suspects carcinoma of the chest and advises County 
Hospital. 

May 6, 1920.—Telephoned. Infant Welfare Society. Mrs. 
Wojtatiwicz has not brought the children to the station for over three 
months. Case has been dismissed. 

May 26, 1920.—Letter received from social service worker, Knox 
Hospital, saying that it had been definitely ascertained that Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz now has carcinoma of both lungs. 

June 30, 1920.—Mr. Wojtatiwicz has been quite ill during the 
month. Dr. Spray, county doctor, has been visiting him about once 
a week. He says there is nothing that can be done for him except to 
give him an opiate to relieve pain. Mr. Wojtatiwicz will not consider 
going back to this hospital. Visiting Nurse has been calling about 


t [This school was maintained by the Society for Mental Hygiene.] 
2 |The possibility of industrial compensation now suggests itself again.] 


go FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


twice a week. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz appears to be making quite an 
effort to keep up, as she realizes the seriousness of her husband’s 
condition. 

July 31, 1920—Mr. Wojtatiwicz died July 23. He had been 
having hemorrhages for several weeks previous to his death. 

Made arrangements with the National Bohemian Cemetery for 
free grave; also, with the Southern Undertaking Company. 

The family seem to have very few friends, about eleven people 
attending the funeral. 

August 23, 1920.—On August 11 visited Mr. Palas, friend of Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz. He is a machinist, and became acquainted with Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz about seven years ago. He comes from the same town 
as Mr. Wojtatiwicz and has known of the family all his life. At one 
time the family were in comfortable circumstances, but now he thinks 
they have lost almost everything they had since the war. Mr. 
Wojtatiwicz’s father died about the time Mr. Wojtatiwicz was in the 
hospital last fall. One brother was killed during the war, and a 
younger brother was drowned several months ago. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz 
has written Mr. Palas asking for help, and it was a source of dis- 
appointment to Mr. Palas that he was unable to do anything for her. 
Mr. Palas lived with Mr. Wojtatiwicz for some months previous to 
Mr. Wojtatiwicz’s marriage, and both men worked in the same 
machine shop. About four years ago, Mr. Palas started in business 
for himself with a friend, but they were unable to make the shop pay, 
and he has since been working for a private concern. His wife is also 
working in a tailor shop, helping him pay off their debts. 

The Wojtatiwicz family have had considerable trouble from the 
time they were married. Mr. Wojtatiwicz was ill a number of times, 
and during the influenza epidemic the whole family were sick. Mr. 
Palas also stated that Mr. Wojtatiwicz had had trouble with his arm 
for a number of years before he started treating it, thinking it was 
rheumatism. 

Mr. and Mrs. Palas took a collection among friends and bought 
Mrs. Wojtatiwicz a black dress, and they feel they are unable to do 
anything further toward assisting the family. However, they hope 
that Mrs. Wojtatiwicz will always remain near them so that they may 
keep in touch with her. Since Mr. Wojtatiwicz’s death they have been 
spending considerable time there. The Palas home was quite attrac- 
tively furnished, and both Mr. and Mrs. Palas are intelligent, refined 
people. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES gI 


Mrs. Wojtatiwicz has been unable to remain in her present 
quarters, and when Mr. and Mrs. Palas have not spent the night with 
her, she has gone to her brother on the South Side. She is taking the 
children to the Infant Welfare Society regularly. 

August 26, 1920.—Mrs. Wojtatiwicz and children sent for outing. 
Slips signed by Dr. Small. 

September 30, 1920.—Accompanied Mrs. Wojtatiwicz to Superior 
Court on September 13, where she applied for first papers;? also filed 
application for Juvenile Court pension. An aunt of Mrs. Wojtatiwicz 
is living with her. She works in a restaurant where she receives her 
three meals a day. She pays Mrs. Wojtatiwicz $3.00 a month for 
room; Mrs. Wojtatiwicz does not provide her with meals. 

October 11, 1920.—Juvenile Probation officer in office to read 
record. 

October 25, 1920.—Visited Juvenile Court and read their record. 
There is nothing on record but what Welfare Agency has with the 
exception of doctor’s report, which states that Mrs. Wojtatiwicz is 
not a very strong-looking woman; weighs 113 pounds. She has a 
small goiter, which, however, is not causing any symptoms. Recom- 
mends that she do no work besides taking care of her home and children 
unless it is some light work she could do in her own home. 

November 29, 1920.—On November 14, 1920, a pension of $25 per 
month was granted Mrs. Wojtatiwicz. Mrs. Wojtatiwicz has been 
having considerable trouble with her eyes. Accompanied her to West 
Side Free Dispensary for examination. No findings. Normal vision. 

Mrs. Wojtatiwicz is not taking Henry to the Infant Welfare Sta- 
tion as he is past two years old. Gave Mrs. Wojtatiwicz a bundle of 
clothing from donation. 

December 22, 1920.—Mrs. Wojtatiwicz’s aunt, who is a woman of 
about forty years of age, has not been working for several weeks, and 
she does not seem to be very anxious to secure another position. She 
has been in this country about twelve years and has always done 
restaurant work. During January of 1918, she caught a very heavy 
cold, walking to work, as the cars were not running because of a heavy 
snowstorm, and since that time she has not felt well, and rarely works 


t[Mrs. Wojtatiwicz might have proceeded on the basis of her husband’s papers 
since a widow may become naturalized by completing her husband’s interrupted 
application. However, the court usually preferred to have an applicant take out 
new papers in her own name probably to give her a longer period in which to prepare 
for citizenship.] 


Q2 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


during the winter time. Gave her a card to Employment Agency, for 
employment. 

[In addition to $532.32 from the general funds of the Welfare 
Agency, $364.58 was raised especially for the Wojtatiwicz family, 
making a total of $896.90 used for the family from October, 1919, 
through January, 1921.3] 


5. The Family of Solomon Isenberg 


(A Jewish Painter for Whose Family of Ten Resort Is Had to the 
Medical Resources Especially Provided for the Purpose 
of Securing a Thorough Diagnosis) 


[As appears from the diagnostic letter of December 26, 1922, this 
family, which had been known to the Jewish Welfare Bureau inter- 
mittently since 1911, was composed of the father, Solomon, born in 
Roumania in 1877; the mother, an Austrian, born in 1888; Martha, a 
daughter by an earlier marriage, born in 1902; Rachel (born October 13, 
1909); Sarah (born October 8, 1910); Jacob (born October 19, 1911); 
Ben (born July 20, 1914); Dora (born April 23, 1916); Margaret (born 
February 23, 1918); David (born August 12, 1920); and Joseph 
(born January 2, 1922). One child between Jacob and Ben was 
known to have died. Mr. Isenberg has four brothers and two sisters; 
Mrs. Isenberg has two brothers. The story of the earlier experiences 
of the Bureau with the family appears sufficiently in the letters that 
make up part of the later record.| 

December 25, 1922.—Worker learned on this day that Mr. Isenberg 
was to go to the Diagnostic Clinic. (Due to a misunderstanding 
was not informed about this before.) ; 

Later.—House visit. Found out the following facts about the 
Isenberg family. [The facts learned are recorded in the following 
letter to the Diagnostic Clinic, written December 26, 1922.] 


Jewish Welfare Bureau problem.—The Isenberg family have been known 
to this organization since February 11, 1911, when Mr. Isenberg went to 
Duluth to secure work. During our contact with the family there has 
always been the question of intermittent financial assistance; and since 


™(The records of the Juvenile Court show Mrs. Wojtatiwicz completed her 
preparations for her second papers, that she supplemented her pension of $25 by 
cleaning at the office of the Welfare Agency until her pension was increased from 
$25 to $40 and that on June 15, 1922, the pension was stayed because she married. 
She is reported as being established in a comfortable and well-furnished apartment. ] 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 93 


Mr. Isenberg returned from the Hospital for Tuberculosis Patients, the 
Jewish Welfare Bureau has been granting all necessary funds for the mainte- 
nance of the family. According to our records, Mr. Isenberg has never 
held a steady position. At present he insists that he cannot work as a 
painter because the wielding of the brush, the odor of the paint, etc., are 
all injurious to his health. There also seems to be the question of adjustment 
in the entire family due to the behavior problem of the children. 

Parental history.—Mr. Isenberg’s father died at the age of fifty-three, 
after an operation performed on his tongue because of an infection due to its 
having been pierced with a fish bone. The mother, aged seventy-three 
years, is still Jiving in Duluth. She has never had any illness, and according 
to Mr. Isenberg’s statement, is very strong physically. All the other 
members of his family are well with the exception of one sister, who has 
cardiac complications. Mr. Isenberg’s father was a manager in a lumber 
yard, and apparently the family were in comfortable circumstances. 
Neither the father nor the mother had very much education. The mother 
is absolutely illiterate. The father was not orthodox in his religious 
tendencies, but the mother adheres strictly to all Hebraic beliefs. According 
to statements given us, the father exerted his efforts toward alleviating the 
conditions of the poor members of the community in which the family 
then lived. The social life seemed to be congenial and pleasant. 

Background history—Mr. Isenberg was born in Galatz, Roumania, in 
1877. His parents gave him every possible chance to study, but he was 
never willing nor anxious to take advantage of their wishes. He attended 
school daily in Roumania but only made six or seven classes. A private 
teacher came into the home and Mr. Isenberg was taught Hebrew, Yiddish, 
and a little German. However, there was always a tendency on his part 
to be a very negligent student due to lack of interest. His father, seeing 
that his son did not make rapid progress in his studies, insisted that he be 
taught a trade and be put to work. He was taught to be a blacksmith 
and worked in this capacity until he left for America. He married his 
first wife in Roumania. Mr. Isenberg came to the United States when he 
was twenty-three years old directly after having served three years in the 
Roumanian Army. He landed in New York but was sent from that city 
by the Immigrant Aid Society to a small town in Colorado, where his wife 
later joined him. In view of the fact that only one Jewish family lived in 
that town he moved to Davenport, Iowa, where Martha, the oldest child, 
was born. The family came to Chicago in 1902, where his wife and two 
younger children died. He soon after married again. There are eight 
children as the result of this marriage. Mr. Isenberg left Roumania simply 
because he felt that greater possibilities awaited him here. 

Occupational history—When Mr. Isenberg went to Colorado, he tried 
to work at his own trade as blacksmith but felt that it was too difficult for 
him and gave it up. He claims that he worked very hard and attempted 


04 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


anything that happened to come his way. At one time he carried bricks 
and assisted generally in construction work. He then learned to become 
a painter and apparently mastered the trade well. During the dull season 
however, he would become a fruit-and-vegetable peddler. At present he is 
working with his brother-in-law as a junk dealer, but he insists that he 
cannot do this steadily because he cannot lift the heavy articles. 

Medical history—Mr. Isenberg was admitted to Zion Hospital on 
October 15, 1921, and was discharged November 5, 1921. He was sent to 
the Hospital for Tuberculosis Patients. The diagnosis was pleurisy with 
effusion, probably tuberculosis. He was discharged about two weeks later 
and again admitted to Zion Hospital because of an attack of appendicitis. 
He left the hospital December 4, 1921, with the same diagnosis. At that 
time his condition was reported as fair and he was to go back to the Hospital 
for Tuberculosis Patients whenever there was a vacancy, which occurred 
December 19, 1921, when he did return. The diagnosis at that time was 
pleurisy with effusion, incarcerated epigastric hernia. The abdominal 
condition was not considered serious. He was discharged from the Hospital 
for Tuberculosis Patients in March of that year on account of gross dis- 
obedience and insolence. ‘There was also a statement to the effect that the 
patient’s condition was good and that he could be cared for at home. On 
March 3, 1922, aVion Dispensary report stated that Mr. Isenberg was able 
to work from four to eight hours a day at anything that was not severe 
physical labor. We also received another report on June 16 to the effect 
that he could work at the painting trade for a full day as his general condition 
was good. In July he was receiving treatment at the Gastro-intestinal 
Clinic. The recommendation again stated that he was able to work. 

Social condition.—From Mrs. Isenberg’s statements, we get the impres- 
sion that their relationship is a very happy and congenial one. She speaks 
very highly of Mr. Isenberg and states that before his illness he always 
tried to make a living for his family. She also says that he is an extremely 
unselfish man and one who is concerned in the interests of others. He is 
very fond of his children. The family occupy a six-room flat, which is 
well furnished and clean. ‘The oldest daughter, Martha, has never lived 
with the family because she cannot tolerate her stepmother. _ 

Jewish Welfare Bureau experience——During our experience with the 
family we have found Mrs. Isenberg to be very co-operative. Mr. Isenberg 
on several occasions displayed violent outbursts of temper, and at first it 
was rather difficult for us to impress upon him the necessity of regular 
attendance at the Dispensary. Mr. Isenberg has never taken any job 
offered him by our Employment Bureau because he stated that he could 
not do any hard work. He is constantly insisting that he cannot engage 
in any hard labor regardless of recommendations repeatedly given us. 
We discovered that at present he is assisting his brother-in-law and is earning 
on the average of $8.00 a week. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 95 


January I, 1923.—House visit. Found Mr. Isenberg at home. 
He said that he had caught a very heavy cold (which was apparent) 
and it was impossible for him to go out. He is very much discouraged 
about going to the Dispensary as he does not feel that he is getting 
anywhere. However, he stated that he would certainly attend the 
day that was planned for him, January 17. 

January 17, 1923.—Telephone call received that Mr. Isenberg 
had not kept the appointment made for him at the doctor’s office. 

Later.—House visit. Worker called to see what was the matter. 
Mrs. Isenberg stated that her husband did go and cannot understand 
what happened. 

Later.—Mr. Isenberg telephoned. Stated that he had kept the 
appointment, but when he came at the office he was told that another 
appointment had been made for him due to the fact that his record 
had not been mailed to the physician. Another appointment was 
made for January 24. 

February 6, 1923.—House visit. Learned that Mr. Isenberg had 
not kept the appointment made for him January 24. Mrs. Isenberg 
said that he had been very ill for the past week and one-half and had 
a county doctor visit him regularly and a visiting nurse, and that Mrs. 
Isenberg had gone to the Dispensary on the morning when the appoint- 
ment was due, and explained at the office that Mr. Isenberg was too sick 
to come in the afternoon. She had been told that her message would 
be delivered to the doctor. Left a message advising Mr. Isenberg 
to report to the Dispensary on the afternoon of February 17. Sarah 
is still not attending the Dispensary regularly. Worker told her that 
an appointment would be made for her and if she did not attend 
worker would come and take her out of school and take her to the 
Dispensary. She looked rather thin and undernourished. Rachel 
is attending school regularly and states that she is getting along very 
well. 

The other children, with the exception of Rachel, were all in good 
physical condition. She had a very heavy cold. Worker explained 
to Mr. Isenberg that he must absolutely attend the clinic and told 
him that he is going through the Diagnostic Clinic, which is a very 
fine thing for him and we would know just what his ailment was. 
He said that he understood all these things and would certainly 
_attend the appointment that was made for him. Mr. Isenberg had 
his first papers taken out December 28, 1921. He was married 
February 23, 1909. David must have his tonsils and adenoids 


06 . FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


taken out, and Mrs. Isenberg said that she will attend ‘to this in the 
early spring. 

February 7, 1923.—Background history sent re Mrs. Rosa Isenberg. 

February 12, 1923.—House visit. Worker called to be sure and 
let Mr. Isenberg know that he should attend the Dispensary on the 
afternoon of February 13. He promised to attend. He said that he 
had not been working at all for the past three weeks on account of ' 
very bad weather and also because he had been very sick. Four of 
the children are in need of shoes. Mrs. Isenberg stated that neither 
Sarah nor Rachel is attending clinic. She said that Sarah will abso- 
lutely not go. Furthermore, she has received no notice at all from 
the Dispensary. Worker stated that she will call up the Dispensary 
and get appointment for the children and that she herself would 
probably find it necessary to come and take them to the Dispensary 
as we would like to know whether or not we can be of any assistance 
in clearing up their defects. 

Rachel has been promoted to the low seventh grade, Room 103. 
Attends from eight to twelve. Sarah is still in the low sixth grade, 
Room 502. Jacob is in high sixth, Room 230, regular time. Ben- 
is in high third, Room 220, regular time. Dora is in high first, Room 
120, regular time. Mrs. Isenberg said that she does not know what 
to do with Sarah as the latter does not eat very much and looks very 
thin. Worker again advised her that it was up to her to see that Sarah 
attends the Dispensary and that she takes her medicine when it was 
prescribed for her. 

February 16, 1923.—Received a telephone message from Dis- 
pensary stating that Dora and Rachel and Sarah should come to the 
Pediatric Clinic any morning during the week. 

February 19, 1923.—Called. Worker explained that the doctors 
thought it was very advisable for Mr. Isenberg to get work and that 
we would see to it that it would be work which would not be injurious 
to his health. Also explained the budget to Mr. Isenberg and stated 
that now we were able to gauge the exact amount of money which 
he would be earning, and that we would have to figure it in on our 
budget. Mr. Isenberg stated that he is very anxious to go to work 
and will do his very best to get a position. He also said that he would 
be more than anxious if he could get a horse and wagon in the spring- 
time and go peddling with fruit. He said that he knows where to 
buy fruits, what markets to go to, and in what neighborhood to peddle. 
When he was able to peddle in former years, he used to earn sometimes 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 97 


about $10 a day. He feels very confident that he could make a living 
for his family if he were able to peddle. At present, worker told 
him that he must take a position which Free Employment Agency 
would try to get for him. No promises were made as far as the 
peddling idea was concerned. He is very anxious to earn a living 
for his family so that he would not have to depend upon Welfare 
Bureau as it hurts his pride to have to come to the Bureau. Also 
told Mrs. Isenberg to be sure to have Dora, Rachel, and Sarah go to 
the Pediatric Clinic on the morning of February 20, and if necessary 
they would have to stay away from school and attend the clinic. 

Later.—Took-Mr. Tsenberg to the Free Employment Bureau and 
spoke to the director. Told her that although we had not received 
a written recommendation of the Diagnostic Group, we understood 
that Mr. Isenberg is able to do some light work. The director, 
Miss Desenberg, spoke to Mr. Isenberg and advised him that he must 
come regularly so that she could constantly be on the lookout for 
something for him. He promised to do this. It seemed to worker 
that Mr. Isenberg was sincere in his efforts and his statements that 
he wanted to go to work. He seemed less excitable than usual and 
was more anxious and willing to listen to reason. 

February 21, 1923.—Report received from the Diagnostic Clinic. 
Complaints [omitted].—Dziagnosis: Chronic pleuritis, left side with 
adhesion, chronic myocarditis (inflammation of the cardiac muscular 
tissues), chronic pulmonary tuberculosis. The Group decided that 
the patient is 50 per cent incapacitated. It is safe for him to do any- 
thing he wants to do now. Sooner or later he will have trouble. 
There is no physical objection to his returning to his own trade. 
He may also peddle if he likes to. He may do a full day’s work at a 
light occupation or half-day at somewhat harder work. He was 
referred to the Medical Clinic for building up. 

February 23, 1923.—Letter received from the Dispensary re 
Rachel and Sarah to the following effect: ‘‘The above children were 
examined in Children’s Clinic on February 20, 1923. Both, because 
of enlarged thyroid, are asked to come regularly to a special thyroid 
clinic, the next appointment on Friday, March 2, at 9:00 A.M. The 
children have been instructed to return.”’ 

Later—House visit. Mrs. Isenberg complained that the chil- 
dren’s shoes were all torn. Worker advised that the children should 
go to the County Agent and gave her the address and instructions 
for same. 


98 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Isenberg stated that he has gone to the Free Employment 
Bureau, but had not been given any work as yet. Spoke to Rachel 
and Sarah and told them that they would absolutely have to attend 
the Dispensary regularly whenever they were sent for and that they 
must never slip up on this for any reason whatsoever. 

Mrs. Isenberg stated that she would see that the children attended 
the Dispensary regularly. She also said that she has no clothes for 
them and asked whether the Welfare Bureau could not give her some. 
All the other children seem to be in good physical condition. There 
are no complaints from any of them, except Joseph, who has a very 
bad cold, and Mrs. Isenberg feels he has adenoids and she is going to 
take him to the Dispensary for examination. 

Later. —Called Free Employment Bureau and was told that Mr. 
Isenberg had appeared in office; that he had been given a job but had 
refused to accept it. The reason for this not known. 

February 26, 1923.—Telephoned Miss Desenberg and asked 
whether Mr. Isenberg had reported that day. Was told that he had 
and would come upstairs to see worker. 

Later —Mr. Isenberg in office. Worker noticed that his left hand 
is very badly infected, and he said that he had to go to the Dispensary 
to have it taken care of. He said that he had been referred to a 
position, which was very easy as far as the work was concerned, as it 
simply consisted in pressing neckties, but he did not feel he could do 
this because the steam was constantly in his face and he started to 
work but coughed incessantly and he felt that he could not continue 
it. He said that he wished to go peddling again with his brother-in- 
law, Mr. Hecht. 

March t, 1923.—Background history sent for both Rachel and 
Sarah. 

March 2, 1923.—House visit. Mrs. Isenberg said that her husband 
had just gone out, but that he had not done anything for the entire 
week as he had to go to the Dispensary for treatments for his hand 
and that it was getting very much better. Mrs. Isenberg then 
stated that her husband wished to go peddling with her brother 
again. Told Mrs. Isenberg that we would have to see Mr. Hecht 
and Mr. Isenberg and talk with them together, if possible, so that 
we can have a clear understanding of what Mr. Isenberg felt would 
be best with this work. Made an appointment for Mr. Isenberg to 
come in the office on the morning of March 5 or March 6 at 10:00. 
Mrs. Isenberg is attending the Dispensary regularly. Both Sarah 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 99 


and Rachel had gone to the Dispensary this morning to the Thyroid 
Clinic. 

Later.—Sarah came home and said that she had to report to the 
Nutrition Clinic March 3. Mrs. Isenberg said that she is having quite 
a lot of trouble with Sarah as she is very cross, does not eat what is 
given her, and seems to be very thin and anemic. Ben and Jacob 
came home from school and ate their lunch. Mrs. Isenberg said that 
she has no trouble with the other children and is only worried about 


March 5, 1923.—Office interview with Mr. Hecht and Mr. Isenberg. 
Mr. Hecht stated that he is a peddler by trade. Peddles either with 
fruit, if he can get it at the market, or with junk. He said that Mr. 
Isenberg has not been working steadily and, in fact, is not able to do 
so as he very frequently becomes tired and cannot do any work at all. 
In fact, it is practically impossible for him to do any heavy lifting of 
any articles. He said that he has been paying Mr. Isenberg $9.00 
a week and he guaranteed this much. Worker asked how much he 
would have to pay a regular helper, and he said no more than $5.00 a 
week and he would do more work than Mr. Isenberg is able to do. 
He said he really does not need Mr. Isenberg as his business is not so 
large as to demand a helper. He clears on the average of $35 a week, 
pays $10 a week for his horse and wagon, and aside from the money 
he pays Mr. Isenberg he earns $35 a week. He said that it is impossi- 
ble for him to give him any more as he feels he is giving him more than 
he can afford right now. Mr. Isenberg then said that it was not 
possible for him to work in a factory. He has never worked indoors 
and he knows that he cannot stand it. He is more willing to work 
outside. Mr. Hecht said that he would guarantee him a steady job, 
provided that he himself is physically able to work. Mr. Isenberg 
said that if he could get work in some other line he would do so, but 
he feels that this is the best thing for him for he is out-of-doors and 
as he is working for his brother-in-law he does not have to work very 
hard. It was absolutely impossible for him to work in the factory 
pressing neckties. He said further that if he would be given a job 
for $15, he would certainly spend the difference on carfare and lunches, 
and at his present job he has no carfare as his brother-in-law calls 
for him every morning with the wagon and his lunches do not amount 
to very much. Mr. Hecht refused to leave the address of his home as 
he did not wish any investigation made there. He did say, however, 
. that he had his livery stable on Racine and Sixteenth. 


I0o FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


March 13, 1923.—Following letter received from the Dispensary 
re Mrs. Isenberg: 

The above patient is under treatment in our Ear, Nose, and Throat 
Clinic. She should report weekly for treatment. Two weeks elapsed 
between the last two treatments. Mrs. Isenberg said that she cannot 
come every week. She is to have a special examination of the throat, for 
which she must go to the hospital. We have placed her on our hospital 
waiting list and will notify you when we have a bed for her. Mrs. Isenberg 
reported to the Dental Clinic February 19. It is impossible for the doctor 
to examine her carefully because of the condition of patient’s mouth. 
She was instructed to brush her teeth three times daily and return February 
27. This she failed to do. May we ask you to notify patient to come to 
Dental Clinic Monday, March 19, at 9:00. After Mrs. Isenberg has this 
special test done we will make an appointment for her to report to Medical 
Clinic. We cannot answer your background history until she is again 
examined in that clinic. We shall hold the background history until that 
time. 


March 19, 1923.—House visit. Explained to Mrs. Isenberg why 
the budget had been reduced, namely, that we were sure that Mr. 
Isenberg was earning $9.00 a week and we had to take this into 
consideration. Mrs. Isenberg said that it is very hard for her to get 
along on the money that we send, considering that there is a household 
of children. She needs clothing for the Passover. Worker noticed 
that at every visit the children were clean, but that their clothing was 
very badly torn. Mr. Isenberg absolutely cannot work indoors as he 
starts to cough immediately. He is very anxious, if possible, to geta 
horse and wagon so that he can go peddling. Worker explained to 
him that this is very difficult, too, and more difficult than he thought, 
in view of the fact that he had to advertise his wares and lift heavy 
things. He says he realizes this, but it is in the open and he is sure he 
will be able to do well. He is not very satisfied to be with his brother- 
in-law and he feels that he could make much more if he were by 
himself and he has the constant idea that his brother-in-law is doing 
more for him than he can do. He said that he has not been feeling 
well recently and has been going to the Dispensary. Mr. Isenberg 
stated absolutely that he could not return to his painting as he could 
not even bear the smell of paint. He immediately starts to cough. 
Then spoke to Mrs. Isenberg about the necessity of her going to the 
hospital for observation. Mrs. Isenberg stated that she is very 
anxious to go but cannot go before the holidays and will make arrange- 
ments to do same after the holidays. She is also looking for rooms 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES IOI 


as she has to vacate her flat in May, but she says it is very hard for 
her to get anything at all. 

March 21, 1923.—Background history for Sarah and Rachel 
received. Following findings: | 

Sarah: Throat inflamed; teeth O.K. Other findings negative. 
Thyroid decreasing. Recommendation—Referred . to Nutrition Clinic 
which patient attended 3-10-23. To return 4-4-23 to Nutrition. She is 
to return to Thyroid Clinic 4-6-23. 

Rachel: Waboratory findings: 1 carious tooth; slightly inflamed 
tonsils, lungs and heart negative. Recommendation—Referred to Dental 
3-22-23 1:00 P.M. Medication prescribed. To return to Thyroid 4-6-23. 


March 27, 1923.—House visit. Worker had learned on the morn- 
ing of that day that Miss Desenberg, director of the Free Employment 
Bureau, had a position which would probably be a good one for Mr. 
Isenberg since it was out-of-doors and the work was easy. ‘Therefore 
went to advise him that he come to the office on the morning of 
March 28. Mr. Isenberg was not at home, but worker left a message 
with Mrs. Isenberg. Mrs. Isenberg told worker that she is looking for 
rooms as she was told that she must vacate the flat, but it is hard to get 
rooms in the neighborhood. A card had also been received for the 
family to come for clothing on the afternoon of March 26. Sarah is 
attending the Dispensary regularly and so is Rachel. Mrs. Isenberg 
again stated that it was absolutely impossible for her to manage on the 
money which she receives and her husband is very anxious to go 
peddling. Told Mrs. Isenberg that if Mr. Isenberg would come and 
show us what he could do in taking a regular position, we might then 
be able to consider something else, but not before, nor could we 
make any definite promises at present. All the younger children seem 
to be in good physical condition. According to Mrs. Isenberg they 
are not complaining of any illnesses. Sarah and Rachel were helping 
their mother clean the house for Passover. 

March 29, 1923.—Learned from Miss Desenberg that Mr. Isenberg 
had not reported for the position March 28. 

April 2, 1923.—Letter sent to Rachel and Sarah advising them to 
report to the Thyroid Clinic on April 6. 

April 30, 1923.—Letter received from the Dispensary stating that 
a bed was available at the hospital for Mrs. Isenberg if she would 
‘report to the hospital this date before 7:00 P.M. 

Called on Mrs. Isenberg to advise her of the foregoing fact. She 
felt, however, that she could not leave the house without advising 


102 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Isenberg of the arrangements made. As he was peddling it was 
impossible to reach him immediately. He was expected home at 
about 6:00 and Mrs. Isenberg thought he would then take her to the 
hospital. 

May 1, 1923.—Mrs. Isenberg in office. She had gone to the 
hospital the evening: before after 7:00, and was not admitted. 

Later.—Telephoned the Dispensary to inquire about Mrs. Isenberg 
and learned that she would be admitted today to the hospital. 

Called on Mrs. Isenberg to give her this information. She stated 
that she will prepare to go immediately without waiting for her 
husbaad. 

May 7, 1923.—Statement received from the Dispensary making 
new appointment for Mrs. Isenberg for May ro in Hernia Clinic. 

May 9, 1923.—House call. Mrs. Isenberg stated that she is 
looking for a flat as her landlady will not permit her to stay there any 
longer. Latter also refuses to take rent. She stated that Mr. Isenberg 
is working with her other brother, Sam Hecht, 2937 Sixteenth Street, 
who is also in the junk business and that Mr. Isenberg is earning $12 
a week. Spoke to Mrs. Isenberg about the necessity of getting out 
her citizenship papers. Mr. Isenberg has his first papers. Mrs. 
Isenberg promised to go down shortly. Advised her also to go to 
the Hernia Clinic on May to. She stated that she would go. She 
does not know what was done for her at the hospital, where according 
to her statement she remained for a week. ‘The children are also at- 
tending the Dispensary. Mr. Isenberg is reporting at Medical Clinic. 

May 22, 1923.—Background history received from the Dispensary. . 

May 25, 1923.—Visited Mrs. Hecht at 2937 Sixteenth Street. 
She stated that her husband is paying Mr. Isenberg the sum of $12 
a week and that he cannot afford to do any more for the family. 
In fact if it were not for Mrs. Isenberg, Mr. Hecht would not have to 
pay any more than $5 for a helper. Mr. Isenberg does practically 
no work at all since he takes care of the wagon. He cannot lift any 
heavy articles. The Hecht family live in a four-room, fairly well- 
furnished flat and pay $32 a month. There are two very small 
children. Spoke to Mrs. Hecht about the necessity of caring for a 
child during Mrs. Isenberg’s hospitalization period. She said it was 
practically impossible for her to do this. She does not object to the 
economic idea. She feels that she can easily pay for one child as far 
as this is concerned but she does not wish to assume the responsibility. 
She herself has one child three years of age and a baby a few months 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 103 


old, and she does not see how she can take care of any other children. 
Also asked Mrs. Hecht whether she knew where her husband got his 
horse and wagon, but Mrs. Hecht did not know where the barn was 
located. 

Visited the school and spoke to Rachel’s teacher, who told that 
Rachel’s conduct is good. She is neat and clean in school, is capable 
of doing better work than she is at present. She is rather stubborn 
and hard to direct. Her work is of the average grade and she will 
be promoted. Spoke to Sarah’s teacher. Sarah is especially good 
in spelling and arithmetic. She is absent frequently and brings the 
excuse that she must go to the Dispensary. Her conduct generally 
is good, but at times she becomes irritable and cranky. .... 

Visitor told the teacher that Sarah has a goiter and explained that 
she is being treated at the the Dispensary for this. 

Later.—Visited Jacob’s teacher; was told that Jacob is a good 
scholar; that there is no conduct problem at all except the fact that 
he is rather mischievous in school, but the teacher did not feel that 
there was any particular conduct problem. He absorbs new work 
very quickly. He is neat and clean in school. Visited Ben’s teacher. 
Was told that his work was of the average. He comes to school 
regularly, conduct good, is neat and clean in school. 

Later.—Spoke to Dora’s teacher. She is doing average work; 
attendance regular; appearance clean; conduct good. 

Later—Made an appointment at Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau 
for Sarah for June 25 at 9:00. 

May 25, 1923.—Called at Forcible Entry and Detainer Court,' 
Judge Asa Adams. In the process of the trial it developed that on 
February 22, Mr. Isenberg had been given a written notice to move. 
The family situation in this case was explained to Judge Adams and 
he was asked to allow the family to remain until July 1. He felt, how- 
ever, that, in view of the fact that Mr. Isenberg had received a notice 


t[The following extracts from the Family Welfare instructions to workers 
(the Gray Book) contain the essential facts with reference to the relation of landlord 
and tenant in the matter of rent collection and eviction: 

“‘ Landlord’s notice—The landlord’s notice is an unofficial notification to pay 
rent or move. There is no expense to the landlord in the service of the notice. 
The notice calls for the removal of the tenant at the expiration of five days from 
date, and is sometimes called a five days’ notice. The landlord is at liberty to 
accept rent after service of the five days’ notice. 

“Court notice.—After the expiration of the five days cited in the five days’ 
notice, the landlord may go to the Municipal Court and secure a Forcible Entry 


104 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


so long ago and the landlord had been so patient in not bringing the 
case in court until this time, to grant him until July 1 would be 
extremely lenient. However, after the Legal Aid worker told him 
the facts, he agreed to permit Mr. Isenberg to remain in his present 
quarters until July 1, but suggested to him that he make every effort 
to move out before that time in view of the landlord’s leniency toward 
him. Mr. Isenberg paid the May rent and was ordered by the 
Judge to pay $3.00 court costs, $2.00 of which he paid at once... .. 

May 28, 1923.—The following letter sent to the Children’s Agency: 
Re Isenberg, Solomon—Rosa 1620 Albany Avenue 
Rachel —10-13-09 


Sarah —r10-8-10 
Jacob  —rI0-I9Q-11 
Ben —7-20-I4 
Dora —4-23-16 
Margaret—2-23-18 
David  —8-12-20 
Joseph —1-2-22 


summons, which is served on the tenant, and the tenant must appear in court in 

not less than five days nor more than fifteen days after the date on which the land- 

lord secured the court notice. This process costs the landlord $3.00; therefore the | 
landlord delays as long as possible instituting it. 

“Court hearing —Before April 27, 1921, the rule was that if the tenant had 
no good reason for retaining the premises, there was no necessity for his appearance 
in court, as judgment would be entered against him and he would be given five 
days to move. If the tenant had not moved by that time, he might be forcibly 
evicted by the bailiff, who served a Writ of Restitution twenty-four hours after 
the expiration of the five days. The service of the Writ of Restitution cost the 
landlord $2.00. If it was necessary to move the furniture, the court charged 
$3.00 for each man at work. Not less than two men were employed. If there 
were more than five rooms, three men were employed. On April 27, 1921, the rule 
was altered by the court so that the tenant might in the discretion of the judge be 
given as many as thirty days in which to move. 

‘“‘Being interpreted, this means that if the visitor comes in contact with a tenant 
who has received an eviction notice, i.e., in legal terms, a summons in a forcible 
entry and detainer suit, the attorneys in the Legal Aid Bureau may be able to 
delay a final eviction by appearing in court for the tenant. 

“Tf the case does not come to the Welfare Agency until after the court hearing 
and the entering of the judgment, it is doubtful whether or not the attorneys can 
be of any value. 

“When such cases do come, it would be advisable to find out the exact situation 
and to telephone to the Legal Aid Bureau for advice. | 

‘“‘In any case, every visitor should ask an applicant who claims that he is to be 
evicted for his ‘landlord’s notice’ or his court notice. ‘Tenants are given a proper 
time by the court before they are evicted. (See Illinois Revised Statutes, chap. 80, 
secs. 6, 8, 9; The Charity Visitor, pp. 10, 36, 37.)”’]: 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES IO5 


We wish to refer the above children for boarding care. ‘The five older 
children attend school, and according to very recent reports, they are all 
doing average and above the average work. Rachel is in the high seventh 
grade, Sarah in the low sixth, Jacob in the low sixth, Ben in the low fourth, 
and Dora in high second. Several teachers also advised us that there is 
no conduct problem in school which deserves special attention in connection 
with any one of the children. f | 

We have been informed by the Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau that Jacob 
has an adequate intelligence for his age. At the time of his examination 
he was found to be untruthful, evasive, and disinclined to co-operate. In 
a very recent talk with his teacher we were told, however, that he is not 
a behavior problem in the class. 

On May 22 we received a recommendation from the Dispensary stating 
that Mrs. Isenberg was in need of hospitalization, that she has already been 
put on the hospital waiting list and will be sent there as soon as arrangements 
are made for the placement of the children. ... . 

Mrs. Isenberg has one brother, Sam Hecht, living at 2937 Sixteenth 
Street. The family have a four-room flat and seem to be in fair economic 
circumstances. ‘They feel that they are assisting the Isenbergs to the very 
best of their ability in that Mr. Isenberg is working for Mr. Hecht and is 
receiving a larger salary than the type of work ordinarily calls for. Mr. 
Isenberg is working as an assistant to his brother-in-law, who is a junk 
peddler, and according to statements given us, is earning $12 a week. 

Mr. Isenberg was a patient in the Diagnostic Clinic and was diagnosed 
as being fully 50 per cent incapacitated and having chronic pleuritis with 
adhesions and myocarditis. There is also a question as to his having 
pulmonary tuberculosis. Mr. Isenberg insists that he cannot return to his 
original trade as a painter and cannot do any heavier work than that which 
he is engaged in at present. 

There is another brother, Jacob Hecht, unmarried, who has recently 
moved, and we do not know his address. There are also other relatives 
living in Duluth and San Diego, California. Thank you for your co- 
operation. 


May 30, 1923.—Called. Advised Mrs. Isenberg that it would be 
absolutely necessary for them to move out of the flat by July 1. 
She said that she understood same. Found Sarah and Rachel: in 
the house. Mrs. Isenberg stated that they do most of the housework 
as it is absolutely impossible for her to do same. She is attending the 
Dispensary regularly. She stated that Sarah is improving; eats more 
regularly and eats all the food that is given to her. Rachel also 
attends clinic regularly. Mrs. Isenberg stated that she would not 
want any of her children placed with her sister-in-law, Mrs. Hecht, 
because on previous occasions when they had been there Mrs. Hecht 


106 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


had not treated them properly. She said that Mr. Isenberg is looking 
for rooms every day. Asked Rachel to let worker know where her 
uncle’s barn is situated. 

June 8, 1923.—Letter to Dispensary ve Sarah and Rachel. 

June 13, 1923.—Received letter from the Dispensary, stating that 
Rachel and Sarah have not been in the Dispensary since June 8. 

Later—Called. ‘There were two children at home but they did 
not let worker in. 

June 15, 1923.—Called. Explained to Mrs. Isenberg that she 
must move by July 1. She stated that she could not find a flat for 
$40, but would keep on looking. Margaret and David have been 
taken away from the home by a health officer to the Contagious 
Hospital with diphtheria. Mrs. Isenberg asked that a Dispensary 
card be mailed to her. 

June 16, 1923.—Dispensary card mailed to Mrs. Isenberg. 

June 20, 1923.—Called City Health Department. Ascertained 
that the Isenberg children were diphtheria carriers and on June 14 
a card had been put on the door in the morning and taken off that same 
evening. 

June 22, 1923.—Called. Found Mr. and Mrs. Isenberg and the 
children at home. David had returned from the hospital on June 
20 and was feeling much better. Margaret is still in the hospital. 
Mr. Isenberg did not work for three days last week and for three 
days the week before. He complained of not feeling well. He stated 
that he had visited the doctor, who told him to stay at home and not 
go out-of-doors. Mrs. Isenberg has as yet not found a flat. Worker 
told her that it was imperative for her todo so. Mrs. Isenberg again 
complained that it was impossible for her to find a flat at $40 a month 
and that she would not move into a basement flat. Worker told her 
that this was not necessary. Mrs. Isenberg stated that she was 
going to the hospital for an operation next week and promised to 
telephone to worker as soon as she finds a flat. 

June 27, 1923.—Called. Worker told Mrs. Isenberg to storage 
the furniture before she leaves for the hospital and to let worker 
know about her plans. She promised to telephone tomorrow. Mr. 
Isenberg is feeling better and has been working since yesterday. 
Margaret is still in the hospital and is expected home this week. 

July 2, 1923.—Mr. Isenberg in office. Stated that he is unable to 
find a flat. Learned from the Dispensary that there was a bed at 
the hospital for Mrs. Isenberg. Supervisor and worker decided to 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 107 


send Mrs. Isenberg to the hospital, have the Children’s Agency place 
the children, and storage the furniture. Worker advised Mrs. Isenberg 
to go to the hospital. 

Later.—Called_Children’s.Agency. Ascertained that they were 
unable to place any children at the present time. 

Later.—Conferred with worker of Children’s Agency and learned 
that the Isenberg children could not be placed until the girls had 
been examined for possible infectious diseases. 

Later——Mrs. Isenberg in office again. Worker explained the 
situation to her and instructed her to take the children to the Dis- 
pensary on Tuesday morning. 

Later.—Called on landlord, Mr. Blumenthal. He was not at 
home, but his wife explained that they were being evicted from their 
flat and would therefore have to move into the Isenberg flat on July 3. 

Later.—Called at the Isenberg home. Mr. and Mrs. Isenberg 
both at home. Advised them that they must find a flat immediately. 

July 3, 1923.—Mr. Isenberg in office. Stated that Mr. Blumenthal 
had called on the evening of July 2 and had given them permission 
to stay in the flat until July 5. Told Mr. Isenberg that he must find 
another flat in the meantime so as not to take advantage of Mr. 
Blumenthal’s offer. 

July 5, 1923.—Rachel in office. Stated that they had found a 
six-room flat at 1212 Quincy Street at $40 a month and that they had 
paid a deposit on it. Worker inspected rooms. Found three of the 
rooms very light and airy. The bedrooms were dark. In view of the 
existing circumstances and of the fact that the Isenberg family must 
move, supervisor and worker decided that the flat would have to do. 

Later.—Called Mr. Greenberg and told him to move the Isenberg 
family that afternoon. 

July 6, 1923.—Letter sent to the Dispensary asking for result of 
tests on the girls. 

July 7, 1923.—Mr. Greenberg, who moved the family, in office. 
Supervisor asked him why the bill was so high. He replied that he 
had had to do all the moving alone, although Mr. Isenberg did come 
home for a few minutes in order to move his ladders and other things 
which he had in the basement. He drove a white wagon and a horse 
which he said belonged to his brother-in-law. This information seems 
to confirm the suspicion that Mr. Isenberg is working at his trade and 
probably full time, although the doctor stated that he had only a 
50 per cent working capacity. 


108 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


July 13, 1923.—Learned from a definite source that Mr. Isenberg 
is working at his trade at 326 Euclid Avenue, Oak Park. 

July 14, 1923.—Worker in Oak Park. No. 326 Euclid Avenue 
is a two-story frame house which is being painted and redecorated. 
The man who was working on the front of the house was not Mr. 
Isenberg. Worker watched from behind a tall bush until Mr. Isenberg 
appeared on the front porch. She then walked up the front stairs 
and spoke to Mr. Isenberg, whose “Hello” was very curt. The 
expression on his face and his manner did not change in the least. 
Mr. Heller, the man with whom Mr. Isenberg is working on this 
contract, volunteered to show worker through the house which is for 
sale. Mr. Heller stated that he has known Mr. Isenberg for a long 
time and that he is an excellent worker. Although Mr. Isenberg 
has done work for Mr. Heller recently, the work has not been steady 
due to Mr. Isenberg’s illness. He related that Mr. Isenberg ate only 
a little bread and milk for lunch. Mr. Heller credited this to his loss 
of appetite and not to his lack of funds, for he told worker that Mr. 
Isenberg makes “plenty of money.” Before leaving, worker spoke 
to Mr. Isenberg and in a surprised voice asked, “I didn’t know you 
were painting, Mr. Isenberg, I thought you were peddling.” He 
replied in a monotone that he couldn’t make enough money peddling, 
but that he hasn’t worked at his trade ‘‘much.”’ On this particular 
job he has worked a couple of hours on the thirteenth and would quit 
on the fourteenth. Mr. Isenberg kept his self-composure and main- 
tained an air of toleration throughout worker’s entire visit. 

July 19, 1923.—Mrs. Isenberg in office. She asked worker why 
she had not received her check last week. Worker explained to her 
that since Mr. Isenberg had been working, they were probably not 
in need of any money from us. She stated that Mr. Isenberg had 
worked from July ro to July 18, some days only a few hours. For 
the whole job, he had received $25 and he was now sick in bed from 
the effect of the work. 

Worker called the Dispensary and asked them to send a doctor. 
Mrs. Isenberg stated that the only reason that Mr. Isenberg had gone 
to work was because they needed extra money. When questioned as 
to why she did not let us know that extra money was required, she 
said that she had never received.anything from this organization that 
she had asked for. Mrs. Isenberg is very anxious that this organiza- 
tion give Mr. Isenberg a horse and wagon with which to peddle so 
that he will not have to rely on Mr. Hecht. Worker advised her to 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES - 109 


send Mr. Isenberg into the office as soon as he is well, so as to talk 
over money matters. 

July 21, 1923.—Received letter from the Dispensary, stating that 
the Isenberg children were all in good condition to be placed in family 
home. 

July 23, 1923.—The Dispensary telephoned that there was a bed 
at the hospital for Mrs. Isenberg. 

Later.—Called the Children’s Agency. Worker promised to place 
the children that afternoon. 

Later.—Called at the Isenberg home and notified Mrs. Isenberg to 
go to the hospital immediately. Mr. Isenberg was told to take the 
children to the office of the Children’s Agency immediately. 

July 25, 1923.—Interviewed Mr. Isenberg in the office. He stated 
that Rachel, Margaret, and Dora were at home because they wanted to 
be placed in one home and the Children’s Agency was unable to do this. 
Mr. Isenberg asked for groceries, but worker advised him to bring 
the children into the office in order to have them placed. The question 
of Mr. Isenberg’s work was taken up. He stated that he had peddled 
a few hours a day, from g:oo to about 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon. 
On July 7 he accepted a job painting in Oak Park. On July 7 and 
14, both days which were Saturday, he worked from 9:00 until 12:00. 
~On week days he worked from 9:00 until about 3:00. This continued 
until July 17, when he worked but a half-day due to his illness. Mr. 
Isenberg said that he left the house at about 7:30 in the morning. 
From a confidential source we know that Mr. Isenberg on July 11, 
12, and 13, left the house at 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning and ate 
‘breakfast in a restaurant. When worker broached the subject of 
Mr. Isenberg’s working in our industrial shops, first at redecorating 
and then at one of the trades, he absolutely refused to consider it 
even “for a million dollars.” He became very angry and spoke in a 
high voice, and refused to listen to reason. Worker told him that 
we were asking him to do nothing contrary to the doctor’s advice. 
Mr. Isenberg said that when Dr. Reinberg called at his home on 
July 24, he told him that he had rheumatism and should stay in bed. 
Mr. Isenberg left the office very angry without coming. to a final 
settlement. 

July 26, 1923.—Mr. Isenberg in office again. He was slightly 
calmer. The same ground was covered as on the previous day, and 
in the end he half-heartedly consented to go down to the Industrial 
Workshops. Worker gave him a card for the director. 


nO. FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


July 27, 1923.—Letter received from the Dispensary that a 
diagnosis of recurrent rheumatic arthritis was made. ‘The patient 
was advised to return to work in about a week. A physician’s house 
call was made on July 20. 

July 28, 1923.—Called director of the Industrial Workshops to 
inquire whether Mr. Isenberg had reported for work. ‘To date he 
had not been there. 

July 30, 1923.—Rachel in office, asking that a physician be sent 
to her father, who was too ill to get out of bed. 

Later.—Called the Dispensary and asked them to send a doctor 
to Mr. Isenberg. | 

Later.—Called social worker of the Dispensary and explained the 
Isenberg situation and asked her to acquaint the doctor with the facts 
so that he could decide what would be the best course to follow with 
Mr. Isenberg. 

Later.—Called at the Isenberg home. ‘The doctor had not yet 
been there. ‘The children still refused to be placed. 

July 31, 1923.—Social worker of the Dispensary telephoned. 
She stated that Dr. Deuvir said that Mr. Isenberg was only malin- 
gering. 

Later-—Called Dr. Deuvir. He stated that Mr. Isenberg was in 
a better condition now than he was last January when he went through ’ 
Diagnostic Clinic. At that time it was reported he was able to work 
at his trade four hours a day. Dr. Deuvir said that Mr. Isenberg is 
able to work in our shop a full day, but that it would be better to 
start him out at half-time. We are in no way jeopardizing his health 
to ask Mr. Isenberg to work a half-day. 

August I, 1923.—Called at the Isenberg home. Rachel is taking 
very good care of the house, and the home was in a very clean condition 
as on the previous visit. Mr. Isenberg said he was too sick even to 
walk. Worker told him that either he would have to work in our 
shops or we would not give him one cent. The doctor’s recommenda- 
tion was explained to him, and worker told him that we were not asking 
him to do anything against the doctor’s advice. 

Mr. Isenberg said that he would sooner starve than work in our 
shops and, as soon as his health permitted, he would find himself a job. 
When worker asked him what he expected to do about the rent, 
which is due on the fifth, he was very surprised that we expected him 
to pay the rent. He did not seem at all concerned about it. He 
informed worker that he had had to sell his furniture in order to get 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES III 


something to eat. Worker was, however, unable to find any furniture 
missing. Mr. Isenberg said he did not want a worker to call on him 
unless she came to give him money. If we did not expect to do any- 
thing for him, he did not want us “‘bossing”’ him. He refused abso- 
lutely to co-operate with us in any way. 

August 2, 1923.—Supervisor and worker in conference with superin- 
tendent. Situation with regard to the Isenbergs was presented to 
superintendent. He stated that we were not asking Mr. Isenberg 
to do anything against the doctor’s orders and that as long as we put 
money into a home we had a right to demand the man’s time in our 
shop. If Mr. Isenberg would consent to come down to the Industrial 
Workshops in the morning and stay all day and work only when he 
felt able to, we were ready to grant assistance. Until Mr. Isenberg’s 
belligerent attitude changes there is nothing we can do in the matter. 

August 6, 1923.—Rachel in office asking that worker call at home 
to give Mr. Isenberg a letter of introduction to director of the Industrial 
Workshops. 

August 7, 1923.—Rachel telephoned that her father would be in 
the office to see worker on August 8. 

August 9, 1923.—Mr. Isenberg in office. Asked for a Dispensary 
card. Again asked for groceries. He is very rude in his manner 
toward worker whenever he comes to the office. He finally consented 
to go to the Industrial Workshops to see director that afternoon. 
Card of introduction given him. 

August 13, 1923.—Mr. Isenberg in office. Stated that he had gone 
to work on August 11 and that he likes the work. Will continue at 
it as long as he is able. Informed worker that he had left his overalls 
in Oak Park. Asked that we give him money to buy a new pair. 
Gave him money with which to send Sarah out to Oak Park to get the 
overalls he had left there. He promised to go back to work that 
afternoon. 

August 14, 1923.—Mrs. Blousky, Mr. Isenberg’s landlady, in office 
asking that we pay the rent. Since we had paid the first month’s 
rent they had taken for granted that we would continue to be respon- 
sible. Advised her that Mr. Isenberg had just gone to work, and, if he 
was given time, he would in all probability pay the rent. She refused 
to listen, saying that she would give them notice to move. 

Later.—Telephoned superintendent. He stated that we were not 
to pay the rent and that the landlady would probably give him time 
in which to pay. 


T12 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Director of the Industrial Shops called. Stated that Mr. 
Isenberg had come to the shops to work and that he is a good work- 
man. His wage had not been decided on yet. | 

August 15, 1923.—Mr. Isenberg in office. Was exceedingly sullen. 
Asked worker that she pay him immediately for the time he worked 
in the shop. Explained to him that he would probably be paid at 
the end of the week and by the director and not by worker. He 
finally promised to return to the shops to work. | 

August 17, 1923.—Supervisor, superintendent, director of work- 
shops, and worker in conference. In view of the fact that the Diag- 
nostic Clinic felt Mr. Isenberg was able to work only a half-day at 
heavy work it was decided to ascertain from the Dispensary whether 
they consider painting hard work. Mr. Isenberg is to be paid 80 cents 
an hour for painting. It is deemed advisable to occupy Mr. Isenberg’s: 
full day in some way so that we will be able to know how he spends 
his time. In this way he would not overtax his strength during the’ 
remaining four hours. . 

August 20, 1923.—Rachel in office with five days’ eviction notice, 
which expires August 21. | 

Later.—Superintendent, worker, and director of workshops in 
conference. It was decided that Mr. Isenberg work four hours a day 
at painting and four hours a day at something else. Director of 
shops suggested that the final word be given Mr. Isenberg by super- 
intendent or supervisor. This suggestion met with superintend- 
ent’s approval and it was decided to take the matter up with the 
supervisor. | . 

Later.—In conference with the supervisor the following plan was 
decided on: We will attempt to have Mr. Isenberg stay in the shops 
for eight hours during the day. If he works four hours a day at paint- 
ing, he will receive $16 a week, and, for the other four hours a day, 
$6 a week, making a total of $22. According to the present budget, 
the family needs $34.25 weekly, making a necessary supplementation 
of $12.25. If, however, Mr. Isenberg works eight hours a day at 
painting, his earnings will be $32 a week. In addition to the $2.25 a 
week necessary supplementation, Mr. Isenberg will receive a bonus of 
$2.50 a week. 

August 24, 1923.—Letter received from the Industrial Workshops 
stating that Mr. Isenberg will be paid at the rate of 80 cents per hour 
for painting four hours a day and at the rate of 30 cents an hour for 
the remainder of the day, with the understanding that he will give the 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES 113 


shop full time. Director advised that Mr. Isenberg will probably 
be more or less irregular in his attendance. 

Letter sent to the Industrial Workshops advising that we will 
urge Mr. Isenberg to work regularly at the shops. 

August 30, 1923.—Learned from the director of workshops 
that Mr. Isenberg had not reported for work the day before or 
today. 

Later.—Called the Dispensary and ascertained that a house 
physician had been sent to the Isenberg home on August 29. The 
diagnosis is ““hemorrhoids”’ and probably hospital care will be needed. 
The patient was advised to come to the Dispensary to the Surgical 
Clinic for further examination. 

August 31, 1923.—Called the Dispensary. Learned that Mr. 
Isenberg had attended the Medical Clinic on August 30 but had been 
referred to the Surgical Clinic. 

Later.—Telephoned director of workshops and gave him the 
foregoing information. He stated that Mr. Isenberg had returned 
to work on August 31 and was finishing the room that he had started. 
Mr. Isenberg had told him that immediate hospitalization had been 
advised, but that he had told the doctor it would be necessary for 
him to wait. 

September 4, 1923.—Telephoned director of workshops. Learned 
that Mr. Isenberg had earned $42.80 for the two weeks ending Septem- 
beri. Of this amount he has drawn $4.30 on account and has received 

the balance of $38.50 on September r. 
| September 6, 1923.—Called at the Industrial Workshops to see Mr. 
Isenberg. Explained to him that we would pay the rent for this 
month, but that hereafter we expect him to put aside $40 during the 
month to pay his own rent. During the month, if his income is not 
sufficient for him to meet his needs, we will supply the deficit, but 
that hereafter we will not pay rent for him. 

Mr. Isenberg has become much more amenable and approachable. 
He stated that his family was in need of clothes and asked that these 
be sent. Mr. Isenberg complained that he was not able to work a 
full day, but worker emphatically told him that it would be necessary 
for him to spend a full day at the shops. If he did not feel he was able 
to work at painting, he should report to the director, who would 
be able to give him other work, but if he expected any aid from this 
organization, we expected him to stay at the shops a full day. Finally 
Mr. Isenberg promised to do this. 


II4 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Called at the Isenberg home. Mrs. Isenberg has returned 
from the hospital, and the children have returned home. Mrs. 
Isenberg looks very well and states that she is feeling fine. Gave 
Mrs. Isenberg check for the rent and explained to her that we had 
taken the matter up with Mr. Isenberg and hereafter we would expect 
the family to put aside the $40 during the month and pay their own 
rent. Mrs. Blousky, the Isenbergs’ landlady, came in and was given 
the check. Worker also explained to her that the family would pay 
their own rent hereafter. 

Spoke to Mrs. Isenberg regarding the questionnaire for Rachel and 
Sarah for the Thyroid Clinic at the Dispensary. Learned that 
both girls had been kept out of school a great deal to take care 
of the house and to look after the children whenever Mrs. Isenberg 
is forced to go to the Dispensary. Explained to her how harmful 
it was to keep the children out of school and to try to arrange differ- 
ently. Since the birth of the youngest child, twenty months ago, 
Rachel and Sarah have done practically all the work in the house and 
have even helped to cook the meals. The Isenbergs are living in 
very cramped conditions regarding sleeping quarters. Mrs. Isenberg 
asked that we at least send a cot for Mr. Isenberg as it is necessary for 
him to sleep alone. They are also in need of bedding, and a few of the 
children need shoes. Advised Mrs. Isenberg that the matter would 
be taken up in the office. While worker was there, some of the children 
came home from school. Jacob, who should be in low seventh, has 
been put up in high seventh. He is now in the same grade as 
Rachel. He is a very bright little chap and is anxious to do his best 
in school. 

September 8, 1923.—Dresses and shoes ordered for the Isenberg 
children. 

September 13, 1923.—Director of Industrial Shops telephoned. 
He stated that Mr. Isenberg informed him it was necessary for him 
to go home early every afternoon to cook the meal and look after the 
children as his wife was not well. Advised him that Mr. Isenberg’s 
presence was not required at home since Rachel and Sarah, the two 
oldest girls, always took care of the home. . 

September 14, 1923.—Saw Mr. Isenberg at the Industrial Work- 
shops. Worker again informed him that we were expecting him to 
stay at the shops a full day. He stated that he had received worker’s 
card with the check and that he had already put aside $20 toward 
the rent. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES II5 


September 17, 1923.—Learned from Director of Workshops that 
Mr. Isenberg had attended the Dispensary this morning. 

Later——Telephoned social worker at Dispensary. Learned that 
the doctor had stated that Mr. Isenberg is able to work eight hours 
a day at painting. He should return to their clinic in two weeks. 

September 19, 1923.—Letter received from the Industrial Work- 
shops that Mr. Isenberg has received a sum of $41.70 for the period 
from September 1 to September 15. 

Letter received from Dispensary stating that Mr. Isenberg had 
told the doctor he works four to five hours daily and that the doctor 
had recommended Mr. Isenberg’s continuing the same kind of work, 
putting in the same amount of time, and returning to that clinic in 
two weeks for further observation. 

Later.—Called social worker of Dispensary and told her that Mr. 
Isenberg was working more than four or five hours a day. She stated 
that the doctor felt that he could work as long as he was now working. 
She thinks that if Mr. Isenberg had told the doctor he worked eight 
hours a day the doctor would have made the same recommendation, 
but that he was not in a position to recommend that Mr. Isenberg work 
more than the number of hours he is now working. 

September 20, 1923.—Letter received from the Dispensary stating 
that the doctor advised Mr. Isenberg to work the same number of hours 
daily he is now working. 

September 21, 1923.—Assistant director of the Industrial Shops 
telephoned that Mr. Isenberg did not come to work today. ‘The doctor 
had told him, according to Mr. Isenberg’s word, that he should work 
outdoors, especially at peddling. 

September 22, 1923.—Worker called at the Isenberg home. It 
was about noon but Mr. Isenberg was not there. Mrs. Isenberg 
informed worker that her husband had eaten dinner earlier in the day 
and had gone to see her brother, who has had a tonsillectomy per- 
formed. She stated that Mr. Isenberg has not been feeling well and 
that he has not gone to work in the shops. She stated that if his 
condition permitted him to work Mr. Isenberg would in no way ~ 
object to it as he was very anxious to provide for his family. 

September 24, 1923.—In response to a telephone request for report 
of Mr. Isenberg’s work hours in the shop, such report received. 

Later.—Director of workshops telephoned, stating that Mr. 
Isenberg reported for work. He is ina sullen mood and did not care 
to talk"to the director. 


116 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—The assistant director of workshops telephoned that from 
his experience with Mr. Isenberg he feels that the man can work 
eight hours daily at painting. 

September 28, 1923.—The assistant director of the workshops 
telephoned that Mr. Isenberg has been working eight hours daily at 
painting since September 24. 

September 29, 1923.—Letter sent to the Dispensary asking that 
they reconsider Mr. Isenberg for the Diagnostic Clinic. Gave them 
a summary of our difficulty and of our experience with him. 

October 3, 1923.—Letter received from the Dispensary asking that 
Mr. Isenberg report to the Dispensary for examination on October 
8, at 9:00, preparatory to coming again before the Diagnostic Clinic. 

October 5, 1923.—Received notice from the Industrial Workshops 
that Mr. Isenberg received the sum of $41.60 for the period of Septem- 
ber 15 to October 1. 

October 6, 1923.—Called at shops. Spoke to Mr. Isenberg. 
Advised him to be sure to go to the Dispensary on October 8 to see 
Dr. Deuvir. Mr. Isenberg promised to do so. Learned from Mr. 
Isenberg that he is working seven hours a day and from g:oo until 
5:00 at painting. He still insists that this is too much work for him, 
but expresses his willingness to do whatever he can for his family. 
Mr. Isenberg stated that he lacks $15 toward the rent. Worker 
assured him that some supplementation is due him and that this is to 
be sent out immediately. 

October 9, 1923.—Rachel Isenberg in office. Stated that she is 
in need of shoes. Worker noticed that hers were badly torn. Worker 
questioned Rachel as to what she does with her leisure time. She 
stated that after school it is necessary for her to take care of the house 
and look after the children and she has very little time for herself. 
Although she is very fond of reading, she can read only in bed at night. 
She is also very fond of sewing, while on the other hand she finds 
cooking irksome. She belongs to no club and has very few girl 
friends. She stated that if she could possibly find the time she would 
very much like to meet other girls of her own age and belong to a club. 

October 17, 1923.—Worker called at Industrial Workshops to see 
Mr. Isenberg. He was in a very antagonistic mood and threatened 
to tell the doctor tomorrow at the Dispensary that he is steadily 
growing worse because we are making him work too hard and that he 
knows that he is not able to work at painting even four hours a day, 
and here we are asking him to work seven or eight. He stated that 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES IL7 


if he were able to work a full day he could work in places earning 
$12 a day, instead of working in the Shops for $4a day. Mr. Isenberg 
was very abrupt and left worker while he went to get ready for work. 

Later——Rachel telephoned asking whether worker had ordered 
shoes for her. Told her that the head of the supply department 
would let her know as soon as she had some shoes for her. Also told 
her that she and Sarah are to attend the Thyroid Clinic on the morning 
of October 19. Also that Mrs. Isenberg was to go to the Dental 
Clinic on October 20. 

October 23, 1923.—Mrs. Isenberg in office to get clothes from the 
supply department. She also asked for a pair of shoes for herself 
and they were authorized. However, the supply department was 
unable to fit her with shoes because of the size. She also asked for 
a coat each for Sarah, Rachel, Dora, Margaret, Jacob, and Ben. 
Went to supply department with Mrs. Isenberg and ordered these 
coats. Was able to fit the entire family. Rachel was very much 
dissatisfied with the coat she got. However, Mrs. Isenberg thanked 
-worker profusely for all the clothes and acted as though she were very 
erdtetuliqs% : *. 

October 25, 1923.—Supervisor and worker at Diagnostic Clinic. 
Mr. Isenberg was called before the Group and told by doctor that he is 
able to work a full day at his trade. When this decision was given 
to Mr. Isenberg, he immediately got up and left the room. 

October 31, 1923——Telephoned Industrial Workshops. Learned 
that Mr. Isenberg had received $52.40 for the first two weeks of Octo- 
ber. He had worked all but two days, the second and third, which 
were holidays and two and one-half hours each on the first and eighth 
of October. Since it has been decided that Mr. Isenberg should be 
paid for time spent at the Dispensary, and since Mr. Isenberg is an 
Orthodox Jew and has probably never worked on holidays, it was 
decided to pay him for the time lost. Check for $16.94, the difference 
between what he received at the shop and what his budget calls for 
for one-half month, was sent. Entire amount up to budget supple- 
mented this month because Mr. Isenberg had been working steadily 
and lost no time except when it was necessary. The only time that 
we do not supplement for time lost in the shop is when Mr. Isenberg 
of his own free will does not report at the shop... . . 

November 5, 1923.—Letter received from Industrial Workshops, 
that Mr. Isenberg earned the sum of $123 for the period of October 1 
to November 1. 


118 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


November 13, 1923.—Letter from the Dispensary recommending 
that Mr. Isenberg be graduated from the Industrial Workslope and 
allowed to work full time at his trade. 

November 19, 1923.—Mrs. Holzheimer, volunteer, called this date 
at the Isenberg home in response to a request for shoes that they 
wished to be repaired. Mrs. Holzheimer brought the repair slip, 
and filled it out according to the service desired... .. 

December 4, 1923.—Letter received from the Industrial Workshops 
to the effect that Mr. Isenberg had earned $118.40 for the period of 
November 1 to December 1. 

Worker failed to note that Mr. Isenberg was reimbursed $2.50 
for the amount expended on taking his wife to the hospital in a cab. 

January 4, 1924.—Report received from Industrial Workshops 
that Mr. Isenberg had earned $131.60 for the period of December 1-31. 
Inasmuch as the Isenbergs require $148.30 monthly, without their 
clothing allowance, sent the additional amount of $16.77 this date. 
Of this.amount $13.16 was the bonus. 

January 9, 1924.—Mr. Isenberg in office. He could not under- 
stand why he had received only $16.77 this month. Explained in 
detail his budget to him, and he seemed fully satisfied. Also told 
him that the Welfare Bureau expected to assist him with clothing. 
He asked for order for repairing several pairs of shoes for his children. 
Same was granted. 

January 18, 1924.—Mr. Isenberg in office and in compliance with 
request of worker submitted the following sizes of shoes for his children. 
Rachel, size 73; Sarah, size 43; Jacob, size 33; Ben, size 34; Dora, 
size 1; Margaret, size 11 or 113; David, size 10; Joseph, size 6; 
Mrs. Isenberg, size 7, extra size. Mr. Isenberg asked for a pair of 
shoes for himself and also for wearing apparel for different members 
of the family. Same was requisitioned. 

January 19, 1924.—Letter from the Dispensary re Sarah. 

January 24, 1924.—Spoke with social worker with reference to 
the attendance of Rachel and Sarah at the Thyroid Clinic. She advises 
that they have been very negligent. Asked that worker urge them 
to report the following morning, or in the event that they were busy 
with graduating exercises to report on Friday, February t. 

Spoke to Mr. Isenberg regarding the iniportance of having the 
girls report to the Thyroid Clinic. He promised to see that they would 
report without fail the following day. 


CO-OPERATION WITH MEDICAL AGENCIES IIgQ 


January 25, 1924.—Spoke to Mr. Isenberg with reference to the 
girls’ attending the Thyroid Clinic. He stated that this date was 
graduation day and therefore the children could not attend. How- 
ever, they would report without fail the following Friday. 

January 31, 1924.—Visited. Told Mrs. Isenberg to have Sarah 
and Rachel report at the Thyroid Clinic of the Dispensary on February 
I at g:00 A.M. Mrs. Isenberg stated that the children would not 
consent to stay away from school unless a note excusing them was 
written to the teacher. Promised Mrs. Isenberg that such a note 
and a Dispensary card would be given to Mr. Isenberg, who was doing 
some work at the office, that evening, before he left his work. 

The house was rather untidy. Several of the children ran in and 
out of the room. They are very attractive children. Mrs. Isenberg 
talked about the poor arrangement of bedrooms and took visitor 
through the house. The bedrooms were dark and poorly ventilated. 
Mrs. Isenberg was very pleasant and seemed ' ready to co-operate. 

Asked Mrs. Isenberg if she would permit Sarah, Rachel, and Jacob 
to go to a performance at a downtown theater. The children are to 
report at the office at 9:15 on February 2 and from there they will 
be escorted by workers to the theater. She was quite pleased and 
consented readily to permit the children to go. 

February 28, 1924.—Visited in response to a letter from Mrs. 
Isenberg. The house was very disorderly. ‘Talked to Mrs. Isenberg 
about the children’s shoes and asked to see them. Davie and Jo 
were at home, and their shoes were beyond repair. The other children 
were all at school so that their shoes could not be seen. Mrs. Isenberg 
said that they had all had their shoes repaired twice and after the 
second fixing they are usually worthless. Promised to take this up. 
Talked to Mrs. Isenberg about underwear and asked her to manage 
until the spring weather sets in. She thought she could get along 
with what they had for the present and asked that light underwear 
be sent later. Mrs. Isenberg would like very much to move into a 
place where the bedrooms would be airy and light but said that always 
she came up against the complication of the landlord’s not wanting a 
family with eight-children. She would look for a place in the spring 
however. 


SECTION II 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 
AND CO-OPERATION WITH PUBLIC WELFARE 
AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS 


6. The Family of Peter Zuchola 
(A Skilled but Insane Cabinet-Maker) 


[This record is used at this point especially because of two features: 
(x) the extraordinary diversity of opinion among relatives with refer- 
ence to the situation and (2) the information concerning the methods 
characteristic of the authorities responsible for the care and treatment 
of insane and feeble-minded people.] 

June 25, 1915.—Mrs. Zuchola in office asking aid. She does 
washing. Her husband, a cabinet-maker, is not quite right mentally,’ 
she thinks, though he is much better than he was six years ago. He 
is intensely religious and very fond of the five children, Walter (aged 
eleven), Nicholas (nine), Peter (seven), Victoria (five), and Stanyslava 
(three). 

June 26, 1915.—Sent Mrs. Zuchola and children to summer camp 
for twelve-day outing.? . 

November 18, 1918 (Monday).3—Mrs. Zuchola in office asking 
advice in regard to Mr. Zuchola, who she thinks is mentally deranged. 

_ (See below, p. 872 and p. 883, for statutes prescribing conditions under 
which the insane and feeble-minded are committed.] 


2[The first point suggested by the case is the failure on the part of the Agency 
to give help or to get into the family’s situation in 1915. Attention may, however, 
be called to the following considerations: 

a) It was in the summer, when all agencies are reduced in staff and when the 
members of the staff still on the job are especially concerned with country holiday 
services. 

b) There was no question of poverty, nor are clues given suggesting violence 
on the part of Mr. Zuchola. 

c) There are agencies in the community for apprehending, adjudging, and 
committing the insane. Mrs. Zuchola’s friends and associates would know these. 
In case of violence there would always be the police. - 

d) Asummer outing is good for everyone. As to the matter of Mrs. Zuchola’s 
personal application for help, it may be said that evidently the Agency was thought 
of as a place of general service.] 


3[This date was in the midst of the influenza epidemic.] 


I20 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 121 


At times he is very violent and beats and abuses her and children. 
Mr. Zuchola has been working for the Reichardt Piano Company for 
ten years. Is a finisher and earns $18 a week. For the past few 
years Mrs. Zuchola has been forced to work as Mr. Zuchola does not 
give her enough to support the family. Up toa few months ago Mrs. 
Zuchola took in washing every day, but this was too hard for her. 
At present she has an electric mangle which she bought from her aunt, 
Mrs. Victoria Ostroski. Mr. and Mrs. Zuchola made an agreement 
to pay Mrs. Ostroski for this mangle, but so far Mrs. Zuchola has 
been unable to pay anything, as Mr. Zuchola refuses to help. Mrs. 
Ostroski is pressing her for payment. Mrs. Zuchola has also borrowed 
small amounts of money from other relatives which she has been unable 
to return. 

Whenever Mrs. Zuchola asks Mr. Zuchola for money, he says he 
is saving it to buy coal. He has been doing this for the past six months, 
but has never bought any coal. Mrs. Zuchola has had to buy coal 
by the bucket. . 

Mrs. Zuchola is afraid that the two oldest children, Walter (born 
February 12, 1903) and Nicholas (born June 19, 1905) will run away 
from home, as Mr. Zuchola has taken a dislike to them and beats 
them for the slightest offense. They have left home once before. 

Mrs. Zuchola does not know how or what to do about getting Mr. 
Zuchola to a doctor. He is very abusive, and has a mania for taking 
money to the church and paying for the redemption of his soul. 

[The Juvenile Court had registered June 26, 1918.*] 

December 2, 1918.—Visited. After several visits found family 
at home. They have lived for five months in a dark, five-room 
basement flat for which they pay $18 rent. 

Mr. Zuchola is a tall, fairly intelligent, and refined-looking man. 
Appears to be sensitive. He is a great contrast to Mrs. Zuchola, 
who is of a lower type. (Work and worry may have caused her to 
become this way.) 

There are five children, Walter (born February 12, 1903), Nicholas 
(born June 19, 1905), Peter (born August 13, 1907), Victoria (born 
February 20, 1910), and Stanyslava (born June 4, 1912). They all 


t [The Juvenile Court record showed that the previous June Walter had been 
~ taken with two other boys who broke into a store and took $35 worth of goods. 
The goods were recovered; it was a first offense for all the boys, and they were 
all put on probation to live at home. The probation officer was calling regularly 
once a month and reported that Walter was not good in school.] 


@ 


122 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


look neglected, especially Walter and Nicholas. They are almost 
tough looking. While visitor was talking to Mr. and Mrs. Zuchola, 
Nicholas looked through a door and stuck his tongue out at Mr. 
Zuchola. 

Mr. Zuchola said that he was born on a farm in Russian Poland. 
He is fifty-three years old. Said his family always associated with 
the higher class of Russians. Mr. Zuchola would not give details 
concerning his family. 

Mr. Zuchola married Mrs. Zuchola, who is thirteen years younger 
than he, sixteen years ago in New Jersey. They came to Chicago 
thirteen years ago. Mr. Zuchola said he would not talk things over, 
but if he had to go to court he would speak. He said he has been 
working for six years at the Reichardt Piano Company, and earns $18 
a week. He does not give Mrs. Zuchola a regular amount each week. 
Mrs. Zuchola claims he gave her $3.00 last week. Mr. Zuchola 
claims he always gives her money whenever she asks for it. Mr. 
Zuchola said that he never will give her a fixed amount, as he will not 
live on her money. Says she drinks beer and whiskey. 

While living in New Jersey, Mr. Zuchola put $200 in a bank, 
which is still there. He says Mrs. Zuchola wants this money, but 
she denies it. 

Mr. Zuchola does not believe in having open windows. He goes 
to church (Our Lady of Sorrows) twice a day, and each time leaves 
5 or ro cents. He attends communion twice a month and pays $1.00. 
He is very religious, but he says Mrs. Zuchola and the children do 
not care to go to church. Says Father Slominski knows him well. 

The children are al] attending school. [Schools attended and 
grades were learned. Two former addresses were learned, as well 
as the names and addresses of two of Mrs. Zuchola’s aunts and of a 
brother in Chicago, two sisters of Mrs. Zuchola in New York, and a 
sister and brother of hers in New Jersey.| 

December ro, r918.—Called on Father Slominski, who says that 
he knows family quite well. Said Mr. Zuchola is a very pious man, 
although his piety at times is’not rational. Thinks that Mr. Zuchola 

7 at times is not sane, although he is of no danger to the family. He 
goes to church twice a day, and once a month he attends mass, for 
which he pays $1.00. Father Slominski talked to him of this expense, 
but Mr. Zuchola told him that he is paying this to God, as God granted 
him a wish for which he had prayed. Father Slominski said that at 
one time Mr. Zuchola was mentally unbalanced but thinks that at 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 23 


the present time church is the only thing which keeps him well. 
Says he works steadily and does not drink; has a good education. 

Father Slominski thinks that Mrs. Zuchola is a drinking woman. 
Will have nothing to do with church, and encourages her children to 
stay away from Sunday school. She is a very poor housekeeper. 
Walter has been arrested once. Visitor suggested to Father Slominski 
that he become interested in the two older boys. Father Slominski 
agreed to do this and asked if Welfare Agency would try to influence 
Mrs. Zuchola and children to come to see him, as they have no 
confidence in him or in Mr. Zuchola. Gave visitor card to give to 
boys. Father Slominski said that family should not have any assist- 
ance as Mr. Zuchola thinks Mrs. Zuchola is saving money. 

December 12, 1918 (Thursday).—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was 
recovering from a cold. Seemed to be in a very run-down condition. 
The store in which she keeps the electric mangle was full of customers, 
and each customer does her own work. The boys were at home. 
Walter’ was carving a piece of wood. Visitor talked to boys in regard 
to their untidy appearance. Boys said that when they went out 
they looked clean. Children do not seem to receive the proper care 
and discipline at home. Gave them Father Slominski’s card and asked 
them to call on him. 

Mrs. Zuchola told visitor that she married Mr. Zuchola sixteen 
years ago in New Jersey. Mr. Zuchola at that time was rooming 
with her parents. Has never been a steady worker. Mrs. Zuchola 
had hoped that he would reform after marriage. Through her 
brother he received a position with the Chickering Piano Factory in 
New Jersey. After they had been married two years Mr. Zuchola 
started going with another woman and drank a great deal. He used 
to come home late at night, and at times did not come home for days. 
He dropped out of church. Kept this up for almost a year when he 
got the idea that all the people in the city were after him. He also 
thought that all the priests were after him to condemn him. This 
preyed on his mind so that he locked up doors and windows and 
refused to go to work. He became so bad that neighbors reported 
him, and he was supposed to be committed to the insane asylum 
when Mrs. Zuchola raised some money among her relatives and sent 
him to Chicago, to her relatives. Mrs. Zuchola and two children 
followed later. 


«(The services of the visitor to the boys in this family are peculiarly varied 
and ingenious.] 


124 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


After coming to Chicago Mr. Zuchola joined the Our Lady of 
Sorrows Church and is a faithful member. Mrs. Zuchola said that 
Mr. Zuchola accuses her of going with other women to an underworld 
ona nearby street. Also threatens to kill her, as he claims she follows 
him with a bad spirit. Mr. Zuchola does not sleep in the same room 
with Mrs. Zuchola and on several occasions she has wakened to find 
him in her room. One time he was playing with the gas jet, and at 
another time he was bent over her, and when she wakened he ran 
away. Mrs. Zuchola asks if Welfare Agency could draw out the 
$200 which they have in the New Jersey bank. 

Mrs. Zuchola does not seem to'be honest in telling visitor of money 
matters." | 

January 6,1919.—Mrs. Zuchola in office. Said Mr. Zuchola refused 
to give her any money for rent, and has threatened to kill her and the 
children, and she is afraid he will carry out his threat, as he told her 
that while he was in charge of a large farm in the old country he killed 
a man who was trying to steal wood, and had also killed a cow with 
a pitchfork in a fit of anger. Says he quarrels constantly with her 
and the children. 

January 7, 1919.—Called on Mrs. Naurocki, Mrs. Zuchola’s aunt. 
She lives in a six-room flat, very clean and comfortably furnished. 
She is a fairly intelligent, elderly woman, who seems to be a very 
good housekeeper and mother. Has not had much schooling. Had 
eight sisters and two brothers. One brother is in the United States 
Army as a physician, and a sister in Connecticut. Said that Mrs. 
Zuchola had really never been taught to do anything. Mrs. Zuchola 
does not know how to keep house nor does she know how to bring up 
children. All the children are spoilt, especially the two oldest ones. 
Thinks Mr. Zuchola has never really been sane, although he has 
always taken good care of himself. Said he has been working for the 
Reichardt Piano Company for six years, and his only reason for remain- 
ing is that he is afraid to look for another position as he continually 
imagines that someone is following him. 

Mrs. Naurocki’s husband is a laborer and earns $20 a week. 
She also has a daughter who is working, and, besides this income, she 
keeps roomers. She helps Mrs. Zuchola occasionally with food, as 
they are often without anything to eat. 

«(The Juvenile Court record shows that on this same day the probation officer 


made his regular visit. Mrs. Zuchola is very anxious about Nicholas, who is 
becoming incorrigible.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 125 


Called on the other aunt, Mrs. Ostroski, who is a midwife, an 
intelligent woman, who keeps a very clean home. She has a twelve- 
year-old daughter, who is a very refined-looking child. Mrs. Ostroski. 
isa widow. She lived in Warsaw, Russia; and when twelve years old 
Mrs. Zuchola came to live with Mrs. Ostroski and stayed with her 
four years. During this time she was taught to sew and to keep 
house. When about sixteen years old, she worked out as children’s 
maid in a French family living in Warsaw. Mrs. Zuchola was married 
a year before Mrs. Ostroski came to America, and even at that time 
Mr. Zuchola acted queerly. He drank heavily, which she thinks 
was the cause of his mental trouble. He threatens to kill her and 
Mrs. Zuchola, as he says both of them are controlling him with a bad 
spirit. Thinks that by killing both of them he would be justified by 
God as he would then be rid of the bad spirit. The last time he 
threatened Mrs. Zuchola was about a week ago when he took a large 
knife and tried to cut Mrs. Zuchola with it, but the children began 
to scream, which frightened him. 

Mrs. Ostroski said that in 1915 when family lived on Evergreen 
Street they had no money, so she bought a mangle and moved the 
family to their present address, so that Mrs. Zuchola could have a 
chance to earn some money. The mangle is in Mrs. Ostroski’s name. 
Mrs. Ostroski thinks Mr. Zuchola is a bad influence in the home. 

January 8, r1919.—Visited school. Principal gave following 
report on children: Walter, the oldest, is the poorest scholar in his 
class; he is very slow. Although fifteen years old is only in sixth 
grade. He attends school regularly, and his behavior is fairly good. 

Nicholas is in eighth grade and is rather bright; attendance 
regular. Victoria and Peter are fair scholars and attend school 
regularly. Truant officer visited home several times and found Mrs. 
Zuchola a good mother. 

Later. —Visited. Mrs. Zuchola told visitor that Mr. Zuchola’s 
father owned a mill in Russia. He has one brother and one sister, 
both married and living there. About the scar on Mr. Zuchola’s 
head, Mrs. Zuchola said he incurred it when she threw a box at him, 
in order to protect herself and the children from his vile temper. 
Two weeks before Christmas he attempted to attack her with a knife 
and a week later he tried to choke her. He gave her $15 at Christmas 
time, out of four weeks’ salary. She is positive Mr. Zuchola is giving 
money to the church, as three women in the neighborhood saw him 
handing money to Father Slominski. Mr. Zuchola says he intends 


126 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


to kill her because she is hypnotizing him. Says he prays every night 
until one o’clock and gets up in the morning at four to go to church. 
A day or two ago the boys were singing, and Mr. Zuchola beat them 
for this as he said they disturbed his prayers. 

Mrs. Zuchola is anxious that Mr. Zuchola be made to give her a 
regular amount of money each week. Said during the summer she 
earned from $4.00 to $7.00 a day with her mangle, but at present she 
earns very little. 

Later.—Visited neighbor at previous address (Marion Court), 
who said she knew Mrs. Zuchola’s family for many years. Said 
Mr. Zuchola is a very fine man, quiet, and never complains of Mrs. 
Zuchola although he has a great deal of cause to complain. He goes 
to church very often. Thinks the children are ill-mannered and 
beyond their mother’s control. Mrs. Zuchola is a very poor house- 
keeper but does not drink. 

Later.—Talked with another neighbor, same building, who said 
Mrs. Zuchola was always hard working. Children were bad, and Mr. 
Zuchola a very quiet, good man. 

Talked with neighbor next door, who repeated same story, saying 
Mr. Zuchola was very quiet and religious and children ill-bred. Mrs. 
Zuchola a poor housekeeper. 

Later.—Talked with landlady in Evergreen Street, where family 
lived for four years. Said Mr. Zuchola is a very good man, quiet, 
but most religious. Mrs. Zuchola has a bad temper and does not 
know how to care for the children. Said she had seen the children 
at one o’clock on the street. Landlady said she had to have family 
move on account of the children. 

Talked with another neighbor, next door, who also knew family. 
He said he cannot say anything bad about the family; and, if Mr. 
Zuchola did beat the children, he had reason to do it. Mr. Zuchola 
always seemed quiet. Man said about a year ago Mr. and Mrs. 
Zuchola had a quarrel and said the scar on Mr. Zuchola’s head was 
caused by Walter. Mr. Zuchola has complained several times that Mrs. 
Zuchola discouraged children from going to church. Thinks Mrs. 
Zuchola is to blame for all the trouble in the family. 

Later.—Visited Juvenile Court and read record. Walter was 
arrested in the summer of 1918 for breaking into a store and stealing 
merchandise, in company with two other boys. He was put on proba- 
tion, as it was his first offense. Principal of the school reported that 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 127 


boy’s behavior was very good, although his progress as a scholar 
was decidedly poor. 

January 9, 1919.—Committee decision: It was moved that efforts 
be made through relatives to have a warrant taken out for a mental 
examination of Mr. Zuchola and that if this fails, the mental hygiene 
nurse should be asked to visit. It was also suggested that different 
recreational opportunities for the children be sought. 

January 13, 1919.—Spoke to probation officer over telephone. 
He has known the family since May, 1918. ‘The officer, in visiting 
the home, found Mr. Zuchola very quiet, but weak mentally. Mrs. 
Zuchola never complained about him in any way nor did she ever 
ask for aid. Mrs. Zuchola impressed officer as a responsible and good 
mother. Gave report of Mr. Zuchola’s refusal to contribute more to 
the home, of his extreme religious tendencies, and of the plan to obtain 
a mental examination. 

January 15, 1919.—Called on Mrs. Ostroski, aunt of Mrs. Zuchola. 
She was willing to put in a complaint at the County Court against 
Mr. Zuchola so that he might be admitted to the Psychopathic 
Hospital. Mr. Zuchola came to Chicago in August, 1905, and stayed 
with her for a few months. At that time he showed symptoms of 
insanity. Said his sickness was caused from self-abuse. He was 
thirty-six years old when he married. 

Later —Called at County Court with Mrs. Ostroski. They would 
not admit Mr. Zuchola to the Psychopathic Hospital without a 
certificate from a doctor. 

January 17, 1919.—Talked to Dr. Meyer, family physician. 
Said he knew family fairly well, as he had been called in several times 
when Mrs. Zuchola and the children were ill, but had never examined 
Mr. Zuchola. The latter is a quiet man and loses his temper only 
when antagonized by his family. Thinks it would be advisable to 
have Mr. Zuchola under observation for a week, but thinks that a 
week at the Psychopathic Hospital would cause Mr. Zuchola to go 
insane, as he is a very stubborn man. Dr. Meyer does not want to 
have anything to do with this, as he does not feel that Mr. Zuchola is 
insane enough to be committed. 

January 20, 1919.—Telephoned visitor of Mental Hygiene 
Society regarding Mr. Zuchola. She asked welfare worker to send 
report and thought she could have her nurse make visit with a mental 
specialist this week. 


128 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Letter written Illinois Society for Mental Hygiene to confirm 
telephone conversation, giving history of family as known to the 
Welfare Agency and information on the present situation. 

February 6, 1919.—Visitor of Mental Hygiene in office to talk 
over the family situation. Will ask Dr. Hultman to visit family. 
Thinks, from what Mrs. Zuchola has said, that Mr. Zuchola is too 
dangerous to remain at home. 

February 7, 1919.—Visited with Dr. Hultman, who said that there 
was no doubt but that Mr. Zuchola was insane. Dr. Hultman 
questioned Mr. Zuchola as to whether anyone was bothering him. 
Mr. Zuchola said the children were very noisy, and Mrs. Zuchola is 
very annoying. Dr. Hultman gave visitor a note to have Mr. Zuchola 
committed. 

February 8, 1919.—Took Mrs. Zuchola to County Court. While 
talking with Mrs. Zuchola she said that Mr. Zuchola was exceedingly 
pleased because Dr. Hultman and visitor had called on him and shook 
hands with him. He smiled over this all evening. | 

Later.—Visited. Left cards for boys to go to Koszminski Park 
and see director who had promised to take an interest in the boys. 
Peter played a few pieces on the piano for visitor. Piano is owned by 
Mrs. Zuchola’s brother. 

February 13, 1919.—Called for Mrs. Zuchola to take her and Mrs. 
Ostroski to the Psychopathic Hospital,’ where case is to.come up. 

Father Slominski sent a priest asking what the matter was with 
Mr. Zuchola and who had sent him away. Mrs. Zuchola told him 
she knew nothing about it. Case came up and Mr. Zuchola was 
committed to State Hospital for the Insane. . 

February 24, t9t9.—Visited. Flat was in better order than on 
former visits. Mrs. Zuchola has a great deal of vegetables in the 
house which she and the boys raised last summer. The director of 
Koszminski Park gave her some ground in Jefferson Park on which 
to raise vegetables. ‘They had very good success in raising them, and 
have sold a good part of the crop. 

Mrs. Zuchola says that Father Slominski called upon Mr. Zuchola 
and promised to take him out of the hospital. Told Mrs. Zuchola to 
keep an account of her income. ‘The children came home from school, 
and Mrs. Zuchola gave them for luncheon a meat cake, which was 
made from gelatin, meat, and vegetables, and home-made bread and 
coffee. ; . 


t [See pp. 881-82.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 129 


February 27, 1919.—The following letter was received from the 
managing officer of the State Hospital for the Insane: 

Replying to your inquiry regarding Peter Zuchola, will state he is found 
to be suffering from a paranoid condition which probably dates back many 
years. He has many ideas regarding his wife, is quite suspicious, delusional, 
and we do not have any idea of paroling him unless he shows marked 
improvement. 


March 3, tor9.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola did not keep an account 
of her income. Explained the necessity of doing so, and she promised 
to keep it. Mrs. Zuchola says Mr. Zuchola has paid $37 on a Liberty 
Bond; this money she expects to use for rent. Mrs. Zuchola is 
worried because Father Slominski continues to send people to her and 
to accuse her of sending a sane man to the State Hospital. Mrs. 
Zuchola said that Walter broke open her brother’s trunk and took 
from it a revolver, and hid it under the mattress, saying that if Mr. 
Zuchola returned he would shoot him. Peter saw him hide it and 
gave it to Mrs. Zuchola, who returned it to her brother. 

Later —Called at school and talked to principal. The record 
of all the children but Walter is good. Says Walter is sixteen years old 
and should be taken out of school and sent to work, as school will not 

Improve him. 

Asked if clothing could not be obtained for children through 
School Children’s Aid. 

March 4, t9t9.—Called on Mrs. Ostroski, who says she does not 
expect Mrs. Zuchola to pay any debts at the present time. She gave 
her $13 to finish paying for her Liberty Bond, so that she could sell it. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola gave visitor $50 Liberty Bond, 
and asked that she sell it so that she could pay rent from the money. 
She is keeping an account of her expenses and income. 

March 5, t919.—Called on landlady at previous address on Ever- 
green Street. Said she had heard Mr. Zuchola was committed and 
said all the people who knew the family are bitter against Mrs. Zuchola 
as she is a woman of a very low standard. She spoiled her children, 
and, whenever her husband wanted to punish them, Mrs. Zuchola 
would always take their part. Said this was the reason for Walter’s 
turning out a delinquent. Says Mrs. Zuchola is very careless in her 
appearance and is a very poor housekeeper. She is a great talker, 
and at times her talk is ridiculous. Mr. Zuchola drank whiskey and 
beer but was never intoxicated. In her opinion it is Mrs. Zuchola 
who is insane rather than Mr. Zuchola. 


1390 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


March 7, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola’s brother was there by 
appointment. Mr. Gronowski, who has just returned from the army, 
is a young, healthy-looking man, rather intelligent. He speaks very 
good English and is a cabinet-maker by profession. Mr. Gronowski 
told visitor that the church will try to get Mr. Zuchola out and may 
arrange medical treatments if necessary. Said that Mr. Zuchola is 
harmless, and also thinks his threatening was mere domestic trouble, 
as ‘‘any man who would live in such a home would become that way.” 
Mr. Zuchola did not get enough food, the living conditions were very 
poor. When he saw that he did not get any care, he turned to the 
church and did all that Father Slominski told him to do. He also 
took his money there. 

After talking to Mr. Gronowski about this, he admitted that 
Mr. Zuchola was not mentally normal, as he would take money away 
from the home where it was badly needed. Also his illusions were 
abnormal, and his influence on the children not good; but he said that 
Mrs. Zuchola had her share in Mr. Zuchola’s being ill as she is no 
housekeeper and does not know how to bring up the children—in 
fact has no control over them, which fact Father Slominski can 
prove. 

Mrs. Ostroski, his aunt, he says is not very responsible. She is 
a midwife and gives illegal treatments. Mr. Gronowski admitted 
that Mr.- Zuchola was in bad health through excessive drinking 
fourteen years ago and that Mrs. Ostroski had him come to Chicago 
to give him treatments, but these treatments were not successful. 
They all agreed that Mrs. Zuchola should move and that Walter should 
go to work (learn the trade of a cabinet-maker) and go on Saturday 
afternoons to the Art Institute for drawing lessons as he is very fond 
of drawing. 

March 15, 1919.—Victoria and her cousin in office. Says Mrs. 
Zuchola is very ill and should be taken to the hospital. 

Later.—Visited. Found Mrs. Zuchola in bed and Mrs. Ostroski, 
her aunt, taking care of her. 

Mrs. Zuchola said Dr. Meyer had called and made a diagnosis 
of appendicitis, and advised taking her as soon as possible to the 
County Hospital. Mrs. Ostroski said in case Mrs. Zuchola was taken 
to hospital, she would stay in the home and take care of the children 
and business. 

Later.—Telephoned Dr. Meyer, who said visitor should arrange 
for ambulance. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 131 


Later.—Telephoned police station for ambulance. 

March 19, t919.—Peter in office asking visitor to call at home. 

March 20, t919.—Visited. - Mrs. Ostroski was caring for children 
and business. Says she has a buyer for the mangle. (Mrs. Ostroski 
would keep money as she owns the mangle.) Advised Mrs. Ostroski 
not to do anything about it until Mrs. Zuchola returned from 
hospital. Mrs. Ostroski complained of children, saying they do not 
come home until late at night, and that Walter is getting worse 
every day. 

March 26, 1t919.—Called at school for report. Principal said 
Walter should be working. Gave school report: Attendance regular; 
scholarship very poor; deportment good if not made to do what he 
does not like to do; general—very dull. Walter received his working 
certificate March 25, 1919.1. Spoke to Walter’s teacher who said he 
is getting duller every day. A few weeks ago she could give him 
simple questions which he could answer, but of late he is not able to 
do even this. 

Later —Visited. Made appointment with Walter for March 28. 
Told Mrs. Ostroski to be sure and persuade him to be at home when 
visitor called. Mrs. Ostroski showed visitor a large piece of chocolate 
which Nicholas and Walter had brought home. They would not say 
who had given it to them. 

March 28, 1919.—Talked to probation officer. He seemed very 
much in favor of having Walter examined, as he thinks he is feeble- 
minded and probably an institutional case. Told him of chocolate 
which boys had brought home. He thinks the home conditions very 
poor, and Mr. Zuchola has abused Walter. 

Later.—Called for Walter, but he did not come home. Walter 
said he does not want Welfare Agency to take any interest in securing 
a position for him. Mrs. Ostroski, does not know what Walter does 
during the day. Comes and goes at will. Peter says that Walter 
is working at Kohn’s on Milwaukee Avenue, delivering packages. 

Later —Called at Kohn’s, but manager said they could recall 
Walter’s working there only one evening when he helped a boy 
deliver packages. 

March 29, t9t9.—Called at County Hospital. Mrs. Zuchola’s 
physician said that she was operated on for gallstones and is doing 
fairly well. Will be able to leave hospital in a few days. 


t {See Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 48, sec. 20, for con- 
ditions under which the working papers are obtained.] 


132 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Talked to Mrs. Zuchola, who seems to be feeling much better but 
is worrying a great deal about Walter. Told her Welfare Agency is 
interested in Walter and will try to adjust matters. 

April 8, 1919.—Took Walter to Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau. 
After a three-and-one-half-hour examination, the doctor pronounced 
him feeble-minded. His mentality is that of a child between nine 
and ten years, and he is, therefore, an institutional case. Advised 
before committing him that he be given a chance at work, as he is not 
at present a menace to the home, and, if it is not possible for fei to 
hold work, that he be sent to the State School. 

Later.—Took Walter to Reichardt Piano Factory and talked to 
Mr. Nelson, previous foreman of Mr. Zuchola. He was very much 
interested in Walter and said he would try to place him in a position 
in the department in which they make the interior of grafaphones. 
This appealed to Walter, who will work under Mr. Telley and will 
start work April 9. Mr. Nelson took Walter to Mr. Telley and 
showed him some of the work that he is supposed to do. 

Walter told visitor he has two friends, John Pilsulski and Joe, 
but did not know Joe’s last name. Said Joe was recently arrested, as 
he held up a man for $50. While holding up this man he had two 
guns, a revolver and a rifle. Joe is thirteen years old. Walter said 
that, recently when he was going to shoot his father, he took his 
uncle’s gun out of the trunk and found bullets there also and charged 
revolver with these bullets. Said when he threatened his sister he 
did not mean it but just wanted to scare her, as she was teasing him. 

April 9, t919.—The following letter received from the director of 
the Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau: 

In accordance with your request we have examined Walter Zuchola, 
now 16 years old. 

We find his mental development to correspond to that of a child of 
about 9 years, 1o months. On the basis of our examination, we classify 
him as a feeble-minded person of middle-grade moron type. The charac- 
teristics, described in the history supplied us by your worker, such as 
irresponsibility, violent temper, and uncontrolled behavior, all arise, we 
believe, from his mentally defective makeup. 

It will be necessary to regard this boy as a problem in social adjustment. 
If his defectiveness makes it impossible for him to adjust himself to an 
orderly and responsible mode of behavior, commitment to the State School 
for the Feeble-minded will have to be resorted to. For the present we think an 
effort should be made to demonstrate whether this boy can become a reliable 
working boy at some form of occupation which is within his mental grasp. 

I may add that there was a suggestion of lung involvement in this case. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 133 


April 17, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was feeling very weak. 
Said she is unable to work the mangle. Said her aunt, Mrs. Ostroski, 
has made a great deal of trouble for her while she was in the hospital. 
Mrs. Ostroski kept half of the earnings of the mangle. 

Friday evening Nicholas came home very dirty. Mrs. Zuchola 
told him that she knew positively that he had not been to school and 
scolded him for it. Nicholas said he did not want to return to school 
as he wished to go to work. Mrs. Zuchola explained to him that he 
could not work as he is not fourteen years of age. Nicholas threatened 
to run away from home and stay away until he is fourteen. He left 
the next day and has not returned. Mrs. Zuchola thinks he is associat- 
ing with John Pilsulski, and thinks John knows where Nicholas is, 
although he denies it. Some boys told her that Nicholas is working 
on a Daily Republican wagon from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. | 

During visit, the probation officer came in. He was interested to 
hear that Walter is doing well at work. Walter is trying to work out 
a plan for a victrola, but so far has not succeeded. Mrs. Zuchola 
says Walter is cross at home but is very happy with his work. 

April 18, to19.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said Nicholas has 
returned home. ‘Told her he had been sleeping with one of the boys, 
but feels sorry for what he has done and will return to school. 

Mrs. Zuchola’s brother, Mr. Gronowski, told Mrs. Zuchola to 
look for another flat as he would like to live with her. Told her to 
remain in present flat until Welfare Agency could help to make a 
better plan. 

April 23, 1919.—Mrs. Zuchola in office saying her brother, Mr. 
Gronowski, was arrested the previous night on a warrant taken out 
by his wife for non-support of children. Accompanied Mrs. Zuchola 
to court. Mrs. Gronowski would not talk to Mrs. Zuchola. Told 
visitor she was helped by American Red Cross during Mr. 
Gronowski’s term in the army. Mr. Gronowski was ordered by 
Judge Hay either to get someone to sign a $500 bond or to go for a year 
to the House of Correction. Mr. Gronowski got his employer to 
sign his bond, and is to pay $8.00 a week for the support of his children. 

Later.—Visited. ‘The house was in better order than usual, and 
Mrs. Zuchola was preparing dinner which consisted of vegetable soup 
and beans. Left $5.00 for food and told Mrs. Zuchola to keep list of 
expenditures. Mrs. Zuchola is not working the mangle, since April 
21. Previous to this she did not recelve much money from the 
mangle, as her aunt, Mrs. Ostroski, kept most of it, as she claimed she 
was doing most of the work and she owned the mangle. 


134 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Zuchola is very anxious to do whatever the Welfare Agency 
suggests. 

Later.—Agent of the Vocational Bureau telephoned for report 
of family. They are interested in Nicholas. Will try and get some- 
one to tutor him for a month or so to give him a good start as he was 
late entering school. Gave report. 

Polish Committee Decision: A motion carried that financial aid 
be granted Mrs. Zuchola during her illness, and that Mr. Thomas 
Skompa, of the Polish Committee, interview Mr. Gronowski, brother 
of Mrs. Zuchola, before advising him to live with the family. 

April 29, 1919.—Visited. Talked to Mrs. Ostroski in regard to 
mangle. She said she would use the mangle and pay $8.00 a month 
for Mrs. Zuchola for rent, and in the meantime, Mrs. Zuchola should 
remain in flat, as she is not strong enough tomove. Mrs. Zuchola has 
received a second eviction notice, and will have to appear in court 
April 30." | 

Walter received his first wages of $10a week. He likes his position, 
but the boys tease him because of his short trousers. ‘Talked to 
Nicholas, who does not look very well, in regard to his running away 
from home. Said it was not bad company, and that it was his own idea 
as he is tired of school. He worked for the Chicago Daily Republican 
helping to distribute papers, but he is now willing to stay in school 
until July 19, when he will be fourteen years old. Told him to call 
with Walter at the Municipal Tuberculosis Dispensary for an examina- 
tion. 

April 30, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said she has been given 
ten days in which to move. Both boys went to the Dispensary. 
Gave Mrs. Zuchola $4.40 for food and $3.50 for trousers for Walter. 
Asked Mrs. Zuchola to look for rooms and to notify the Welfare 
Agency should she find any. 

May 1, r919.—Walter, Nicholas, and Peter examined at Municipal 
Tuberculosis Dispensary. Non-tubercular. 

May 6, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said her aunt sold the 
mangle for $200 and by Friday they must be out of the flat. Walter 
was at home. Said that foreman asked him to put on his hat, and they 
gave him his pay envelope. He received $19. Does not know the 
reason he was discharged. Said a boy in the factory gave him red 
pepper to smell and this made him sneeze all day. Said he did play 


t[See above, p. 103, note, for instructions from General Office to visitors in 
matter of eviction situations.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 135 


the piano, but only at one noon hour. Mrs. Zuchola says he knows 
very little about playing. While talking to visitor he was printing, 
and work looked very good. 

Told Mrs. Zuchola to look for rooms for her own family and not to 
consider having her brother live with her. 

May 7, to19.—Telephoned Walter’s foreman, who said that he 
tried in every way to keep Walter but that Walter would work only 
when someone stood over him and watched him closely. When he 
was not being watched, he would begin to play and fool with others. 
He doubts that Walter will be able to keep a position. Is sure firm 
is not willing to give him another chance. Said Walter is ‘‘bull- 
headed.” 

May 9, 1919.—Mrs. Zuchola in office. Said she had found a flat. 
Accompanied her to see rooms, which look light and airy. There is a 
large garden attached to house which is very neglected. Mrs. Zuchola 
is anxious to get this flat and get boys interested in the garden. 
Talked to agent in charge of this property, and he promised to have 
windows and plumbing in good condition. Paid rent of $10 from 
May 15 to June I5. 

May 12, 1919.—Called on Walter’s former foreman, who said 
Walter is a fairly bright boy and is strong and able to do good work, 
but as soon as he is not watched he would look out of the window, 
or fool with other boys, or sit somewhere between pianos and fall 
asleep. He thinks Walter is just lazy. 

May 15, rotg9.—Mrs. Naurocki, aunt of Mrs. Zuchola, in office 
complaining that Mr. Zuchola is not being well treated at the State 
Hospital. Said she visited him Sunday and he told her that he was 
not getting enough food or clothing. Mrs. Naurocki said Mr. Zuchola 
is not insane and should not be forced to stay there. Visited and left 
$5.00 cash grant. 

May 20, 1919.—Visited. The flat was fairly clean. A large 
bouquet of lilacs was on the dining-room table. Mrs. Zuchola and 
the boys have worked very hard in the garden which is attached to 
house. They have planted various kinds of vegetables. They have 
placed their large oleander trees which they had in the garden also. 

Mrs. Zuchola said Walter is looking for work, as he wishes to get 
a job on his own initiative, as he feels ashamed to have visitor do it. 
Mrs. Zuchola showed plans which he had drawn of different pianos, 
which he did while working at Reichardt’s. He told Mrs. Zuchola 
that he is going to build a whistling organ and that he was very anxious 


136 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


to work in every department at Reichardt’s so that he could get idea's 
for his plan. The plans were simply drawn and most of them were 
only keyboards. 

Left $8.00. Mrs. Zuchola is keeping close account of her expendi- 
tures. 

May 23, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was baking a large amount 
of bread, although two days ago, when visitor called, she had four 
large loaves in the pantry. Said children eat a great deal of bread. 

Mrs. Zuchola enjoys her garden very much and works very hard 
in it. She seems to understand a great deal about farming. Walter 
has a tool table in the garden where he works whenever he has the 
time. He tells Mrs. Zuchola that he is trying to build an arbor. 

Mrs. Zuchola gave visitor a $200 share in the May Flower Building 
and Loan Association, 102 Walnut Street, May Flower Park, New 
Jersey, which is in Mr. Zuchola’s name, which visitor will get Legal 
Aid' to try to collect. Mrs. Zuchola says that Walter goes every 
day to the United States Employment Bureau and finally received a 
position at the Western Brass and Lamp Company. He began work 
May 22. 

May 26, r919.—Called at the Western Brass and Lamp Company, 
Walter’s employer, and talked with Mr. Jung, manager. Mr. Jung 
is a very sympathetic man and said he will take a special inter- 
est in Walter. Walter is at present working on a drill bench, 
which is an easy job. Mr. Jung noticed on several occasions that 
Walter wants to do everything his own way. He showed him at 
some length how to pull a wire a certain way, and Walter insisted 
upon doing it in just the opposite way. Mr. Jung realized he was 
very young and had very little experience. He will give him $11 a 
week and will make his complaints of Walter to visitor. 

May 29, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola complained that Walter 
and Nicholas do not stay at home evenings and will do no work 
around the house. Walter is still planning his organ. Left $4.00 
cash. 

June 2, 1919.—Called on Mrs. Naurocki, aunt of Mrs. Zuchola. 
Mrs. Naurocki said she is very much disgusted with the way Mrs. 
Zuchola keeps house. She also neglects her children, and this is the 
reason why Walter and Nicholas are such bad boys. ‘The children were 
practically raised on the street, and not by Mrs. Zuchola. 


t [The Lega! Aid is one of the organic divisions of the Welfare Agency. See Sixty- 
six Years of Service; An Account of the Activities of the United Charities (1922), p..45.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 137 


Mrs. Naurocki said that Mr. Zuchola is not insane, but has 
suffered a great deal by Mrs. Zuchola’s laziness, as she would not 
prepare nourishing meals. Mr. Zuchola always felt sorry for his 
children, and Mrs. Naurocki said she could never remember his 
punishing them. He was always a very quiet man and has been 
much neglected. Mrs. Zuchola had a habit of buying a great deal of 
material and things she did not use. When Mrs. Naurocki repri- 
manded her for this, she would say she wanted it for future use. Mrs. 
Naurocki also said that Mrs. Zuchola is not telling the Welfare 
Agency the truth. 

June 4, 1919.—The following letter written to the director of the 
Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau: 


At your request we are sending you a report of Walter Zuchola who was 
examined at your institute, April 8, 1919. 

On April 8 we secured a position for him at the Reichardt Piano Factory, 
where he worked from April 9 to May 5. ‘The work was light, and his 
foreman tells us that the reason of his discharge was that he was stubborn and 
lazy. As soon as Walter felt that he was not being watched he would 
hide some place and sleep, look out of the windows, or disturb his fellow- 
workers. 

Walter, however, was anxious to secure a position without our help, 
and on May 22, 1919, was placed with the Western Brass and Lamp Com- 
pany through the United States Employment office. He is doing some light 
and simple work on a drill bench, and his foreman reports that he is doing 
fairly well, although he shows signs of stubbornness. He is at present 
earning $11 a week. 

He spends a good share of his spare time in planning to build a ‘‘ whistling 
organ.” He copied some plans while working at Reichardt’s. There is 
nothing concrete in the plans which he has drawn. They are very simple 
and show nothing but the keyboard. 

We have moved the family into a pleasant flat which has a large garden 
attached. Mrs. Zuchola, Walter, and Nicholas have turned a much 
neglected yard into a lovely vegetable garden. We did hope that this 
work would keep the boys at home, but Mrs. Zuchola says that Walter 
goes out evenings and will do no work around the house, except the planning 
of the “organ.” 

We are continuing to visit the family, and would appreciate any sug- 
gestions which you might have to offer in regard to them. 


June 5, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola says she has not much 
clothing for children. Showed visitor a great many remnants of 
dress goods, which she had bought very cheap at sales. None of the 
remnants were very large but with careful planning they could be 


138 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


made up into children’s waists and dress. Said Walter tries to deny 
that he was receiving $11 a week, but when he received his salary, 
he turned over his check. Left $5.00 cash, and $3.25 for Mr. Zuchola’s 
insurance. 

June 6, t919.—Paid moving bill of $14. 

June 12, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was varnishing the floor. 
She is trying to make the home very comfortable. Said the boys 
were doing fairly well, are staying home evenings. Said her aunt, 
Mrs. Naurocki, has reported her at the State Hospital and hopes that 
will help to free Mr. Zuchola. She told the doctor that the cause of 
Mr. Zuchola’s condition is Mrs. Zuchola, as she is no housekeeper 
and is very filthy, which discouraged Mr. Zuchola. Mrs. Zuchola 
said that Mr. Zuchola was present while Mrs. Naurocki was talking 
to doctor. She also brought a witness along. Left $5.00 cash grant, 
and $5.00 for clothing. 

June 19, 1919.—Walter’s foreman telephoned that Walter left 
without any reason. 

Later —Visited. Walter was cutting wood in the yard. Said 
he was trying to make a fence. He gave as his reason for quitting 
his job that a boy had told hima man had died from breathing poison- 
ous acids in the factory and also that he had had to carry heavy 
packages. Said he refused to return. Left $6.00 cash grant and took 
Walter to Gerts and Company but the manager said Walter was too 
young, as they do not like to take boys under seventeen years. 

Later —Accompanied Walter to his old place of employment. 
Told the manager of Walter’s complaint of acids and heavy packages. 
He said that any child could carry the packages, and as far as the 
acids were concerned, Walter had nothing to do with this room, and. 
the fumes were not poisonous, and no one had ever been known to 
suffer from them. Walter then admitted that he wanted to go swim- 
ming, and it was too late to go after working hours, as he had to walk 
two miles. After much persuasion, Walter decided to return to work. 

Later.—Saw Nicholas, at 6:00 P.M., riding on a Daily Times wagon. 

June 20, 1919.—Called at school. ‘Teacher was new, so did not 
know much of Nicholas. Record book showed that his attendance 
from February to March 18 was without an absence, but after this 
he did not return to school. 


*(The visitor evidently thought it impracticable to try to arrange for regular 
reports from the school. The obligation for keeping Nicholas in school, moreover, 
rested under the Compulsory Attendance Law on the Compulsory Attendance > 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 139 


June 21, 1919.—Visited. Found Mrs. Zuchola ill. Mrs. Zuchola 
said she has just found out that Nicholas did not go to school. She 
fainted twice last night. Said that during all this time she has been 
giving him money and he told her that he had a great deal of school 
homework to do, but that he does it with a boy, Adam Sabodka, who 
lives on Washington Street. Mrs. Zuchola was always satisfied 
with the reports he gave her, and never doubted him until the teacher 
told Peter about Nicholas’, absence, so Mrs. Zuchola looked up the 
Sabodka family. Mrs. Sabodka told her Nicholas had not been there, 
and that he owed Adam 65 cents, and also that Nicholas had not 
attended school for some time, but could not tell how long. Mrs. 
Zuchola does not want to tell Nicholas of this, as she is afraid he will 
run away. Said she had heard him say that he wanted to save $50 
to go on a summer trip. She scolded him for this, and he told her 
that he could not be forced to give her the money he earned. Mrs. 
Zuchola thought he was talking about the money he was going to earn 
during the summer. Mrs. Zuchola is broken-hearted over Nicholas, 
as she had great hopes of him. 

Later Walter came in and handed Mrs. Zuchola a $3.00 check. 
Walter seemed to feel sorry for his mother. Left $2.00 for gas bill 
and $2.00 for shoe-repairing. 

June 23, 1919.—Visited in evening. Children sitting around the 
table and eating dinner, which consisted of macaroni and meat. 
Walter told visitor that they are waiting for Nicholas, who is going to 
bring tickets for White City, where they are going to spend the evening. 
Visitor brought colored chalk for Walter and showed him how to use 
it. He showed quite a bit of interest. Nicholas came in, said he has 
been distributing papers to different news stands and said he has 
earned 75 cents. Visitor talked to him in regard to school. Nicholas 
admitted that he was lying to his mother; an excuse he gave was that 
school was too hard for him and that he was too anxious to earn 
money. He promised to do better, he will get his school record and 
working certificate, and will try to do his best at work. Says that 
he did not save any money, as his earnings were very irregular and 
very small. 

June 26, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that Nicholas was 
very much ashamed of the things he has done. She has written for 


Department of the Board of Education. See Jilinois Revised Statutes (Smith- 
Hurd, 1923), chap. 122 (Schools, secs. 342-43). See Abbott and Breckinridge, 
Truancy and Non-Attendance in the Chicago Schools.] 


40 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


his birth certificate. Mrs. Zuchola complains of Walter; says that 
she always fears when he is not at home in time that he has got in 
trouble with his friends. He has a great dislike for Victoria. Peter 
was playing on a guitar. He seems to have a talent for music. Left 
$6.00 cash grant. Visitor took Peter to Neighborhood House to 
register him for the summer classes. He said that Walter and Nicholas 
smoke, although his mother tries to punish them whenever she sees 
them doing it. 

July 1, 1919.—Visited. Walter at home cutting wood; he 
intended to make a house for a rabbit, which he had just received. 
He told visitor that his boss told him to work faster, which he refused 
to do, and therefore he was discharged. Mrs. Zuchola said that 
Walter returned June 20 to work and worked only half a day; this 
he told her June 28. She was giving him lunch all this time. Mrs. 
Zuchola showed visitor a check she received from Washington for 
$207, made out to her at her brother’s request, allotment money; 
said her brother asked her to cash it and give him the money. She 
had had this check for four weeks, but had refused to indorse it. 
Told Mrs. Zuchola that this money does not belong to her and that 
the Red Cross has made arrangements that her brother’s wife should 
get the money. Left $7.00 cash grant. 

July 2, 1919.—Telephoned Walter’s foreman, who said that 
Walter came June 20, worked until noon, and left without saying 
anything. He did not say anything to Walter in regard to working 
faster, but would ask him to work when he found him reading a news- 
paper during working hours. 

Later.—Telephoned Red Cross visitor and--told-her about check 
which Mrs. Zuchola received. Visitor said they have sent a telegram 
to Washington just two days ago. They will call on Mrs. Zuchola to 
advise her to send it back to Washington, as Mrs. Gronowski is legally 
entitled to the money. 

Later.—Called_ at Polish National Alliance. Secretary said that 
Mrs. Zuchola owes $8.00 or more to the society. They have helped 
her often, as they felt Mr. Zuchola was not earning enough. She 
will take it up with the president of the society. 

July 3, 1919.—Visited. Walter is working in a printing shop, 
625 Market Street. Mrs. Zuchola got the job for him through the 
newspaper. Left $7.00 cash grant and $6.00 for summer clothing. 

July 8, 1919.—Victoria and Stanyslava sent on summer outing 
for two weeks to Lacon, Illinois. Slips signed by Dr. Lewandowski. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 141 


- Later.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that Walter is very cross. 
The first three days he liked his work and said it was very light, but 
he is beginning to tire of it already. 

Mrs. Zuchola’s dresser drawers are all in great disorder. Mrs. 
Zuchola says she has no patience to straighten them out. Her 
greatest pleasure is working in the garden; or, if she must do house- 
work, she prefers sewing, cooking, and keeping the rooms in order, 
because in doing this she sees some results. Left $5.00 cash grant. 

July 15, 1919.—Nicholas in office saying that Walter was riding a 
bicycle the day before and was run over by an automobile. He was 
taken to the Walter Scott Hospital, but brought home the same evening. 

Later.—Telephoned hospital and talked to doctor who took care 
of Walter. Said that Walter had only been bruised upon his arm, 
and slightly on his head. He does not need medical attention. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that. Walter had suffered 
with a headache all night. She called in Dr. Meyer, who prescribed 
medicine for him, but said Walter would be all right in'a few days. 
Left $5.00 cash grant and 75 cents for medicine. | 

July 18, 1919.—Visited. Nicholas received his birth certificate. 
Gave him card to Vocational Bureau. Left $6.00 for clothing for 
Nicholas. | 

July 22, 1919.—Visited.. Walter had returned to work, and 
Nicholas began work July 21 at Johnson Wallott Company. Left 
$5.00 cash grant. 

July 24, 1919.—Paid grocery bill of $6.00. 

July 29, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola is very happy because 
Peter is going to have a chance to go to Braedalbane Farm. Nicholas 
is beginning to feel sorry to think he stopped going to school. Walter 
will be paid July 31, and Nicholas August 1. Left $5.00 for shoes 
for Peter, and $3.50 cash grant. | 

July 31, 1919.—Victoria sent on two weeks’ outing to Friendship 
House. Slips signed by Dr. Lewandowski. 

August 4, 1919.—Called at Johnson Wallott Company. Talked 
to assistant employment manager who said Nicholas is working in the 
jewelry department, working in the stock, and does errands. They 
are well satisfied with him. He appears to be a very bright boy. 

Later.—Called on Walter’s employer. Spoke to manager, who 
said that Walter is doing everything about the shop. They are 
satisfied with his work. His forelady was on her vacation. Said 
that Walter has an opportunity of learning the printing trade. 


142 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


August 8, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola has a gas bill of $32, 
and the gas company has shut off the gas. Mrs. Zuchola said that 
several months ago, before she moved, the company sent her a bill 
of $11. She complained at the City Hall, and since then the bills 
have accumulated, as she refused to pay such high bills. 

Walter earned $9.85 this week, as he was out one and one-half 
days because of the car strike.t He turned this money over to her. 
Nicholas gave her his envelope of $13. Mrs. Zuchola bought two 
pairs of shoes for $11 and two pairs of stockings, two pairs of shoes 
with rubber soles for boys, and some screens for the windows. Mrs. 
Zuchola is very happy because Peter will leave for Braedalbane Farm. 
Said Nicholas is very jealous of him and wishes he had the same 
opportunity. Left $4.00 cash grant. 

August 13, t9t9.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said she had paid $15 
for gas on a $35 bill and $8.68 for milk. Her income for that week 
from both the boys was $25. Left $6.00 cash grant. 

August 19, r919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said they have sent 
her a new gas bill. Left $5.00 gas and $4.60 cash grant. 

August 21, 1919.—Telephoned Walter’s forelady, who said that 
she has discharged him because he refuses to work. He had not 
worked for the last three weeks—just played around and annoyed 
the other employees. She talked to him several times, but he refused 
to do better. She would not consider taking him back. 

August 28, 1919.—Visited. Walter was working for a few days 
in a printing-shop but had to give it up because work was too 
hard. He said that there are plenty of positions and he will look 
for work. He does not look very well, so advised Mrs. Zuchola to 
take him to the Dispensary. Left $4.50 cash grant and $1.50 for 
gas bill. 

September 5, r9r9.—Visited. Walter has started work in a 
printing-shop but Mrs. Zuchola did not know the name. Said 
Nicholas is doing very nicely. Left $5.00 cash grant. The Legal 
Aid has notified Mrs. Zuchola that she soon will hear from New 
Jersey as to the money from the Building and Loan stock. 

September 11, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that Walter 
has begun work in a button factory (September 5). He seems to 
like the work. Mrs. Zuchola received a letter from Legal Aid saying 
that they have received letters from New Jersey that they will send 
money but Mrs. Zuchola will have to sign a paper. 


™ This was the time of the car strike and race riots of r919.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 143 


October 2, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that Nicholas is 
still working at Johnson Wallott Company and is earning $12 a week. 
On October 1 he received $17. Mrs. Zuchola had been ill but was 
feeling somewhat better and said county doctor had called. 

October 10, 1919.—Visited. Found Mrs. Zuchola quite ill in bed. 
Said she has really been ill for last three weeks. She spent a great 
deal of money on medicine and lemons, and Walter has not brought 
his full pay. She received a letter from the Legal Aid Society telling 
her to call for a check which they received from the Building and 
Loan Association, New Jersey. Mrs. Zuchola wants to deposit 
money with Welfare Agency. 

Later.—Telephoned county doctor. He said that Mrs. Zuchola 
has the influenza. Asked him to make another visit. 

October 13, 1919.—Telephoned attorney of Legal Aid Society in 
regard to Mrs. Zuchola’s money. He said that Mrs. Zuchola is 
unable to draw the whole sum, because there is a bond on it. He 
will send someone to see her, and they will arrange for her to draw 
a small sum of money. ‘This has to be probated through court first. 

October 25, r919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that on Sunday 
Walter was arrested for shooting rabbits and Monday he was arrested 
again for stealing a bicycle. Mrs. Zuchola said that he has bothered 
her recently for a bicycle, so she told him to save his money. He 
bought an old bicycle in a second-hand store for $2.00, which needed 
a great deal of repairing. He wanted to have it fixed so that he could 
use it on Sunday when he goes hunting, and his friend John Pilsulski 
promised to repair this, because he works in a place where they make 
bicycles. He was unable to do it by Saturday, and he advised Walter 
to steal a bicycle from a store. While John was talking to the owner 
of the store and keeping him interested, Walter took the bicycle. 
Case came up Monday, and the owner said that, since nothing had 
happened to the bicycle, he was willing to drop the case. 

October 28, r919.—Talked with probation officer about sending 
Walter to a farm. He was not very much in favor of the plan, but 
thought the Welfare Agency might arrange this if it seemed best. 

Later.—Officer of court telephoned that he had found place on farm 
for Walter and asked visitor to take boy to see Mr. Kaufman, on Went- 
worth Avenue. He isson-in-law of the farmer who owns the place, and 
would like to see the boy and decide if his father-in-law would take him. 

October 29, 1919.—Took Walter to see Mr. Kaufman, who said 
his father-in-law is willing to take him and that the boy will have a 


144 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


good place. Mrs. Kaufman’s father and two brothers are living on a 
farm and a sister is keeping house for them. One brother is a graduate 
of the University of Illinois and very much interested in flowers, and 
their main interest is in growing flowers. Mrs. Kaufman was present 
and said that the work is not very hard and that the surroundings 
are very agreeable. 

October 31, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that Walter is 
very happy that he is able to go to this farm. ‘Told her that she 
must provide clothing which Mr. Kaufman asked boy to have. 
Left money for this. 

Later—Telephoned probation officer and reported result of 
interview. Officer promised, if Walter does not stay on this farm very 
long, to put in an application for his admission to the State School for 
the Feeble-minded. 

November 1, 1t919.—Telephoned Mr. Kaufman. He said that 
Walter left for the farm yesterday. Mr. Kaufman promised not to 
send Walter home on a visit for three or four weeks. 

November 12, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola has visited Peter 
at Braedalbane Farm. Said child has grown and looks very well. 
He likes it very much and everyone congratulated her for having such 
anice son. ‘The Captain” seemed to be very fond of him.? 

Mrs. Zuchola showed visitor a letter she had received from Walter. 
He wrote that he likes his work on the farm, but he has to sleep in a 
garret, and wishes visitor would have them change his sleeping- 
quarters; if not, said he would run away. He inclosed directions for 
reaching the farm and two diagrams of the farm which he asked her 
not toshow toanyone. Diagrams looked very much like the diagrams 
he drew of the piano which he made while working at Reichardt’s. 

Later—Telephoned Mr. Kaufman. He said that Walter is 
doing fairly well, but they have to keep after him all the time. 

Later.—Probation officer reports she took up matter of sleeping- 
quarters with Mr. Kaufman. 

December 8, 1919.—Probation officer telephoned that Walter 
left the farm December 3 because it was cold. He did fairly good 
work. 


™[“The Captain’ is the head and heart of the institution, which is a farm 
school, incorporated to “protect, rear, educate, and provide for homeless and 
neglected boys.” The age limits are ten to eighteen years, or fourth grade to 
second-year high school. The capacity is one hundred. It is organized after the 
cottage plan.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 145 


December 10, 1919.—Nurse from Dispensary in office to read 
record. So far they have not made a diagnosis of Mrs. Zuchola’s 
case. She is very nervous, and the results of two Wassermann tests 
were negative; they have taken a third. 

December 29, 1919.—New Year’s dinner supplied by manager of 
Gerts and Company, for whom Walter worked in June. 

Later.—Mrs. Zuchola in office, saying that Walter had come back 
from the farm and taken a job at Lane and Company’s department 
store and Nicholas had left home December 28. Peter is home for 
the holidays. 

Later.—Called at Johnson Wallott Company and talked with 
Nicholas’ foreman. He said Nicholas has been a rather slow worker, 
but did the work he was asked to do. He told of Nicholas’ having 
lost his lunch one day which he blamed on one of the boys, and the 
next day, the twenty-fourth, this boy found that someone had broken 
his tools, and nailed the pieces to his desk. ‘They suspected that 
Nicholas did this for revenge and told him he would have to pay for it, 
and he has not returned to work since. 

Later.—lllinois Avenue Police Station telephoned. Boys were 
arrested on December 28, on a burglary charge. The case will be 
up in the Juvenile Court on January 5, 1920. The boys are at the 
Detention Home. 

Later.—Reported to juvenile probation officer.' 

January 2, 1920.—Called at Lane and Company, where Walter 
was employed. He worked there about five days and did what he 
was asked to do, but foreman told him to goa half-hour later to lunch, 
which he refused to do, and left. 

Later.—Talked with psychiatrist at Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau. 
He will communicate with officer at the Juvenile Detention Home, 
to decide whether Walter should go to the State Industrial School 
or to the State School for the Feeble-minded. He will notify Juvenile 
Court and Welfare Agency. 

January 3, 1920.—Called on Shepardson and Company, whose 
shop had been broken into. Man in charge said that Sunday afternoon 
John Pilsulski and Walter and Nicholas Zuchola and another boy 
broke in through the basement window by breaking the window 
and bending the iron bars. The damage they did has not been 


1 [See Jeter, The Chicago Juvenile Court (U.S. Children’s Bureau Pub. No. 104), 
p. 32, for account of relations existing between police probation officers and 
county probation oflicers.] 


146 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


estimated yet, but he thinks it will be over $1,000. They cut furs 
and coats and ruined the furniture. They used the fire extinguisher 
and spoiled the carpets, etc. They took out the hinges of the safe, 
but did not find any money, which probably angered them and led 
them to destroy the articles. ‘The watchman heard them in the store 
and called for the police, who sent fifteen officers and arrested the 
boys right in the store. 

Later.—Telephoned psychiatrist and gave him above report. 

January 5, 1920.—Case up in Juvenile Court. Walter’s case was 
continued, pending the filing of a feeble-minded petition. Nicholas 
was sent for three months to the County School for Delinquent Boys. 
Both boys admitted that they did the cutting and destroying of the 
articles because they failed to obtain any money. John Pilsulski said 
the reason they broke in was that he was trying to get money for the 
Zuchola boys because Mrs. Zuchola would not give them enough. 

January 6, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola seemed rather consoled 
with the idea that Walter will be away from home. She said that 
people talked about her because she did not keep the boys in the home 
when they were mere children, but she said that it was better for them 
to be on the street because while in the house Mr. Zuchola would 
always be annoyed by them and beat them unmercifully. They were 
always hiding in the attic or basement when he was threatening to 
beat them. Mrs. Zuchola felt very sorry, especially for Nicholas, 
because he would hide and cry. There was nothing she could do 
to prevent Mr. Zuchola from beating the children. 

January 1t0, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said she has been 
very ill for the last two nights, spitting blood. She went to the 
Dispensary and the doctor sent her to the County Hospital for an 
X-ray of her chest. 

Later.—Sent county doctor to see Mrs. Zuchola (in response to 
telephone call that she was feeling very badly). 

January 12, 1920.—Visited. County doctor left note that Mrs. 
Zuchola should be taken immediately to the County Hospital. 

Later.—Mrs. Zuchola taken to County Hospital in Police Ambu- 
lance (called by Welfare Agency). Victoria and Stanyslava are with 
their aunt, Mrs. Ostroski, to whom Welfare Agency will pay $2.50 
a week for each child. , 

January 19, 1920.—Telephoned County Hospital. Head nurse 
reported Mrs. Zuchola will be dismissed, as they found no indications 
of tuberculosis. 


‘PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 147 


January 20, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola at home. Said she 
still does not feel well. Mrs. Zuchola seems to be very nervous and 
sees everything in a very bad light. The woman downstairs is suffer- 
ing with syphilis, and this caused Mrs. Zuchola to go to Dispensary 
because she said she had the same symptoms as this woman. Her 
aunt was suffering with a hemorrhage, and Mrs. Zuchola suspected that 
she too was having a hemorrhage although she spat very little blood. 
She still insists that she is very ill and is anxious to go to a doctor. 

January 22, 1920.—Called at school, and talked with third-grade 
teacher, in whose room Victoria is. She says Victoria is very poor 
in arithmetic and reading; feels that she has too much responsibility 
at home and is therefore behind in her work. She is very regular in 
attendance. 

January 22, 1920.—Walter was committed by the Juvenile Court 
to State School for the Feeble-minded.' 

January 24, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said she was feeling 
miserable. She called on her brother, Mr. Gronowski, who scolded 
her for having Walter committed to the State School. He told her 
to take Mr. Zuchola out and that both of the older boys should live 
with him, apart from her. Mrs. Zuchola’s nervousness seems to be 
caused partly from the constant nagging of her relatives. 

Later —Mrs. Zuchola in office with diagnosis from physician, to 
whom Welfare Agency had sent her. Diagnosis: hyperacidity of 
stomach. Gave prescription. 

January 27, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola feels much better. 
The home was immaculately clean, which showed that she is really 
able to keep a nice home when given a chance. She said that until he 
was twelve Nicholas would always tell her when Walter, John Pilsulski, 
“Greeny”’ Kukulski, and other boys planned to rob a store or do some 
mischief. He never wanted to join them, but the boys would threaten 
him with a beating. She thinks that Walter must have told the boys 
that Nicholas told her everything, and Nicholas because of fear joined 
the crowd. She said Peter had never had a desire to be with those 
boys. His friends were of good behavior, and they would play 
soldiers and Peter would be the captain. Captain Stirling at Braedal- 
bane Farm is very fond of him. For Christmas he gave him a good 
pair of shoes and stockings. He sits with the Captain at the table 
and seems to be a general favorite there. 


t(See below, p. 883, for statute governing commitment to institutions for 
feeble-minded.] 


148 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


February 3, 1920.—Visited. Nicholas, who has been at home for 
the week-end from the County School, has gained two pounds in ten 
days. He is doing manual work at the school and likes it very much. 

February 24, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola had taken Victoria 
and Stanyslava to the Dispensary. Did not feel that the girls were 
as nervous as doctor told her. They drink a great deal of milk and 
sleep every afternoon. ‘They are growing very fast and Mrs. Zuchola 
has to lengthen their dresses all the time. Nicholas has brought a 
bookrack and a footstool which he made at the school. He was told 
that he will not be allowed to leave the school until his tonsils have 
been taken out. 

March 19, 1920.—Mrs. Zuchola in office saying that Mr. Zuchola 
has escaped today from the State Hospital. She told him to return 
to hospital, but he begged her to hide him for three months. After 
this time they would not search for him any longer. Mrs. Zuchola 
does not want to live with him, as she knows that home conditions 
would be worse, as he is a bad influence on the children and on her, 

Later.—Telephoned State Hospital. They have reported Mr. 
Zuchola to the Chicago Police Station. 

March 22, 1920.—Called on Father Slominski, who knows where 
Mr. Zuchola is. Said that he realizes that Mr. Zuchola is not quite 
right but that he is not bad enough to be in an asylum. The reason 
for escape was that he and some other men were supposed to be taken 
to some other insane asylum. Mr. Zuchola is staying with a friend, 
and will go to work, as Mrs. Zuchola refuses to take him back. 
Father Slominski blames Mrs. Zuchola for the home conditions and 
for the bad behavior of the boys. 

Later —Talked with Mr. Gronowski, brother of Mrs. Zuchola, 
who said that Father Slominski is very much interested in Mr. Zuchola 
and will probably get him into a seminary where he can do some 
work. Mr. Gronowski approves of this plan. Said that he realizes 
that Mrs. Zuchola has improved, and also the home conditions, but 
still feels sorry for Mr. Zuchola, whom they look upon as a victim of 
neglect. 

March 24, 1920.—Head of social service, State Hospital, telephoned 
that institution physician gave following report: ‘Mr. Zuchola got 
along very well in the industrial shop, and had parole of grounds. 
He was delusional but not dangerous. He had religious delusions 
and ideas of infidelity of his wife. If he annoys Mrs. Zuchola, the 
hospital will take him back.”’ 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 149 


April 3, 1920.—Superintendent, County School for Delinquent 
Boys, telephones that Mr. Anderson, Warrenville, Illinois, wishes 
to employ Nicholas on his farm. He is at the school and Nicholas 
‘is very anxious to return with him. Superintendent advises this 
because of boy’s apparent interest and need of outdoor life. Asks 
that a written consent be secured from Mrs. Zuchola. He will keep 
in touch with Nicholas for a year or so as probation period. 

April 13, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola has not heard from 
Nicholas. She is very glad that he had the opportunity to go on a 
farm, which he was always anxious to do. Mr. Zuchola called on 
April 9 in the evening, and remained for two hours arguing with her. 
He is begging her to take him back as he is earning $25 and promises 
to be a different man. He kissed the children’s hands and begged 
them also to encourage their mother. Mrs. Zuchola, however, does 
not consider his wish, as she is afraid of him. She said that the home 
conditions have changed entirely with him away, and she is sure that 
if he returns his influence will have the same effect as before. She 
told him not to come again and threatened to call the police if he does. 
Mrs. Zuchola will begin to work. 

April 26, 1920.—Mrs. Zuchola in office. She is starting work at 
the Avondale Lunchroom, hours 10:00-4:00. Walter has written 
that there was an “‘earthquake” at the State School, and she should 
take him home immediately. He is in the baking-room as helper. 

May 3, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola likes her work, but it 
tires her very much. On April 28, Mr. Zuchola called again. He 
gave her $10 so that she may visit Walter. Mrs. Zuchola is constantly 
worried over Walter. People have told her that he has to stay in 
the State School all his life, and under these conditions she does not 
want him to stay there. Relatives are always telling her to take the 
children and Mr. Zuchola back and Mrs. Zuchola is becoming quite 
upset over this, although she agrees entirely to the wisdom of the 
present arrangement. Mr. Zuchola told her that after his three 
months’ absence from the State Hospital is over he will come and live 
with her. 

May 12, 1920.—Called at school for report. Victoria, third 
grade, does not do written work well. She is slightly careless, her 
attention is fair. She is neat and clean, large for her age, behavior 
good, attendance irregular in the last two weeks. Stanyslava, slow 
mentally, gets lessons slowly, but retains them well. She is a good 
writer and a hard worker, but her reading is poor. She is clean and 


I50 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


neat, and is a very good child. Irregular attendance this last two 
weeks. 

May 13, 1920.—Visited. Victoria and Stanyslava said they were 
absent from school two afternoons because on one afternoon they 
were unable to find the keys, and the other afternoon Victoria had 
a toothache. One day they were absent because it was a religious 
holiday. 

Mr. Zuchola wants to return June 19, and Mrs. Zuchola is positive 
that ‘‘something”’ will happen. 

May 15, 1920.—Worker at Dispensary reports that both Victoria 
and Stanyslava have improved greatly and are in very good health. 
Doctor advises that Stanyslava’s tonsils be removed, also Victoria’s 
but latter is not so urgent. 

May 18, 1920.—Case up in General Advisory Committee. It was 
the general opinion that Mrs. Zuchola should not be urged to take 
Mr. Zuchola into the home, but that if he wishes to contribute toward 
the support of the children, she accept some small sum from him. 

May 25, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was much pleased at 
having seen Walter. He has improved physically, and she is satisfied 
with the care he is receiving. He still insists that Mrs. Zuchola 
should take him home. Mr. Zuchola called again on family, and gave 
Mrs. Zuchola $5.00 and told her he would return June 19. Mrs. 
Zuchola is not working. She went to County Free Dispensary 
because of her eyes and is receiving treatment. As soon as she gets 
eyeglasses she will go to work again. 

June 2, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola said that Mr. Zuchola has 
lost his position; she does not know why. She is positive that he will 
cause a great deal of trouble, and if so she will have him recommitted. 

June 7, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola has been ill. She again 
received two letters from Walter, in which he threatened to kill 
himself unless taken out, and it seems that this caused her illness. 
County doctor was called. Mrs. Zuchola went next day to County 
Free Dispensary, where she was examined and assured that her 
condition was only a nervous one. 

July 2, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola, Victoria, and Stanyslava 
have just returned from a’two weeks’ outing. Neighbors say that 
Sunday, June 27, Nicholas was at home. Wrote Mr. Anderson asking 
if Nicholas came to city with his permission. 

July 13, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was notified by officers 
of the State School that Walter had escaped on July 4. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS I51 


July 21, 1920.—Visited. In the evening, and by appointment 
met Mrs. Zuchola’s two brothers, Stanley and Alexander Gronowski. 
The latter is visiting Mrs. Zuchola. He lives in Brooklyn. He has 
studied medicine, but after returning from the army he studied 
pharmacy and at present is working in a drugstore. He is a very 
refined, wholesome young man, with a good education. He has 
achieved this by working his way through school and college. Mrs. 
Stanley Gronowski and Mr. Zuchola were also present. Mr. Zuchola 
wore a new. suit which he bought for $50 and looked very neat. He 
begged everyone to influence Mrs. Zuchola to take him back. Said 
he would take all the children home and help to make something of 
them. 

After two and a half hours, they all came to the conclusion that 
Mr. Zuchola ought to stay away from Mrs. Zuchola and should pay 
about $10 for the children. Mrs. Zuchola, when mentioning some of 
the things he had done, said that the main reason for not taking him 
back is the fear that he would kill her. Mrs. Gronowski said she 
remembered, when calling on the Zuchola family on Evergreen Street, 
that the home conditions were beyond description. The family 
lived in a three-room flat, there was no bedding, no clothing, and Mr. 
Zuchola was always inchurch. Mrs. Ostroski had to feed the family 
on what was left from her meals, and Mrs. Zuchola was doing washing 
for about seven families. Mr. Alexander Gronowski said that they 
never had enough toeat. He was very pleased to find home conditions 
improved, and Mrs. Zuchola much younger in appearance. ‘They 
feel differently toward Mrs. Zuchola, whom they have always blamed 
for the bad conditions. 

Mrs. Zuchola, when she was eighteen years of age, was sent by 
an industrial school, to which she had been sent by Mrs. Ostroski, 
to an old noblewoman who is very prominent in the old nobility of 
Europe. Mrs. Zuchola stayed with her three years and talks of it 
as the happiest time of her life. She was a companion to this old 
lady and would take charge of the little household. She lived very 
quietly and contentedly until her father told her she would have to 
go to America. After much persuasion she left. 

July 27, 1920.—Mrs. Zuchola in office saying that Walter came 
home July 23. He told her that he had been in St. Louis with two 
other boys and later went to Bushline, Illinois, where he worked in 
a hotel. Mrs. Zuchola bought him underwear and trousers for $15. 
She does not wish him to be sent back to the State School. 


152 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Visited. Walter has improved physically. Said he did 
not care to stay in the State School, and promised to work. Mrs. 
Zuchola received a letter from Captain Stirling, Braedalbane Farm, 
saying that Peter’s behavior is beyond reproach, that he is a very 
good boy. 

July 28, 1920.—Telephoned Illinois Avenue Police Station, and 
made arrangements to have Walter returned to the State School. 

July 30, 1920.—Social worker, State Hospital, telephones that 
she is sending a worker to see Mrs. Zuchola. Mr. Zuchola should 
report to their clinic on Sunday afternoon. 

Later.—Psychologist, Juvenile Detention Home, telephones that 
Walter should not be given a release from the State School, but a 
vacation might show whether there is a possibility of his adjusting 
himself to his surroundings. | 

August 9, 1920.—Victoria and Stanyslava sent to Bellevue, 
Illinois, for two weeks’ outing. Slips signed by Dr. Holmes. 

August 12, 1920.—Visited. Peter was at home for one week’s 
vacation. Mrs. Zuchola very happy, as she is extremely fond of him. 
Peter says that his father wants him to be a priest and does not want 
him to go back to Braedalbane Farm, but he does not take his father 
seriously—is anxious to stay until he is through school. He is learning 
mechanics, and his desire is to go to a technical school and become a 
mechanic. 

August 16, 1920.—Mrs. Zuchola in office with letter from Juvenile 
Court as she was trying to have Walter released. The letter said 
that the court was unable to do anything for her as the superintendent 
of the State School reported that there is no question that Walter 
is delinquent and that he ought to be placed in an institution for 
delinquent boys, where he should remain from ten to fifteen years. 
Mrs. Zuchola is discouraged. 

September 2, 1920.—Worker of Neighborhood House Nutrition 
Clinic reports that Victoria and Stanyslava are attending regularly. 
Victoria has gained four pounds and Stanyslava two and a quarter 
in six weeks. 

September 7, 1920.—Talked to Father Slominski at Our Lady of 
Sorrows Church. He does not agree with Welfare Agency plan in 
regard to money. Thinks if Mrs. Zuchola were not given help she 
would take Mr. Zuchola back. Father Slominski does not believe 
that Mr. Zuchola is dangerous, as he tells him everything, and nothing 
indicated such things as Mrs. Zuchola told. Father Slominski told 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 153 


him not to give his wife money but he insisted on doing so, as 
he is too fond of her and the children, and the only advice that he 
could give is that Welfare Agency should discontinue help and that 
Mr. Zuchola should return home. 

September 30, 1920.—Visited. Suggested to Mrs. Zuchola that 

she should let Victoria go to Neighborhood House Camp. Mrs. 
Zuchola is not willing to have her go, saying that she worries so much 
about the children who are away, and this would only add more to 
her worries. Mr. Zuchola calls every week, giving her $10 in addition 
to Welfare Agency’s weekly allowance. 
October 7, 1920.—Called on Nicholas at Warrenville, Ilinois. 
He has grown strong; but his face is still anemic looking, and he 
lacks will power and does just what he is told to do and seems to be 
satisfied with very little. He does not wish to go back to Chicago 
but wishes to remain on this farm. He said the work is not very 
heavy and the food is good. He gets up at 5:00 A.m. and goes to bed 
at g:oo. Sunday morning Mr. Anderson takes him to the Catholic 
church. The rest of the day he spends with a boy from a neighboring 
farm. Walter has written to him asking him to get him a job in 
Warrenville, but Nicholas did not answer his letter as he did not 
want him to escape from the State School. His teeth are in bad con- 
dition, so visitor provided toothbrush and powder and advised him to 
see the dentist. 

Mrs. Anderson does not seem to be a very capable housekeeper. 
She is of average intelligence. Said she is unable to keep her six small 
children and the house very clean because of the heavy work. ‘They 
rent this farm which covers 126 acres. They are fond of Nicholas. 
They have paid him $20 a month for the last two months. He is 
saving this money to buy himself a suit and shoes. 

Later—Worker at Neighborhood House reports that Victoria 
has been examined by Dr. Moore, who recommended that her teeth 
should be repaired, and Stanyslava’s teeth also. Her school hours 
should be limited to half a day. 

October 13, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was glad to hear of 
Nicholas and thinks that he ought to stay as long as he likes it. 
Suggested to Mrs. Zuchola that visitor will no longer call regularly, 
as conditions are quite settled at the present time. Mrs. Zuchola 
said that she had just a few days ago talked to her sister-in-law, saying 
that the time has come when she can be independent. She appre- 
ciates whatever visitor has done and hopes that she can be entirely 


154 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


independent in a short time. Victoria and Stanyslava had their 
teeth attended to and Stanyslava will have her tonsils taken out. 
The children are going to attend a show through Neighborhood House. 

November 10, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola was unable to get 
any work so far, as most of the tailor-shops are closed. She is doing 
housework for her sister-in-law, Mrs. Gronowski. Mrs. Zuchola 
was looking for a mangle, but the cheapest was $350. She doubts 
if her aunt would buy another one. She is still attending night school 
and hopes to get a better position. Mr. Zuchola is constantly begging 
to return, and Mrs. Zuchola is getting rather impatient and threatening 
to have him put back in the State Hospital again. She wishes she 
could get a divorce. Mr. Zuchola occasionally gives her extra money 
and she is getting along fairly well. Her shelves in the pantry are 
full of canned vegetables, which she raised in her garden. 

January 8, 1921.—Letter received from Braedalbane Farm stating 
that Peter is making satisfactory progress. He is a little slow in 
school work but “strong in effort.’’ Those at the school are fond 
of him and want to see him graduate and take his last three years in 
high school. 

January 20, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola is very anxious for 
Mr. Zuchola to stay away from the home and is still thinking about 
getting a divorce. She is doing washing for Miss Webb, 2240 La 
Fayette Avenue, and cleaning for Mrs. Burt, 2657 Bellevue Place 
[both jobs obtained through efforts of Welfare Agency]. Her income 
amounts to about $20 a week, including Mr. Zuchola’s contribution. 
The girls are still attending the nutrition clinic at Neighborhood 
House. 

February 14, 1921.—Victoria in office, saying her mother is ill. 

Later (in evening).—Called. Mrs. Zuchola was in bed but 
evidently her sickness was caused by her constant worry over Mr. © 
Zuchola. Mr. Gronowski and his wife were there. Mrs. Gronowski 
said that when Mr. Zuchola comes to visit family, they all seem to be 
quite happy; the children seem quite fond of him but get worked up ~ 
because Mrs. Zuchola gets nervous. Mr. Gronowski said Mr. Zuchola 
should be allowed to-call (he only comes Saturdays and Sundays), 
but feels that someone should tell him to leave at g:oo. Mr. 
Gronowski is worried over Mrs. Zuchola’s condition, as he is afraid 
she will become a nervous wreck. Mr. Zuchola is working with him 
and does satisfactory work and is earning as much as the other men 
who do the same work. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 155 


February 24, 1921.—Dr. Bondfield of the Dispensary reports that 
Mrs. Zuchola is nervous from her trouble and there is nothing wrong 
organically. Her last call was on February 5. 

Later.—Social worker from State Hospital and resident of Neigh- 
borhood House in office to discuss the situation. They suggested 
that Mr. Zuchola should be put on three months’ probation. He 
should call Friday afternoon at Illinois Clinic. There he would be 
told not to see Mrs. Zuchola at all and to meet the children at the 
home of relatives. They also suggest that Mrs. Zuchola should accept 
a position which would keep her fully occupied and away from her 
present surroundings. Victoria is developing nervousness because of 
Mrs. Zuchola’s constant worry and should be sent away from home 
for a short time. 

March 7, t921.—Called at the Reichardt Piano Company and 
talked to Mr. Zuchola’s former foreman in regard to giving Mr. 
Zuchola employment, as he had worked there for many years and is 
well known to them. ‘The foreman was interested to know of family’s 
present condition. They will re-eemploy Mr. Zuchola. 

March 8, 1921.—Mrs. Zuchola in office, asking if Walter could 
not be sent home as soon as possible. She has been two days at — 
the State School. He is working too hard, shoveling coal all day. 
Suggested to Mrs. Zuchola that she accept position as a cook at 
the Emerald Lake Camp of Neighborhood House. Mrs. Zuchola is 
very uncertain about it, and thinks that with Walter at home she 
could make ends meet. She is considering taking Mr. Zuchola home, 
as she has heard that Walter would have a better chance to be released 
if his father was in the home. 

March 14, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Gronowski was there. She 
was rather discouraged about Mrs. Zuchola, who is using all her 
nervous energy in making plans to get the children home and to keep 
Mr. Zuchola away. Mrs. Gronowski told visitor that Mrs. Zuchola’s 
father came to America first, bringing with him all his daughters 
except one who refused to come. His wife followed later with the 
boys. The daughter who remained in Poland, without being married, 
went to live with a man of evil reputation. When Mrs. Zuchola’s 
mother arrived here and told of her daughter’s behavior, her husband 
became bitter against her. ‘Two years later he sent her back to Poland 
to get this daughter. However, when she arrived in Poland, she heard 
that the man had been shot shortly after she left and that her 
daughter had disappeared. She wrote this to her husband and he 


156 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


refused to have anything more to do with her. She went to Bremen, 
Germany, to wait for her steamer, and her husband, learning of this, 
arranged with the authorities not to let her come to the United States, . 
reporting to them that she had some eye trouble. She remained 
there for several months, working. Her money was exhausted and 
she became physically run down and she wrote several times to the 
children in the United States to send her money for transportation. 
Only one of these letters reached the children, and they finally arranged 
for her to come. When they did this, the husband left New Jersey 
where they were living and went into Connecticut. 

At that time Mrs. Zuchola was already married and upon her 
mother’s arrival she took her into her home. However, she never 
was very happy there, as Mr. Zuchola was already beginning to show 
signs of insanity. The mother later followed Mrs. Zuchola to Chicago 
and gradually became blind and two months before her death she 
became mentally deranged. She was always complaining of having 
pains all over her body and used to rub herself constantly with wood 
alcohol. Here Stanley Gronowski, who was then seventeen years old, 
married his first wife, who was twenty-eight years old. Stanley gota 
divorce from his wife but the custody of the children was given to 
the wife. He kidnapped one child and went to his father, who lived 
somewhere in Connecticut. When his father heard of Mr. Zuchola’s 
insanity and of the son’s divorce, as well as of his wife’s death, he 
died suddenly of heart failure. 

March 21, 1921.—Talked with Mrs. Gronowski. Said she has 
no more patience with Mrs. Zuchola, who is preparing their meals 
and also doing their washing; but Mrs. Zuchola does not ever have 
the meals ready and does not want to do the washing, although Mrs. 
Gronowski pays her very well for it. She discourages Mrs. Zuchola 
about taking Walter home. 

Later.—Case up before Juvenile Court as Mrs. Zuchola had filed 
petition for the release of Walter. 

The judge dismissed the case. Said he would only act upon the 
recommendation of superintendent of State School. When the judge 
asked Mrs. Zuchola why she wants Walter home, she said that the 
Welfare Agency has discontinued help and she wants him to work. 

Mrs. Zuchola considers herself too ill to do any sort of work. 
However, she does not show any signs of illness but is extremely 
nervous and this condition she brings Oe herself by her constant 
worrying. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 157 


April 21, 1921.—Mrs. Zuchola in office, asking advice. She 
has received a letter from the superintendent of the State School, 
notifying her that Walter is going to be transferred to another 
division of the institution. She agreed to have Victoria go to Preven- 
torium if arrangements can be made. 

Gave Mrs. Zuchola spring coat for herself from donation. 

May 3, 1921.—Landlord in office, saying that Welfare Agency 
should influence Mrs. Zuchola to move. Says that Mrs. Zuchola is 
inconsiderate and assured visitor that Mrs. Zuchola is ‘‘just as bad” 
as Mr. Zuchola. She does not take care of the flat properly. Mr. 
Zuchola is paying the rent himself. 

July 6, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola and the children look very 
well. Mrs. Zuchola said Mr. Zuchola brings them a great deal of 
food, besides his $10 contribution. Last week he brought her a large 
bouquet of roses, which embarrassed her very much before the neigh- 
bors. Victoria is leaving for Preventorium July 26, and she seems to 
be very glad to go. Mrs. Zuchola is always very anxious to talk 
family situation over with visitor, as people tell her that the children 
are being sent away because she is incapable of caring for them. 
But after discussing matters with visitor, she realizes that it was her 
own planning and for the welfare of her children. 

August I, 1921.—Mrs. Zuchola in office asking summer outing 
for herself and Stanyslava. Peter has come home for ten days. 
Mr. Zuchola is planning to return home as soon as Peter leaves. 
Landlord asked them to stay, although he raised the rent from $10 
to $18, which she is willing to pay until she finds other rooms. Land- 
lord told her that his wife is causing all the trouble. 

Later.—Peter in office. He is a tall, fine-looking lad. He has 
finished the seventh grade. 

August 10, 1921.—Mrs. Zuchola and Stanyslava went to Summer 
Camp for two weeks. Medical slips signed by Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium. 

September 1, 1921.—Mrs. Zuchola in office with Nicholas. Latter 
decided to come home and work. 

September 16, 1921.—Secured work for Nicholas at the Economy 
Electric Company. 

Later—Talked to Mrs. Gronowski. She said that Nicholas 
stayed with her for one week. Mr. Gronowski had taken him to 
work, but he refused to stay there. Mrs. Zuchola visited Victoria, 
who has gained eight pounds. 


158 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


October 27, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola moved into a nice, 
light flat. She is working very hard to make the home attractive; 
is especially interested in making things pleasant for Nicholas. She 
is doing several washings a week. Mr. Zuchola is still paying her 
$10. Mrs. Zuchola threw away a large number of booklets which he 
received from the church. Mr. Zuchola found them in the rubbish 
and spent a long time picking them out. He took them with him. 
Mrs. Zuchola and Stanyslava have gone to see Victoria, who is 
continuing to gain. : 

October 28, 1921.—Talked to director, Neighborhood Center, 
in regard to Nicholas. She will send an older boy to persuade him 
to join the classes at the Center. 

November 23, 1921.—Mrs. Zuchola conferred with Juvenile 
Court authorities about releasing Walter; but, as managing officer 
opposed release, official would not file petition. 

December 22, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Zuchola is expecting Peter 
home for Christmas. Her home is very attractive and immaculately 
clean. Showed visitor the nice clothing she got for Nicholas with 
money saved out of his pay. Mrs. Zuchola said that he does go out 
a great deal with some boys of the neighborhood, but has promised 
never to get into trouble. : 

Mrs. Zuchola and Stanyslava attended Christmas party at Neigh- 
borhood House. 

April 8, 1922.—While visiting Preventorium, talked to Victoria, 
who has gained twenty-seven pounds. She is a very beautiful, 
strongly built girl, and seems quite sensible and intelligent. Superin- 
tendent said that at first Victoria seemed very slow and had the 
habit of staring at people and acting in a very childish manner. | 
Superintendent took a special interest in breaking her of this habit. 
She is now very bright in class and the strongest girl in school. She 
is to go home next week. 

April 13, 1922.—Visited. Victoria returned home from Preven- 
torium. Mrs. Zuchola was very grateful for the care received by 
child. The home looked very attractive. There were cretonne 
curtains on the doors and fresh white curtains on the windows. 
Each room has a rug and everything is kept immaculately clean. 
Victoria seemed pleased with the surroundings. Mrs. Zuchola 
seemed worried about Nicholas, who is very anxious to go back to the 
farm. Said things have gone pretty well during the winter and she 
was able to put a little money aside. Without his help, it will be 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS: 159 


difficult. She has given up some of the washings, as she felt it was 
a strainon her heart. Mr. Zuchola calls as usual and still contributes. 
He continues to beg her to take him home, but she refuses to do so. 

Stanyslava is going to attend Nutrition Clinic. She does not 
look very well. She was very lonesome without Victoria. 

May 9, 1922.—Mrs. Zuchola in office, asking if Welfare Agency 
would arrange for Walter to come home for a vacation. She feels 
very strongly that children have had very little chance, and now, 
since the home is so attractive, she is anxious for Walter to have a 
chance under these conditions. She is doing her best to make up 
for the past and thinks that Walter will do better. However, should 
he not adjust himself, she is willing to have him return immediately. 

Letter written to superintendent, State School for the Feeble- 
minded, by district superintendent, as follows: 


Will you kindly send us a report of Walter Zuchola, who has been at 
your institution for the past year? 

His mother came to our office today, asking whether or not it would be 
possible to have Walter come home for a visit. She feels strongly that he 
should be given a chance out of the institution. Should he fail to adjust 
himself to his surroundings, she would be willing to send him back immedi- 
ately. Do you advise sucha step? Is Walter more stable now than on his 
entrance to the School, and does he grade any higher? Does he still 
threaten to “get even” with people ? 

The home conditions are much improved. The father, who is insane 
but out of the asylum, does not live with Mrs. Zuchola, but visits the home 
often and contributes toward the support of his children. 

Later.—Superintendent, Preventorium, said that Stanyslava 
could be considered later for admission, but at present they feel it is 
not necessary, as she is not under weight. 


May 12, 1922.—The following letter received from the managing 
officer of the State School for the Feeble-minded: 


Replying to your inquiry of May 9g in regard to Walter Zuchola will 
say that this boy is in very good physical health. A psychological examina- 
tion at this time gives him a grade of almost two years higher than the 
psychometrical examination made February 28, 1920. He is now barely 
feeble-minded; in fact, grading leniently, his intelligence quotient is almost 
seventy. 

He has been working under supervision in our carpenter shop and has 
been doing quite well. We feel that it would be necessary to give this 
boy very close supervision to see that he does not associate with bad com- 
panions, should he be allowed to go home for a visit. 


160 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


On one occasion within a year, he, with another boy, broke into our 
store building. We believe, however, that Walter was led into this wrong- 
doing by the other boy. 

We have not heard of his threatening to get even with anyone during 
that time. 

If the home conditions, as you say, are much improved and this boy 
could be given the supervision which we suggest, we would have no marked 
objections to his visit at home. 


May 15, 1922.—Letter written managing officer, State School 
for the Feeble-minded: 


We were very glad to hear that Walter Zuchola has improved at your 
institution. 

We talked to his mother, who has promised to keep him away from 
bad companions and do her best for his welfare. As we stated, the home is 
very attractive and always immaculately clean; we feel that this pleasant 
environment should have a beneficial influence on the boy. 

Mrs. Zuchola is willing to have Walter return to the State School should 
he fail to adjust himself at home. Could you write us as to what kind of 
work would be advisable for him, as we are very anxious to have him start 
working as soon as he begins his vacation ? 

Will you kindly let us know the exact time of his arrival in Chicago and 
the length of time he is to be on vacation ? 


M ay 16, 1922.—Letter written to Walter Zuchola by District 
Superintendent: 


You have probably received word from your mother that you are to 
come home on a vacation. I am very glad that you are doing so well and 
I am sure that this experience was a great help to you. 

I do hope that you will try your best, while you are at home on your 
vacation, to be a better boy and that you will work steadily and keep 
away from bad boys. Your mother has worried a great deal. about 
you, and now you must show her that all her hopes for you were not 
in vain. 

We have been told how you broke into the store building with another 
boy. You should not have done such a thing knowing that it would only 
keep you away longer. I hope that that was the last bad deed which you 
will do. It is now up to you to become a man and make yourself and your 
family happy. 

Victoria has gained twenty-seven pounds at Preventorium. She 
certainly is now a healthy-looking girl. The girls are very anxious to see 
you, as are also your mother and Nicholas. 

With best wishes to you. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 161 


May 18, 1922.—Letter to superintendent received from ]Walter 
Zuchola: 


I have received your letter of May 16. I am very glad to hear that 
mother is going to take me home for a vacation. I would like to know the 
month she is going to come out so that I could clean up a little for her and 
also be ready. ' 

The managing officer asked me if I would be a better boy if he would 
let me go home for a parole, and I told him that I will do most anything for 
my mother and also I promised him that I wouldn’t get into any trouble 
or I wouldn’t go with bad company if I went home. 

These places will learn any boy to be good because he will get tired 
some and get lonesome for home and he will think it over to himself and 
then he will feel sorry for what he did. This is the way I feel now. If I 
should have another chance out in the world I would turn a new leaf and 
start all over again living a clean life. 

I have learnt a carpenter trade while I was out here and I also studied 
out of his book which he brought from home for me to learn. I am very 
busy now for two or three weeks to work. 

I am glad to hear that everybody wants me home, all but Nicholas 
he doesn’t. I will do most anything for my mother or you. 

So I will close for this time and I’m hoping to hear from you soon. 


May 21, 1922.—Letter to superintendent from managing officer 
of State School for the Feeble-minded: 


In reply to your letter of May 15 in regard to a vacation for Walter 
Zuchola, will say that with your recommendation, we will permit him to take 
a two weeks’ vacation as specified by law, at any time Mrs. Zuchola or 
another relative may come for him. 

He is assisting our carpenter and seems to do this work fairly well. 

You undoubtedly are aware that this boy was out on one occasion in 
1920 and could not get along. 


June 7, 1922.—Visited. Walter came home on a two weeks’ 
vacation. He looks very well, and Mrs. Zuchola says that he accepted 
a position, but she did not know where. He is very anxious to work, 
to show that he can do well and so took the first position offered him. 

June 15, 1922.—Letter written to superintendent, Illinois Free 
Employment Bureau, Chicago, Illinois: 


May we ask you to help us in getting suitable work for our Walter 
Zuchola. Walter is nineteen years of age, in very good physical health. 
Two years ago he was sent to the State School for Feeble-minded, as he 
was somewhat feeble-minded. However, it seems that the poor condition 
in the home and poverty handicapped him in his development. 


162 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


We have just had a report from the State School, saying that he has 
done very well and while there has learned the carpenter’s trade. They have 
given him a vacation, and we are very anxious that he shall get work at his 
trade, in order to prove that he is able to be out in society. His mother has 
suffered a great deal of hardship, and at the present time the home con- 
ditions are much improved, and we feel that under the present circumstances 
he will adjust himself. The doctor says that he can hardly be called feeble- 
minded any more. 

We will certainly appreciate your effort on behalf of this family, as 
Mrs. Zuchola is receiving only $10 a week from her husband. ‘There is, 
however, a seventeen-year-old boy working, but there are five children in 
the family. | 


June 19, 1922.—Visited in the evening. Walter has grown 
considerably and appears to be in very good physical condition. He 
looks younger than Nicholas, who is tall and heavy-set. Walter is 
very anxious to do his best, so that he will not be sent back to the 
State School. He did not go to Illinois Free Employment Bureau to 
see about the carpenter work, as he likes his work at the Chicago 
Sales Company. He does not go around with Nicholas, who still 
associates with John Pilsulski. Mrs. Zuchola is very happy to have 
the children at home, although she worries about Nicholas, who 
constantly tells her that he wants to work ona farm. He just brought 
her $46 which he received asa bonus. Mrs. Zuchola keeps on making 
improvements in her home and spends much time in caring for her 
flowers and plants. There is always a bouquet of flowers on the 
table. 

Later—Accompanied Walter to Neighborhood House and to head 
of the boys’ work, who made an appointment with him for following 
evening. He will make some constructive plan for Walter. 

June 21, 1922.—Letter written managing officer, State School: 


We are writing to you in regard to Walter Zuchola, whom you have sent 
home on a two weeks vacation. He is trying very hard to do well. Upon 
his arrival he took the first position offered him, but having in mind to change 
as soon as he has a better one in view. He finally succeeded in getting a 
position as an inspector at Chicago Sales Company. He started on June 15. 
We are wondering if you would prolong his vacation. We will keep in 
touch with him and his employer, and will report to you in the near future. 
We also interested him in the Boys’ Club at the Neighborhood House, 
where he spends three evenings a week. 

We thank you for the interest you have taken in this boy. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 163 


June 24,1922.—Letter received from managing officer, State School: 


Your letter of June 21 has been received. In answer will say that 
Walter Zuchola was committed to the State School and Colony by the 
Juvenile Court. The law in such cases authorizes a parole or vacation of 
only two weeks in each calendar year. Under the circumstances we have 
no authority to extend beyond this period. 

It is possible that the Juvenile Court might upon request make some 
variation in the former order of commitment. If this is done, it will be all 
right with us. Otherwise, it will be necessary to return him at the expiration 
of his two weeks’ period. 


August 18, 1922.—Victoria and Stanyslava sent for two weeks’ 
outing. 

October 3, 1922.—Letter received from managing officer, State 
School: 


On June 23 we wrote you in regard to Walter Zuchola, who was paroled 
on June 7 for a two weeks’ vacation. He is still on our records as out on 
parole. 

Upon your recommendation that home conditions were much better, 
this boy was given an opportunity of going out on two weeks’ parole as 
specified by law. If Walter is doing well on the outside, we believe that his 
mother should ask a variation of the Court order and you might explain to 
the Court that Walter is doing well and perhaps they could make a variation 
in the order. 

Since absence from the institution under present conditions is illegal, it 
will be necessary for us to notify the Sheriff to return him providing we do 
not hear from you or his mother within the course of a few days. 


Later.—Mrs. Zuchola in office. Nicholas is stealing small trinkets 
from a neighboring firm. She burns up any she finds in his posses- 
sion. She is afraid he will get into trouble. Is unwilling to have any- 
one talk to the firm as Nicholas says that would show them what a 
queer mother he has. 

October 6, 1922.—Mrs. Zuchola in office. Nicholas was arrested 
and sent to the Bridewell. Officer of court intimated that Mrs. Zuchola 
was as bad as Nicholas. She is very much upset over the matter and 
scarcely knows what to do. 

October 9, 1922.—Letter written managing officer, State School: 

I have talked with the Chief Probation Officer of the Juvenile Court, 
in regard to the case of Walter Zuchola. It is his suggestion that Mrs. 
Zuchola file petition requesting Walter’s release and that the matter come 
up for final decision before the Juvenile Court. 


164 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


I am asking you to extend the time for returning Walter to the School, 
as the case worker, who has always handled this situation, is now on her 
vacation in Europe. She will not return to the organization until the first 
of November. As soon as she is back in the city, we will have this matter . 
taken up immediately. You will be glad to know that Walter is doing very 
well at home, that he works every day, and that his mother feels he is a very 
helpful member of the family. 


October 12, 1922.—Letter received from managing officer, State 
School: 

Replying to your letter of October 9 in regard to the extending of the 
parole of Walter Zuchola, I beg to state that we have no authority to extend 
the parole of any patient, as the law specifically states that the patient may 
be paroled for two weeks of each calendar year. If he is making good, we 
would have no objection to his permanent release if his case is taken up 
before the Court. 

We are exceedingly glad to know that Walter is doing as well as he is. 

November 6, 1922.—Mrs. Zuchola in office with Walter, who has 
been discharged from Chicago Sales Company. He is anxious to 
return, as he thinks there was no serious reason for his discharge. 
Nicholas is working. Mrs. Zuchola felt that Nicholas did only what 
the other boys who worked with him were doing, and, therefore, 
she does not feel that his offense was so serious. She had warned him, 
but he would always say that the other boys were doing it. 

Telephoned Walter’s employer in regard to him. He said that 
Walter broke the rules and spent too much time in the washroom. 
They warned him several times, but he does not seem to comprehend. 
Under no circumstances will they re-employ him, as he is of very little 
use to them. 

November 7, 1922.—Talked to Walter in regard ts work. He 
still seems quite childish. However, he is making an effort to work 
steadily and so far has never held a position as long as the last one 
at the Chicago Sales Company. He has found other work, in a 
plumbing concern. He joined some clubs at Neighborhood House. 

November 11, 1922.—Superintendent of Preventorium, sent the 
following report: 

Victoria was eleven years old on entering and her mental condition was 
equal to a child of nine years. She improved rapidly and before leaving she 
was one of the best helpers. She was in excellent condition. 


November 24, 1922.—Case up in Juvenile Court in regard to releas- 
ing Walter permanently from the State School (at Mrs. Zuchola’s 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 165 


request). Walter was put on probation, and Mrs. Zuchola has to 
appear in court again in May, 1923. 

December 19, 1922.—Victoria and Stanyslava will attend Christ- 
mas party at Neighborhood House. 

Peter is at home on.a week’s vacation from Braedalbane. 

March 1, 1923.—Mrs. Zuchola in office asking advice. Said that 
Walter and Nicholas have told her that from now on they are going 
to pay her board and try to save up some money. Nicholas said 
that some day he wants to marry and be able to make a home. Mrs. 
Zuchola said' that she would be satisfied with this arrangement if 
she were positive that the boys would open up bank accounts. They 
are both working regularly. Advised Mrs. Zuchola to open up bank 
accounts for them and keep close watch over them. She is still 
thinking of getting a divorce from Mr. Zuchola, but she realizes that 
she has no ground.' He still pays his contribution to the household 
regularly, but becomes very troublesome. 


April 2, 1923.—Mrs. Zuchola invited to her home for Easter a 
neighbor, whose husband had deserted, who has several small children 
and was having a hard time. She also gave this neighbor (whom 
she had met through the Welfare Agency) all the clothing her children 
had outgrown. 

Later.—Letter written to Captain Stirling, Braedalbane Farm. 


Would you kindly send us a report of Peter Zuchola? We are very 
interested to know what his plans are for the coming year. Is he returning 
home? If so, would you advise us to get a scholarship for him so that he 
may attend high school ? 

We would appreciate your suggestions in this regard. 

’ It may interest you to know that the home conditions are much 
improved. The two oldest boys, Walter and Nicholas, who have caused so 
much trouble in the family, are now at home and so far have been working 
regularly and contributing toward the upkeep of the home. Mr. Zuchola, 
since leaving the Chicago State Hospital, is not living at home, but visits 
there. 


April 5, 1923.—Letter received from Captain Stirling: 


I am just in receipt of your letter of April 2, and in reply I am glad to 
say that Peter Zuchola has, this last year, made the very best kind of progress. 
We are deeply interested in his future plans, and we are more than sorry 
to see him go out from Braedalbane. If you feel that the home conditions 


™[See below, p. 895 for statute enumerating grounds on which a claim for 
divorce can be based.] 


\ 
\ 


166 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


will in any way interfere with this boy’s progress, we would a great deal 
rather keep him right here, and enter him in one of the country high schools. 

If, however, you think it advisable for him to go to the city, I sincerely 
hope that he can continue his high-school work—preferably at a technical 
school. He. has considerable mechanical ability, and I should very much 
like to see this developed. 

Should his mother feel that she is not able to let him continue high- 
school work, I would be very glad to assume the responsibility myself, 
and have him complete his course. | 


April 9, 1923.—Letter written to Captain Stirling, Braedalbane 
Farm: 


We have talked to Mrs. Zuchola in regard to the plan which you sug- 
gested for Peter. She was very pleased about his progress and certainly 
is most appreciative of your interest in him. She thought it would be very 
wise to have Peter continue his schooling in a country high school near 
Braedalbane, as you suggested, as she is afraid that he will not be able to 
continue his good work in Chicago. She is very anxious to have him go on 
in school and we are sure that she will be able to provide him with whatever 
is necessary. 

Mrs. Zuchola receives $10 a week from her husband.‘ She herself is 
making on an average of $5.00 a week. The two oldest boys are paying 
for their board. 

Mrs. Zuchola is sometimes worried that Peter will forget his family. 
However, she realizes that his education would be rather uncertain were 
he in the home and therefore she appreciates this opportunity for him. 

We want to thank you for your untiring interest in the boy. 


7. The Family of Jendrick Novotny 
(A Moravian Immigrant in the Hospital for the Insane) 


April 24, 1918 (Wednesday).—Czecho-Slovak. Relief Society tele- 
phoned reporting family. Mr. Novotny has recently been sent to 
the insane asylum.? Mrs. Novotny has three small children, one under 
one year of age. The Visiting Nurse Association, the Zion Hospital, 
the County Agent, and the County Bureau of Social Service are 
registered. 

«(It is easy to foresee recurring difficulties for Mrs. Zuchola and for the visitor 
in connection with Mr. Zuchola’s continued desire to return to the family group. 


That will constitute the unbroken thread of the later chapters in the record to 
which Peter, Victoria, and Stanyslava make their contribution.] 


?[The records of the County and Probate Court, consulted by the editor, 
show that Jendrick Novotny was adjudged insane April 18, 1918; that August 10 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 167 


Later.—Visited but could not make woman understand English. 

April 26, 1918.—Visited. Family, Mrs. Novotny, Anna (born 
‘September 24, ror1), Andrew (born May 2, 1915), and Joseph (born 
February 25, 1917), live in two clean and fairly good rooms. ‘The 
rent is $7.00. Mrs. Novotny seemed dull of comprehension and a 
trifle erratic. Said Mr. Novotny was never a steady worker. Was 
last at Schmidt’s in the Stockyards for two weeks. She knows no 
check number nor any other name of firm. Has done very little work 
during the entire year. He drank to excess, and finally she was 
obliged to have him sent away. [One previous address in an adjoining 
block was obtained. | 

Mr. Novotny came to this country six years ago from Moravia, 
Mrs. Novotny following two years later with Anna. Said they have 
no relatives at all in this country. She had one brother in Europe; 
doubts if he is living, on account of the war. She receives county 
supplies. There is little food in the house. Gave $2.00 grocery 
order. 

April 27, 1918.—Talked with Visiting Nurse. Anna had an 
operation one year ago at Zion Hospital. The wound is still draining. 
The doctor at the hospital said that nursing care in the home will 
not cure her trouble and wishes child to come to the hospital. Mrs. 
Novotny is unwilling. Nurse asks our help in getting her consent. 

April 30, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Novotny was washing at the home 
of Mrs. Marek, who interpreted. She said that Mrs. Novotny is Bo- 
hemian and that she does not attend any church. Mrs. Novotny 
promised to take Anna to the hospital tomorrow. She has no coal 
or milk. 


Mary Novotny petitioned for the appointment of a conservator for an estate of 
$927.19; that the People’s State Bank was appointed so that letters of conser- 
vatorship were sent out August 19, 1918; that Mr. Novotny died at the institu- 
tion October 11, 1918, and October 28 the same bank was appointed administrator; 
and that a final accounting was rendered December 15, 1910. 

This case introduces the problems faced by the Family Welfare Agency when 
mental disturbance or mental defect constitutes. the occasion of the Agency’s 
being calledin. In this instance, the complicated procedure of having the husband 
and ‘father committed to one of the hospitals for the insane had already been 
successfully completed. (See below, p. 872, for text of the statute under which 
that is accomplished.) Very often this process is a part of the treatment in which 
the Agency co-operates. Here, commitment has been already accomplished. It 
will be noted, however, that the records of the County Bureau of Social Service, 
the records of the institution, and the records of the County and Probate Court, 
were not consulted by the Agency.] 


168 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Marek said she has known Mrs. Novotny for four years. 
She has lived two years at present address. Previous to that she 
lived one block north. She is sure that Mrs. Novotny has no relatives 
in this country. Mrs. Novotny does two days’ washing a week in 
the neighborhood, earning $1.25 a day. 

Visited landlady [a Bohemian social worker], who said she feels 
very sorry for Mrs. Novotny. She knows of no relatives. 

May 1, 1918.—Telephoned County Agent asking to have coal 
sent. He said that contract with coal company is out and he can 
order no more coal. Ordered one-fourth ton of coal. » 

May 2, 1918.—Met Mrs. Novotny on streetcar with two children. 
She said she was taking Anna to the hospital. Al] were very clean. 

May 6, 1918.—Visiting Nurse reported that she visited Mrs. 
Novotny as requested by Welfare Agency. ‘The doctor told her he 
is not sure that Anna would need an operation, 

May 7, 1918.—Visited while in the neighborhood. Mrs. Novotny 
had gone to hospital. A neighbor said the coal was delivered on the 
third. Explained Infant Welfare work and left card for Mrs. Novotny 
to take the baby to Infant Welfare Station on the ninth. 

May to, 1918—Telephoned Infant Welfare Station. Mrs. 
Novotny was there yesterday. Nurse will take up with County 
Agent the matter of supplying milk for the baby. 

May 22, 1918.—Visited County Agent and read record. Found 
that Rations No. 3 [worth $4.70] were issued for the first time April 15, 
1918. Record very short and corroborated statements of Welfare 
Agency’s record and gave income as $2.50 a week—Mrs. Novotny’s 
earnings from washing and ironing. Rent given as $5.50 a month. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Novotny has rather an attractive manner 
but has absolutely no control over the children. Joseph, fifteen 
months old, cried constantly; and Andrew, three years old, Mrs. 
Novotny claims, runs away, in the neighborhood, and she has to spend 
most of her time looking for him. 

Mrs. Novotny said that Mr. Novotny has no relatives except a 
brother, who lives in Europe and is now in the war. She herself has 
no near relatives, and her more remote relatives are living in Europe. 

Mrs. Novotny insists that she is unable to give the names of 
any previous employers of Mr. Novotny. Said that in all the time 
they have lived in the United States he never kept a job for more than 
two or three weeks at a time. Just before he went to the hospital 
he worked at one of the packing-house establishments sorting potatoes; 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 169 


worked there one month only. Before that, he worked for a month 
in a freight house, address unknown. 

Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Novotny carries any insurance. Mrs. 
Novotny washes for a Mrs. Pyterek, living on Western Avenue; 
cannot give her address. Earns $2.50 a week. 

Mr. Novotny went to hospital—as nearly as she can remember— 
about the end of March. She visited him May 19 and found that he 
is very much better. 

She has been living on county supplies, she says, and $10 which 
she saved up after Mr. Novotny went to hospital. She also receives a 
pint of milk a day from the Infant Welfare Society; and on May 15 
the Czecho-Slovak Relief Society sent her $10, out of which she paid 
the rent and used the rest for food. 

Offered her work in the Welfare Agency offices, which she refused, 
because she said she had no one with whom to leave the children. 
Suggested to her going to Mary Crane Nursery™ two days a week to 
learn to cook. She offered various excuses but finally decided to 
accept the plan; said that she would go Tuesday and Friday. Told 
her visitor would call for her May 28. There was a pudding on the 
stove, which looked well cooked. 

Mrs. Novotny stated that Mr. Novotny had a friend, Mr. Kabat, 
living on Western Avenue, address unknown, who can probably give 
his places of employment. She will bring his address to the office. 
Also her previous addresses. She washes and irons beautifully. 
Anna went to Zion Hospital May 2. 

May 25, 1918.—Letter received from State Hospital for the 
Insane: 

Replying to your inquiry regarding Jendrick Novotny, I will state 
that this patient is suffering from paresis and is quite demented and is 

t[The Mary Crane Day Nursery and Training School was established in 1907 
and is administered by the Family Welfare Agency. It is for the day-time care 
of children of working mothers. It also provides training in housewifery for mothers 
in families receiving relief. It is supported by private subscriptions. The nur- 
sery is about thirty-eight blocks from Mrs. Novotny’s home and a transfer would 
be necessary in taking the surface car line. 

There is evidently no meeting of the visitor’s and Mrs. Novotny’s minds in 
this interview. The visitor does not get into Mrs. Novotny’s mind, and she puts 
forth an impractical suggestion. Just after proposing the long journey to be taken 
so that Mrs. Novotny may learn to cook, she testifies to her successful house- 
wifery in baking a pudding and in washing and ironing. It is possibly the deterrent 


influence of the trip that recommends it to the visitor. The Mary Crane Nursery 
seems to supply to her mind something like a ‘‘ work-house test.’’] 


170 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


both destructive and untidy. We do not expect any improvement in this 
case. He is also in rather poor physical condition and is being treated in 
bed most of the time. 


May 28, 1918.—Visited Czecho-Slovak Relief Society. Talked 
with visitor, who said that family came to their attention April 11, 
1918. Mr. Novotny was sent to the Psychopathic Hospital April 4, 
1918. Their record shows that neither Mr. nor Mrs. Novotny has 
relatives in America, nor does either carry any insurance. 

Mrs. Novotny told visitor that Mr. Novotny worked for three 
years at the Jones Baking Company as a barn man. Visitor has not 
found any evidence of Mr. Novotny’s being a drinking man; he seems 
to have supported his family adequately. This organization has given 
rent money for Apriland May. Last check was given May 8. Visitor 
thinks the Society will continue to pay the rent for some time to come. 

Talked over with her plan of sending Mrs. Novotny to Mary 
Crane Nursery, which she thinks is a very good one. She will help 
out by giving family shoes. Arranged that visitor from Family 
Welfare and visitor from Relief Society visit together some day after 
June 7. Left copy of budget proposed by Welfare Agency. 

Later.—Visited Jones Baking Company and talked with the 
manager, Mr. Frank Allen, who stated that Mr. Novotny worked in 
their yard, cutting wood, caring for the horses, etc., from April to 
September, 1915, at $15 a week. Some time previous to that (did 
not know exact time) he worked there for two years. Mr. Allen 
states that Mr. Novotny was a good workman, did not drink, seldom 
missed a day. Could not remember whether he quit of his own accord 
or whether the company discharged him. 

Later —Visited Mary Crane Nursery with Mrs. Novotny. Left 
her to work for the day. There is no regular cooking class at present, 
but she will be given a place in the laundry and an opportunity to 
help get lunch. 

May 30, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Novotny says she will not go back 
to Mary Crane Nursery. Said it rained very hard and that she lost 
her way coming home; did not get home until after 7:00 P.M. 

June 5, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Novotny seemed unusually pleased 
to see visitor. Rooms were not especially clean. She says that she 
did an extra washing last week for a neighbor and manages that way. 
Does not wish to go back to Mary Crane Nursery; it is too far and 
it is extremely hard to get off and on the cars with the children; 
also she finds it hard to find her way around. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS tt 


Asked her to come to work in the Welfare Agency offices June 8th. 
Said that she would be glad to do it and will try to leave her children 
at the St. Mary’s Nursery. Thinks that if she once learns to find her 
way about she would like to leave the children in a nursery and go to 
work." 

Anna came home from the hospital June 3. Gave Mrs. Novotny 
$1.25 grocery order, as she could not understand why she was not 
paid at the Mary Crane Nursery. ‘Told her we would not insist upon 
her going to the Nursery at present, but she must come to the office 
at least one afternoon a week to work. She promised to bring address 
of Mr. Novotny’s friend and her own previous addresses on May 8. 
She wishes to go on summer outing. 

June to, t918.—Letter received from Zion Hospital stating that 
Anna was admitted to the hospital May 2 and discharged June 2. 
Diagnosis, old empyema. She came to the hospital with discharge 
from old sinus. Prognosis, good. Needs dry dressings when there is 
any discharge from sinus. Would be benefited by visit in country. 

June 12, 1918.—Visited. Found house unusually neat and clean. 
Mrs. Novotny put Joseph to sleep. Said that she did not come to 
work on June 8 because the St. Mary’s Nursery refused to take the 
children on Saturday afternoon. Promised to come tomorrow, 
Thursday afternoon. Also to go on summer outing June 20. 

June 13, 1918—Mrs. Novotny in office. Brought address of 
Mrs. Kadel, a friend for whom she washes. 

Mrs. Novotny worked four hours in the building. Gave her $1.50 
grocery order and clothing for the children. 

Made arrangements with her to go to Summer Camp June 20. 
She is not receiving Infant Welfare milk now. 

June 15, 1918.—Mrs. Novotny in office, did cleaning. Said she 
had decided that she would not be able to go on summer outing June 
20 as landlady is asking her to move. 

June 17, 1918.—Visited with summer outing director. Urged 
Mrs. Novotny to go to Summer Camp. She refused; says she is 
unable to control her children and thinks it will be much harder to do 
so among strangers. 

™(There is the prospect of eight years before the time when Mrs. Novotny 
will be able to rely on her children for support. Mr. Novotny had not taken out 
his first papers, and the old naturalization law did not permit a woman to take out 
citizenship papers herself while her husband was insane. A mother’s pension was 


therefore not available. The question was as to her domestic skill, the possibility 
of obtaining aid, and the desirability of her working for wages.] 


172 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Explained to Mrs. Novotny that office felt that she had this oppor- 
tunity to go to country and that we did not feel the responsibility for 
her care if she did not accept it during this time. 

Later.—Visited landlady who said that she would like to use the 
rooms in which Mrs. Novotny was living, as she is in need of the rooms. 
Wishes to have her move as soon as possible. 

June 19, 1918.—Telephoned Infant Welfare Station. Nurse 
said that she cannot understand why Mrs. Novotny is not getting 
milk. Asked that she be sent to station tomorrow at 2:00 and the 
nurse will see that she gets a quart of milk a day. 

June 21, 1918-——Mrs. Novotny in office stating that County 
Agent had refused to give milk. Showed visitor green card from 
Infant Welfare Station stating that Mrs. Novotny might have a quart 
of milk a day. 

Later—While Mrs. Novotny was in the office, telephoned to 
County Agent, who stated that he had refused milk tickets because 
she did not bring her yellow card; however, he will issue them without 
card today. Asked that Mrs. Novotny be sent back to County 
Agent’s office. 

Later.—County Agent telephones, saying that he cannot under- 
stand what Mrs. Novotny is saying; asked that we send down 
interpreter. 

Later.—Visited County Agent’s office. Mrs. Novotny has enough 
pint tickets to last until July 15. County Agent cannot therefore 
issue tickets until that time; will then give her tickets for one quart 
milk a day. 

Mrs. Novotny thinks she will come back this afternoon to clean. 
Also asked if she might go on summer outing later. Promised to take 
up the matter. She expects to move right away. 

June 21, 1918.—Mrs. Novotny did not come to work. 

June 24, 1915.—Resident of neighboring Settlement came to the 
office and reported that Mrs. Novotny was at the Settlement yester- | 
day asking to go to the hospital to see her husband. As there was 
no interpreter there, no full interview could be taken. Resident did 
not know Mrs. Novotny was known to Welfare Agency. 

July 1, 1918.—Another resident of the Settlement, a nurse, tele- 
phoned asking what Welfare Agency is doing for family. Gave report 
of our plans and how they have failed. The nurse said that Mrs. 
Novotny was there June 29, and she accompanied her out to see Mr. 
Novotny. Mrs. Novotny is eager to have her husband come home 
from the hospital. Nurse at hospital said he is mentally fit now but is 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 173 


fast losing his eyesight. ‘The nurse will talk to Mrs. Novotny about 
working in the office. Thinks that she is very stubborn and childish. 

Later.—Visitor of the Czecho-Slovak Relief Society telephoned 
saying that she will visit Mrs. Novotny today. Asked if Welfare 
Agency’s visitor will meet her there. Promised to do so. 

_ Later —Visited. No response. Later Anna came in from playing 
on the street. She said her mother had left early in the morning to 
visit her father. | 

Mrs. Novotny did not leave food for children, nor did she leave 
the children in care of a neighbor. 

Anna talked freely. Said she had four aunts. Two are her 
father’s sisters. One aunt gave her a doll and dress for Christmas. 
Another gave them ‘assistance until Mr. and Mrs. Novotny became 
angry. ‘These aunts (whose names she could not give) have moved 
out of the city. There are two others on the North Side. 

Talked with a neighbor—owner of notion store next door. She 
corroborated. Anna’s statements regarding Mrs. Novotny visiting 
her husband. She also said Mrs. Novotny frequently leaves the 
children alone and is responsible for their bad behavior, as they are 
dependent upon themselves the greater part of the time. 

Later.—Visitor from Czecho-Slovak Society arrived. Visitor 
mentioned Anna’s conversation as to relatives. She ridiculed this, 
as she thinks these are women friends. As Welfare visitor had to 
leave before Mrs. Novotny’s return, Czecho-Slovak visitor promised 
to talk with her regarding relatives and notify Welfare Agency. 

July 5, 1918.—Mrs. Novotny in office asking work in building. 
Gave $1.00 cash for four hours’ work. 

[July 12, 1918—December 19, 1918.—During this period relations 
of the same general character continued between Mrs. Novotny and 
the Welfare Agency. Mrs. Novotny is anxious to bring Mr. Novotny 
back from the hospital, and hears rumors of his failing eyesight, etc. 
The authorities write in reply to inquiries that he is well and that his 
eyesight is good. 

The year passes with her working from time to time in the office, 
doing supplementary jobs, getting milk from the county, and finally 
there is an interval of three months from August 27, 1918, when the 
children go to a beach party provided by the Agency, until Novem- 
ber 23, 1918, when she comes to work at the office and reports that 
Mr. Novotny had died five weeks before (October 15, 1918) at the hos- 
pital, during which the Agency has no contact with Mrs. Novotny. 
No more vigorous action follows his death. Milk is provided, 


174 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Novotny’s name is given to a church for Thanksgiving dinner, 
and December 19 she comes to the office for clothing.] 

February 4, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Novotny was cleaning after 
she had finished her washing. Anna was studying her primer— 
said she is in second grade at school. Baby looks much better. Mrs. 
Novotny still takes him to Infant Welfare Society. Mrs. Novotny 
is washing for Mrs. Clay (case). Received only $1.00 last week as 
the latter is also in needy circumstances. Does not know amount of 
undertaker’s bill, as she was not asked to pay same. ‘Thinks there 
was a collection made to cover expense. Mr. Novotny died at 
hospital of pneumonia; and, at time of death, she was notified by 
telegram that he was seriously ill. When she went there, she found 
the body in the morgue. 

Asked Mrs. Novotny to come to office to clean. She is very willing 
to do so, but has no one to leave children with, and is afraid to have 
them stay alone with fire in the kitchen stove. Thinks she can manage 
to leave them with a neighbor on the morning of February 8. 

February 6, r919.—Visited undertaker, who showed itemized 
account of Mr. Novotny’s funeral as follows: coffin, $50; embalming, 
$15; bringing body from State Hospital, $15; hearse, $18.50; auto, 
$16; crepe and candles, $3;—total, $117.50. 

He expects to be paid through the Probate Court, as the money 
in the People’s State Bank, amounting to about $200, is in Mr. Novot- 
ny’s name and cannot be transferred to Mrs. Novotny. 


February 8, 1919.—Mrs. Novotny in office. Gave $2.50 grocery 
order. 


February It, 1919.—Visited People’s State Bank with letter of 
introduction. No record of account is carried in name of Jendrick 
Novotny. ‘There were accounts under names of Anton and Ann 
Novotny, but neither address is address of this family. 

February 13, 1919.—Aé¢companied Mrs. Novotny to Superior: 
Court for first citizenship papers. She did not know the name of 
the steamship on which she came over so was advised by clerk to go 
to S.S. Office, 125 N. LaSalle St. Paid 50 cents for information and 
$1.00 for papers. She seemed most grateful for this. Said she would 
come to office to work on February 15 to pay back money advanced.! 

*[A permanent plan, involving a grant from the Mothers’ Aid Department of 
the Juvenile Court can now be made. It is initiated by her taking out her first 
papers, after which, if otherwise eligible, she can receive an allowance for the two 


younger children (American-born). A considerable interval often elapses, however, 
between the date of application for a pension and the date when it is granted.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 175 


Mrs. Novotny registered for Mothers’ Pension in Mothers’ Aid Depart- 
ment, Juvenile Court. 

[During the following summer and autumn Mrs. Novotny worked 
in the office for part of the allowance, which was paid in grocery orders. 
Milk was supplied from a special fund. She never understood the plan 
of the Agency, which was quite complicated. She supplemented her 
allowance by doing washings. She learned to sew and she had a 
summer outing. The Czecho-Slovak Relief Society paid rent and gave 
Thanksgiving money. School records of the children were quite favor- 
able. Finally November 28, 1919, a bank account was discovered. | 

November 28, 1919.—Visited People’s State Bank. Found that 
Mrs. Novotny has following account: 


April 30, 1919, open account with $200. Has withdrawn as follows: 


LEI ee 5 Raa aly eh para RS IgE $ 30.00 
HUN or ag Gr Ce eloteG Meenas WAG a npadeatan 10.00 
DEPICIMOCL Th SOLO. ww aa ses teats 10.00 

$ 50.00 
November 13, 1919 deposited. ... $332.19 
November 20, 1919 withdrew.... 35.00 
November 26, 1919 withdrew.... 447.04 


November 29, 1919.—Visited County Agent. ‘There is no record 
of insurance. Mrs. Novotny received two pair shoes November 11, 
1919, and Rations No. 3 November 15, 1919. Has received one ton 
of coal each month since last year. 

Later.—Mrs. Novotny in office to work. Superintendent talked 
with her, and she stated that she did not pay the undertaker, since 
the estate went through the court and she received no insurance. 
Mrs. Novotny insisted that she had no money and did not take any 
out of the bank on November 26. Showed her the report from the 
bank—then she stated the money was her husband’s, which he had 
saved before they were married. Superintendent asked what she 
was going to do with money, and explained that she could not get 
Mothers’ Pension while she had it. Told her to put money back in 
the bank and draw out a certain amount weekly. Mrs. Novotny 
said that the reason she did not tell Welfare Agency about the money 
‘was because she knew other women who had money and were getting 
help. When questioned further she said she did not know of any 
specific instance of this. Mrs. Novotny said she did not know how 


176 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


much money there was in the bank since her husband could not 
tell her. Said that she waited a long time after his death before she 
got it. Said she went to the bank after he died and asked for the 
money; the man at the bank told her she could not get it because 
it was in Mr. Novotny’s name and was advised to take matter to a 
lawyer. She said she went to Mr. Otto Brewer. Said he did not 
charge her anything for getting the money for her. She said she did 
not want to put the money back in the bank and wants to have a 
day to think over the matter, and let the Welfare Agency know on 
December 1 what she is going to do. 

December 1, 1919.—Telephoned Mr. Otto Brewer. He remem- 
bered the case and stated that Mrs. Novotny came to him some time 
before her husband’s death and asked about the money. Stated that 
he lent her $25 since she was badly in need of clothes and that he took 
matter up with Probate Court—People’s Bank was appointed adminis- 
trator of the estate—that Attorney Rebee has record of case, but he 
has no records. 

December 2, 1919.—Telephoned Attorney Rebee, of the People’s 
Bank. He stated that the bank had closed out the estate on Novem- 
ber 13. Said $332 was paid to Mrs. Novotny. Stated that payments 
to Mrs. Novotny had been as follows: 7 


S-28-1O ree ee. Pe $ 70.00 
Or ZO TO rae ie tele ee 40.00 
O- 27-1 Caters ee re eee 40.00 
10-20-18 Pench sere a4 40.00 
1B: 4-TOWY . OF 9901 40.00 
s+ geno fem. Dis oeles te 40.00 
ATZOTIO® Jifzh. Susi. ae 200.00 
TITS aLOemnme- bask chee 332.19 

MCOtale Pree s oe eee $802.19 


Stated that the Docket number at Probate Court is on page 79, 
Vol. 40. Insanity case file transferred to Deceased case file. 

December 4, 1919.—Notified Czecho-Slovak Relief Society and 
County Agent that Mrs. Novotny has bank account. 

January 8,1920.—Case up before Mothers’ Aid Committee, Juvenile 
Court. Application for pension dismissed as applicant has $437 in the ° 
bank. 

January 23, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Novotny stated that she has 
not kept written account of expenditures but remembers how much 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 177 


she has spent so far and will keep account in future. Children look 
well. Home extremely clean. Mrs. Novotny has not been doing 
any outside work. 

February 24, 1920.—Probation officer on request visited Probate 
Court and obtained report as follows: 


When Mr. Novotny was adjudged insane, $927.19 was in the bank. 
The funeral bill was allowed, amounting to $117. 


6-26-16 Living Expenses oP os eas owe $ 40.00 
8-28-18 Coal and payment of borrowed 

Monee ey, AOU, OHS. . 21QOk 70.00 

g-27-18 Living expenses............... 40.00 

g-27-18 Appraisers’ fee................ 2.00 

Bill for advertising: '..4 0... .s.!ea 4.00 

Proot Of DEiSDID ce aiunt niet covet 2.00 

10-29-18 Living expenses............... 40.00 

12— 4-18 Living expenses........secaseer 40.00 

3— 7-19 Living expenses...........0.0.- 40.00 

eSO-Tiy” WILGW SSUAIE se. sy tne veces fp 200.00! 

10-28-19 Final accounting.............. 332.19 

Notation—all court costs remitted. 927.19 


October 13, 1920.2—Visited with regard to re-applying for mother’s 
pension. Mrs. Novotny is living in two rooms. ‘The kitchen, which 
is the living-room, is large and light, but the bedroom is dark. ‘There 
is a basement room, which Mrs. Novotny uses as a washroom. ‘This 
adjoins the woodshed, which was half-full of coal and old boxes. Mrs. 
Novotny explained that she has been picking up the coal on the rail- 
road tracks and getting all the old boxes from the shop for her winter’s 
supply. 

She had just finished a big basket of clean, well-ironed clothes. 
Mrs. Novotny has kept no receipts but states that all her money is 
gone and so far as she remembers, she spent the money as follows: 


Expenditures: coat for self $35; coat for Anna $12; moving $5; stove 
$10; shoes for self $6; waists and aprons for self $6; three pairs overalls 
$4.50; suit for Andrew $8; rent from January to June $48; rent from July 
to October $24; total $158.50. 


« (““Widow’s share,”’ see below, p. 890, Illinois Revised Statute, chap. 3, sec. 73.] 


2{A bank account meant interruption of the Society’s care for the family 
until the money was gone, supposedly thriftily expended. Then the plan for a 
Mothers’ Pension is revived. In the meantime, no preparation for second papers 
has been made. The family has again moved, this time into a two-room apartment, 
for which Mrs. Novotny pays $6.00 rent.] 


178 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Besides this she bought curtains, slippers, four pairs shoes for 
each of the children, stockings, underwear, etc. 

From January to July she earned as follows: For washing and 
cleaning at Mrs. Clay’s, $10 a week and some pastry every day. 
Bundle washings average $1.50 a week. 

In July a dog bit Andrew, and she was obliged to stay at home. 
Meanwhile Mrs. Clay hired other help, and she lost her job. From 
July to October she earned about $7.00 a week. Is willing to go to 
work if she can take the youngest child with her. The other two 
children go to school. The children were clean but look puny. 
Visited Mrs. Clay and verified above. 

October 14, 1920.—Took Mrs. Novotny to Juvenile Court and made 
application for pension. Visited Depositors Bank and Iroquois 
Bank. Mrs. Novotny has no account. 

October 22, 1920.—Mrs. Novotny started to clean offices of Dis- 
pensary in Welfare Building at $7.00 a week. 

November 1, 1920-December 1, 1920.—Mrs. Novotny has cleaned 
offices regularly and received her $7.00 a week. 

December 8, 1920.—Probation officer in office to read record for 
investigation re mother’s pension. 

January 17, 1921.—Mrs. Novotny asked county doctor for Andrew 
and Joseph, who she thinks have measles. 

January 19, 1921.—Probation officer reports that investigation 
of Mrs. Novotny’s application for Juvenile Court will not be completed 
for several weeks. 

Mrs. Novotny’s second papers are due February 13, 1921. For 
this reason probation officer will not take case into court until Welfare 
Agency has made arrangements for same. 

February 1, 1921-March 3, 1921.—Mrs. Novotny has been scrub- 
bing office in afternoons, for which she was paid $7.00a week. County 
supplies were given to Mrs. Novotny. ‘These she will receive on the 
twenty-sixth of the month. 

Telephoned Czecho-Slovak Relief Society, who formerly assisted 
Mrs. Novotny. ‘They are now giving aid. 

When visited, Mrs. Novotny’s home was very clean and her 
children apparently happy and well cared for. Preliminary papers 
for taking out her second citizenship papers were sent to Washington. 
Mrs. Novotny must wait for an answer to these before taking out 
second papers. Made arrangements for her to go to Settlement for 
English lessons Tuesday morning at 9:30 and Friday afternoon at 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 179 


2:00. One of the residents will see that Mrs. Novotny is given special 
lessons in English and will try to get Mrs. Novotny sufficiently pre- 
pared for her naturalization papers within the next six weeks. 

March 21, 1921.—Notice from Mothers’ Aid Department: ‘“ Appli- 
cation dismissed, second papers overdue.” 

Telephoned Miss Denton, visitor for the Charitable Corporation. 
They agreed to pay rent. Are continuing investigation with purpose 
of giving cash grant." 


8. The Family of Francesco La Boda 
(An Insane Cigar Worker) 


[This family was first called to the attention of the Welfare Agency 
on June 26, 1912, when the General Office reported to. the district 
secretary that a neighbor, Mrs. Penelle, of 3276 Fulton Street, had 
asked food for them, saying that Mr. La Boda, who is a Spanish- 
American cigar-maker, was quite out of his head and unable to work. 
The address was visited June 28, was found to be outside the juris- 
diction of the Chicago society, and was referred to the president of 
the Oak Grove Charities, who sent a visitor in, supplied the needs of 
the family, and arranged for Mr. La Boda to make cigars at home 
and for Mrs. La Boda to sell them and thus provide for the wife and 
two children, Carmelita (born May 2, 1903), and Lenora (born June 
10, 1906), until August 1, when they said their relatives could assist 
them. Several previous addresses were obtained, as well as the address 
of Mr. La Boda’s parents, who were living in Chicago. On July 4, 
1912, a letter from the Oak Grove Society asked the Welfare Agency 
to visit the former landlord and the parents of Mr. La Boda; and ina 
letter of the following day it was reported (1) that the former landlord 
spoke well of them, although the family left with rent in arrears and 
he was prepared to learn of mental disturbance; (2) that Mr. La Boda’s 
parents told of a long separation from this son, of the death of another 
son in an “asylum,” of property on which Mr. La Boda owed his 
father $800, and of a third brother, Vincenzo, who is interested in the 
same property. ‘They also say that the parents of Mrs. La Boda are 


«(The second papers not having been obtained, the Mothers’ Pension plan 
failed. The Welfare Agency obtained co-operation from the Charitable Corporation 
and entered into a long-time arrangement according to which the Organization 
and the Agency jointly contributed to the budget, while Mrs. Novotny continued 
to clean offices and to attend classes at the Settlement.] 


180 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


well-to-do. Her family is German, and her grandparents and a 
brother live in Rochester, New York. Mr. La Boda is a Catholic, 
while Mrs. La Boda is Protestant. The children are being brought 
up in the Roman Catholic church. Nothing more is known of the 
family until March 16, 1916, when the following record begins. | 

March 16, 1916.—Miss Dabney, forelady of the C. A. Buckner 
Novelty Company, telephoned reporting that Mrs. La Boda works 
for that company; family (wife and two children, Carmelita [aged 
twelve] and Leonora [aged, ten]) have been quarantined. Man is ill, 
and family are in need of assistance. 

Later.—Visited.1_ Mr. La Boda has been ill for the past year; 
was in the Jefferson Hospital for several weeks with blood poisoning, 
and later had a nervous breakdown, from which he is at present 
convalescing. Leonora has just recovered from scarlet fever. Quar- 
antine was lifted about a week ago. Dr. Moore is the physician who 
has taken care of the family. Mrs. La Boda is employed at present; 
was out of work for two months, owing to the illness in the family. 
Mr. and Mrs. La Boda were married in Chicago in 1902. Previous 
to his illness, Mr. La Boda was in business for himself, making cigars. 
The family managed to get along when he was ill, because of the money 
he had saved. When their funds were exhausted, Mrs. La Boda 
went towork. Mr. La Boda has tried several jobs but has been unable 
to keep them because of his health. He is anxious to get light work. 
Family moved to present address, on Monday. Are not settled yet. 
Had lived at the same address a year ago. Vincenzo, a younger 
brother of Mr. La Boda, who came in while visitor was present, stated 
that he is working in a cigar factory. Thought Mr. La Boda might 
be able to do some light work; did not advise his returning to the 
cigar business; family received county supplies last month. Mr. La 
Boda has tried to obtain employment at the United States Free 
Employment Bureau. Gave cards to Illinois Free Employment 
Bureau and Public Welfare Employment Bureau of the city. 

Later.—Called on Dr. Moore. Was not in. Mrs. Moore stated 
that Mr. La Boda had been suffering from nervous trouble for some 
time. She thought the doctor would be back and would talk with 
visitor. 


«(The clues are (a) hospital, (6) Dr. Moore, (c) employer of Mrs. La Boda 
already known from Miss Dabney’s-reporting, (d) former address, (e) Oak Grove 
record containing former addresses of the parents of Mr. La Boda and grandparents 
of Mrs. La Boda.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 181 


Later.—Called at previous address. Family moved away last 
week. Had been in quarantine for scarlet fever; neighbors thought 
they broke quarantine as the sign was still up when they moved. 
Landlord had called to learn the present address of the family, but no 
one in the building knew it. Mrs. La Boda worked most of the 
time the family lived there, but they understood that Mr. La Boda 
was suffering with some nervous trouble and was unable to do 
any work. 

Later —Telephoned Dr. Moore, who said that he had attended 
Leonora during her siege of scarlet fever. The children are both 
well now, and he sent notice to the Board of Health to lift the quaran- 
tine about a week ago; did not know the family had moved. Said that 
Mr. La Boda was a neurasthenic; was on the verge of insanity. Spoke 
to him of a job we had in view on the Elevated; he thought the noise of 
the trains would be more than Mr. La Boda could stand. Thought 
it would have to be some light work where he could be very quiet. 

Later.—Telephoned Miss Dabney to give report. 

Later.—Letter written Oak Grove Society asking for record. 

March 23, 1916.—Letter received from Oak Grove Associated 
Charities giving record. 

March 30, t916.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda is still working at 
Buckner’s making $7.00 a week. Mr. La Boda said he would go 
crazy if he did not find work soon. Said he was very depressed now. 
Has offer of position in cigar factory, but he is afraid he could not stand 
that work now in his condition. Said that a year ago he had over 
$1,10c, but that he had had an expensive operation for blood poisoning 
and that he had not worked regularly since. 

April 5, 1916.—Visited Mr. Vincent La Boda, father of Francesco. 
He and his other two sons, Vincenzo and Alfonso, have been out of work 
for a long time; and although they own their own home, he has been 
unable to help Francesco this winter. He said that Mr. La Boda 
had a fire, April 3, in which he lost everything in his room. Fire 
started from a pile of rubbish burning in the yard next door. Mr. La 
Boda seemed very fond of his son. Said he had had a nervous break- 
down once before; the last time was about three years ago. 

Later.—Letter written superintendent of the Illinois Free Employ- 
ment Bureau, urgently asking help in securing work for Mr. La Boda 
because of his unhappy mental condition. 

Later.—Visited Father Flood (visitor for St. Francis Society). 
He did not remember Mr. La Boda but knew his father. St. Francis 


182 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Society is not helping family.t. Said that the La Boda family was 
well off and that the sons could always get work in the cigar busi- 
ness. He suggested that we obtain work for Mr. La Boda in one of 
the municipal parks.? 

April 7, 1916.—Letter received from superintendent of the Illinois 
Free Employment Bureau, telling of two positions open for experienced 
gardeners near Chicago and suggesting that Mr. La Boda apply. 

Later. —Visited. Mr. La Boda very much upset over fire. His 
furniture had been insured, and he was waiting for agent. Gave him 
letter from Illinois Free Employment Bureau to park supervisor. He 
said he was not an experienced gardener but would go down to see 
the supervisor as soon as the agent from insurance company had 
been there. 

April 17, 1916.—Visited. Mr. La Boda very nervous and indig- 
nant toward his wife. He said he thought if his wife were more com- 
panionable he would get well. He did not go to the Illinois Free 
Employment Bureau, because he did not feel able to do the work 
offered. He expects some insurance for furniture this week. 

Later—Called on Dr. Moore. He said that Mr. La Boda was 
physically able to work but that he worried so much about himself 
that he believed he was unable to do a day’s work. He further said 
that the La Boda family were expert cigar manufacturers and that 
they could obtain employment at any time. Says that Mr. La Boda 
worries a great deal over the indifference of his wife. Dr. Moore spoke 
to Mrs. La Boda about her attitude; she admitted that she did not 
care as much for him as she had a year ago. Dr. Moore said that 
Alfonso, Mr. La Boda’s brother, who had been out of employment for 
a long time, has recently found work. 

A pril 18, 1916.—Called at C. A. Buckner Company. Talked with 
Miss Dabney; said that she felt that Mr. La Boda was perfectly 
able to work if he wanted to; that he had got into a condition where 
he depended upon his wife. Of late he has been sending notes to her 
when she has been at work, asking her to come home immediately, 
and, when she would go home to him, there would be nothing the 
matter with him at all, but he would insist that she remain with him. 
Miss Dabney spoke very well of Mrs. La Boda—said she was a steady 
worker, but the nervous strain has been very hard on her. Her wages 


t {This Society did not register with the Confidential Exchange.] 


2(The proposal about park employment recalls Mr. Chiesa’s experience, 
above, p. 33.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 183 


were recently raised to $8.00. Mrs. La Boda has been in their employ 
for the past four years; has been working simply because Mr. La 
Boda did not support the family. Mrs. La Boda was home this 
afternoon, having been sent for by her husband. 

April 19, 1916—Miss Dabney telephoned asking when Mrs. 
La Boda could talk with visitor. Said she would send her to the office 
immediately. 

Later.—Mrs. La Boda at office. She said that she could not 
understand why people said that Mr. La Boda was able to work. 
Dr. Leslie of the Jefferson Hospital told Mr. La Boda that if he did 
not have an operation he would be a raving maniac inside of two years. 
Mr. La Boda has been suffering with intestinal trouble, which causes 
him a great deal of pain. On her way to our office she passed her house 
and found her husband lying on the stairs moaning with pain. He did 
not see her until she came up to him and helped him into the house. 
She put him to bed. She does not know whether he would consent to 
an operation or not. Feels that if convalescent care could be provided, 
it might benefit him. She asked that visitor call this afternoon and 
talk to both of them. She thought some arrangement could be made 
in this manner. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. La Boda in very nervous condition. Is 
willing to go to Convalescent Home if place can be provided. Mr. 
La Boda went to State Hospital for Insane as a volunteer patient in 
December, 1915, but remained only a short time. He also went to 
County Infirmary a couple of times but did not remain more than a 
night. He was in County Hospital for a time, but his condition did 
not improve. : : 

Mr. La Boda has had this same trouble for several years and does 
not think an operation is necessary. Dr. Moore has not advised it. 
He is anxious to go to Convalescent Home. If his condition does not 
improve with this treatment, he will then consent to an operation. 
Mr. La Boda very much in need of a suit. 

April 21, 1916.—Letters written to County Infirmary asking for 
record and to State Hospital asking diagnosis. 

April 24, 1916.—Letter written North Shore Winter Camp for 
Men, asking if convalescent care for Mr. La Boda was possible. 

Later.—Letter received from State Hospital for Insane telling of 
Mr. La Boda’s coming as voluntary patient but staying only five days. 
Complete diagnosis impossible. General paralysis of the insane sus- 
pected. 


184 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Called at the Jefferson Hospital. Mr. La Boda was 
there from May 21 to June 15, 1915; he was under the care of 
Dr. Richard A. Lemon. Diagnosis refused without doctor’s per- 
mission. 

April 25, 1916.—Visited. ‘Took suit, overcoat, and two shirts 
to Mr. La Boda. He seemed to be in a very nervous condition so 
that he could not sleep. Is very anxious to go to Winter Camp. 

April 26, 1916.—Superintendent North Shore Winter Camp tele- 
phoned. She will take Mr. La Boda to Camp tomorrow morning. 
Will meet him at the North Western Station, gate 12, at 10:10 A.M. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. La Boda will meet superintendent at North 
Western Station tomorrow; was quite delighted at the prospect of 
going to the Camp. 

Later.—Letter written to Dr. Richard A. Lemon asking informa- 
tion and diagnosis. 

April 27, 1916.—Letter received from County Infirmary saying 
that Mr. La Boda had been admitted four different times. The last 
time he stayed only four days. He was reported as hypochondriac, 
very morbid, with attention concentrated on himself. He will prob- 
ably need institutional care—a psychasthenic. 

April 28, 1916.—Letter received from Dr. Lemon; the trouble 
had been septicaemia—abscesses on the lower leg. 

April 29, 1916.—Letter received from superintendent of North 
Shore Camp telling how Mr. La Boda had started with her for the 
Camp, but had left the train before reaching there without letting 
her know. 

Later.-Visited. Found no one at home. Left card requesting 
Mrs. La Boda to come to the office. 

May 1, 1916.—Visited. Found Mr. La Boda leaving the house 
with a traveling bag; said he was going to Nashville, Tennessee; 
that friends’ had sent him transportation. He was in a very nervous 
condition and unable to carry his bag. He went back to the house 
on request of the visitor. He said that on Thursday when he started 
for North Shore he got off too soon by mistake. He returned to the 
city and went out again the following day. He did not remain, how- 
ever, as he did not receive any medical attention there. He said he 
could not stay in his house another night, and that he felt positive he 
would have a stroke of apoplexy today. 

™{[Note the disorganization of the entire relationship between visitor sand 


family that results from this kind of contribution on the part of someone outside 
the plan.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 185 


Later.—Telephoned Miss Dabney, and asked that Mrs. La Boda 
be allowed to come to office. 

Later.—Mrs. La Boda in office. She said that friends had sent 
Mr. La Boda money to go to Nashville and she thought it might 
do him some good. She said that twenty years ago he had a similar 
attack; at that time his parents had money and sent him from one 
place to another, but without any good results. After this he visited 
the friends in Nashville and stayed with them nine months, after 
which he was greatly improved in health. She said that he started 
for North Shore on Thursday but got off by mistake at the wrong 
station; that he returned to the city but did not go home Thursday 
night; that when she got home from work on Friday at noon she found 
him at home. He took an early train on Saturday morning but 
remained at North Shore only a few hours, returning at two in the 
afternoon. She feels quite worried about him and thinks that he 
ought to be placed in an institution but she is unwilling to file the 
petition for his commitment. She said that his brother, Anselmo, 
had died in an asylum; she did not know whether or not any other 
members of the family had ever had any mental trouble. She said 
Mr. La Boda became very nervous about three years ago at which 
time he had some business trouble and a lawsuit against his father 
regarding some property. She said at present the father and Mr. 
La Boda were perfectly good friends. Recently Mr. La Boda has 
been abusive, which is something unusual for him. She said that 
she was afraid to go to bed at night, she never knew what he might do. 

Accompanied Mrs. La Boda to Dr. Moore’s home. He said that 
Alfonso La Boda had filed petitions for Mr. La Boda about sixty days 
ago. He asked Dr. Moore to get some papers, among which was 
Mr. La Boda’s mailing list of customers, but Dr. Moore refused to 
do this and Alfonso asked the court to recall the action. Dr. Moore 
still believes that Mr. La Boda should be committed, and urged 
Mrs. La Boda to file papers if the first ones could not be of use. 

Later.—Telephoned.Mental Hygiene Society. Secretary said that 
petition was void after thirty days, and new one would have to be filed. 

May 2, 1916.—Called on Dr. Moore. Got statement regarding 
Mr. La Boda’s condition that he suffered from delusional insanity 
and needed hospital care. 

Later.—Visited Mr. La Boda’s brother Alfonso,’ who was not at 
home. Saw Mrs. Alfonso who seemed reluctant to give much infor- 


«(There was confusion about this brother’s address. Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso 
were separated.] 


186 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


mation about the family. She said, however, that Mr. La Boda 
had been placed in an institution several years ago, and they thought 
that was where he should be at present. 

May 5, 1916.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda was at home; has not 
been feeling well. Mr. La Boda continued to complain of condition 
and insisted that he could be cured if he could go to sanatorium. Mrs. 
La Boda promised to come to office May 6 to talk the matter over with 
visitor. She could not give Alfonso’s address, said she felt pretty 
sure that his stepmother knew where he was living. 

May 6, 1916.—Mrs. La Boda in office. Said that Mr. La Boda 
had been very much quieter since visitor’s last call. She felt that he 
probably was exhausted after the nervous spells he had had in the last 
few weeks. Said she felt quite discouraged about his condition and 
wondered whether or not the intestinal trouble did not have something 
to do with his condition. At times, he was not in so much pain; at 
other times, he would have one of his raving spells. She said that she 
would like to give him an opportunity to have this trouble treated 
and if this did not benefit him, she would then file her petition for his 
commitment. Gave her card to the Dispensary. Mrs. La Boda agreed 
that if he did not improve inside of a week or two she would call at 
the office for Dr. Moore’s letter before the thirty days have expired. 

Later.—Letter written West Side Free Dispensary introducing Mr. 
La Boda and asking diagnosis. 

May 26, 1916.—Visited. No one at home. Spoke with woman 
downstairs who said Mr. La Boda went to the hospital a week ago. 
Left card for Mrs. La Boda. 

May 29, 1916.—Interviewed Mrs. La Boda at Buckner’s Novelty 
Company. Mr. La Boda was committed to State Hospital for the 
Insane May 18. He became very depressed, and, at the suggestion 
of Dr. Moore, begged to be committed. Mrs. La Boda filed the peti- 
tion. He was taken to Psychopathic Hospital May 12. Mrs. La 
Boda has been out to see him twice. On the twenty-eighth he begged 
to come home, but the doctor urged her to keep him there at least 
two months, stating that he would probably recover with proper 
treatment. She has rented one of her rooms to help out with rent 
and food. 

June 5, 1916.—Telephoned Buckner’s Novelty Company asking 
that Mrs. La Boda come into office on the way home. 

Later.—Mrs. La Boda in the office. She is anxious to go to 
Holiday Home for two weeks. She thought that the children could 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 187 


stay with their grandfather. She said she would try to make arrange- 
ments with the Buckner Company so that she might go; promised 
to notify office. 

June 6, 1916.—Mrs. La Boda in office. Buckner Company are 
willing that she should go to Holiday Home, but Mrs. La Boda feels 
that she is unable to do so because of her financial condition. Her 
rent, which is $15 a month, must be paid promptly, and besides that 
she is paying $5.co a month on her back rent. She feels that she 
needs a rest but cannot afford to go. Would be very glad if the chil- 
dren could be sent to the country after school closed. Mrs. La Boda 
has been going out to the State Hospital every Sunday. She thinks 
that Mr. La Boda has improved somewhat, but he begs to come home 
every time she leaves him. The doctor has suggested that it might 
be easier for both of them if she did not go so often. She says that 
the doctor’s diagnosis at the Psychopathic Hospital was paresis and 
that Dr. Moore said before he left the home that these spells that he 
had were epileptic fits. He was picked up by the police in the loop 
after he had one of these spasms, shortly before he went to the 
hospital. 

June 6, 1916.—Letter written State Hospital asking diagnosis. 

June 16, 1916.—Letter received from State Hospital, giving diag- 
nosis as melancholia, prognosis doubtful. 

~ July 25, 1916.—Met Mr. La Boda on street. He returned from 
hospital two weeks ago. Insisted that doctors did not understand 
his condition. Roomer is still at house. Is anxious to have Mrs. 
La Boda and children go on outing. 

August 5, 1916.—Met Mrs. La Boda on the street. She said that 
Mr. La Boda was much improved; that he has been making cigars 
and went down town today to sella box. He has not spoken about 
his condition since he returned from the hospital, and she feels 
that he is improving rapidly. Roomer is still living with them, but 
he has been out of work for the past two weeks. Expects to get 
job next week. Mrs. La Boda seemed to be very much more cheerful 
than usual. 

October 19, 1916.—Mr. La Boda in office. Said that since the 
change in the weather he has grown weak and was anxious to go to 
Biloxi, Mississippi. The fare is $30. He has friends there with whom 
he canmake hishome. He asked that the Welfare Agency make them 
a loan on the furniture. He has been offered a job as a cigar-maker 
in Pensacola, Florida, but he has no friends there. He has been making 


188 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


cigars all summer but at present he feels too nervous to continue the 
work. Was not dismissed from the hospital—he ran away. 

October 20, 1916.—Carmelita in office with note asking that 
visitor call as soon as possible. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. La Boda. She said she knew that Mr. 
La Boda had been to the office. She promised to come to office and 
talk with visitor on twenty-first. 

October 21, 1916.—Mrs. La Boda in office. Said she thought 
that it would benefit Mr. La Boda to go South. He could buy a 
skiff and fish and be able to support himself. He is easily irritated 
and is annoyed when Mrs. La Boda is near him. She tried to get 
a loan on furniture but could not do so. She thought that if he failed 
to be happy in Biloxi she would not permit him to return home. Asked 
that the Welfare Agency obtain transportation for him. Visitor 
told her it was impossible to do this. Mrs. La Boda said they would 
write to friends in Biloxi and ask that they pay transportation. 
Mr. La Boda has made application for job as cashier at a station on the 
Elevated Railway but has heard nothing. 

October 24, 1916.—Leonora in office. Said that Mr. La Boda 
would like visitor to call. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. La Boda seemed much discouraged. Said 
that he was no longer able to make cigars because the man from whom 
he bought the tobacco refused to give him credit, because his brother 
Alfonso had told him that Mr. La Boda could not be responsible 
since his mind was affected. He feels neglected, thinks Mrs. La Boda 
unsympathetic. Said that they received a little over $100 insurance 
for the fire which they had last spring. He begged Mrs. La Boda to 
stay home from work for a month when they had this money, but she 
refused to do it and spent most of the money for clothing on herself 
and the children. About three years ago, the case that he had against 
his family was settled for $1,100. At that time there was no necessity 
for Mrs. La Boda working, but she insisted on doing so, refusing to 
stay home with him. Most of that money was spent for doctor and 
hospital bills and living expenses. Mrs. La Boda has threatened to 
obtain a divorce. Mr. La Boda feels that she is anxious to get rid 
of him. He said that in the last few months he has had several convul- 
sions. Said that when he asks Mrs. La Boda to do anything for him 
she refuses. The children, too, refuse to have anything to do with 


*[Note below, p. 877, for statute naming conditions under which patients are 
discharged from the institution.] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 189 


him; will not even take a walk with him. He tried to get some work 
addressing envelopes at home, but was refused as they said they did 
not give work to men. He is anxious to get some sort of work 
that he can do at home. Mr. La Boda had telegraphed to Biloxi 
hoping that his friend would assist him to go South, but he has heard 
nothing. 

November 3, 1916.—Called at Mental Hygiene Society. Secretary 
thought that Mr. La Boda might be greatly benefited by work. She 
thought he might be interested in carpentry. She asked that he be 
sent to her on Monday the sixth, and that a written report of the case 
be sent. — 

November 4, 1916.—Mr. La Boda in office. Asked to see visitor. 
Was very nervous. Said he could not wait for visitor to come in 
but would return. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. La Boda seemed quite upset. Said that 
during the week a policeman came to the house to arrest him, saying 
that he had attacked a little girl in the neighborhood. The child 
was brought over to his house and said he was not the man, so the 
policeman did not arrest him. Mr. La Boda seemed quite discouraged 
and thought that everyone was working against him. Said he had 
gone to the Elevated Railway Company regarding job that he had 
applied for, and they told him they could not use him. He promised 
to go to the Mental Hygiene Society on Monday. 

November 6, 1916.—Letter written Mental Hygiene Society re- 
viewing case and asking work for Mr. La Boda. 

Later.—Telephoned Mental Hygiene Society. Mr. La Boda had 
not yet come to their office. 

November 7, 1916.—Visited. Mr. La Boda went to Mental 
Hygiene Society yesterday and was told to return but he went to 
Riverside this morning, instead, and tried to borrow $30. A dog bit 
him while he was out there. Showed visitor the wound. Said that 
he would go to Dr. Moore and have it cauterized. He promised to 
return to the Mental Hygiene Society tomorrow. Seemed to be in a 
brighter frame of mind than usual. 

November 8, 1916.—Telephoned Mental Hygiene Society. Secre- 
tary said that Mr. La Boda reported on Monday for work and was 
told to return on Tuesday. He reported at the office at 4:00 P.M., 
and she told him that he must come in the morning if he expected to 
work. She said that he ran away before she got through talking with 
him. Said that he seemed to think that his wife was persecuting him. 


Igo . FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


November 13, 1916.—Letter written State Hospital asking how 
Mr. La Boda had been able to leave the institution and how his 
return could be arranged. | 

November 18, 1916 (Saturday).—Mrs. La Boda in office. Said 
that Mr. La Boda went to Chattanooga, Tennessee, Wednesday, 
November 15. Some friends had loaned him the money to pay 
transportation; a friend living in Chattanooga, who is in the liquor 
business, promised him employment if he came down. She said the 
reason he was so anxious to leave Chicago was, that upon coming out 
of the State Hospital, he had resumed the cigar business and bought 
tobacco from an old friend of his, without first taking out a license, 
This friend protected him by not entering the sale on the revenue 
books. Mr. La Boda went to another man to buy tobacco and he 
made a note of the sale, and the government authorities were trying 
to locate him. She said she could not understand why he did not 
take out a license since it cost only $1.00. She said for this reason 
she felt confident that he will not return to Chicago for some time. 
She is hard pressed for funds at present. She owes a gas bill of $3.60, 
milk bill of 50 cents which she has owed for several weeks, and $4.00 
on her furniture to the instalment company, who have threatened to 
sue her if she does not make a payment. Mrs. La Boda is earning 
$8.50, and this would leave her a balance of 40 cents on which to live 
until next pay day. She is without food and asks assistance during 
this week. Promised visit. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda was crocheting yokes which she 
hoped to sell. She said that during the election campaign she was given 
work to take home and thus averaged $14 a week. Gave $2.00 cash. 

November 24, 1916.—Letter received from State Hospital saying 
that Mr. La Boda had escaped, been returned, paroled, parole had 
expired, and recommitment would be necessary. 

November 25, 1916.—Mrs. La Boda in office. Said that Mr. La 
Boda returned from Chattanooga Friday night, the twenty-fourth. 
She asked assistance with food. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. La Boda applied for a job with an express 
company in Chattanooga, and they submitted him to a physical 
examination. When the doctors saw the wound on his leg where a 
dog had bitten him, they hurried him to the Chattanooga City Hospi- 
tal. The doctors there wished to send him to Cincinnati to the Pasteur 
Institute. Mr. La Boda asked to be sent to Chicago instead, and the 
mayor got him transportation home. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS I9Ql 


Visitor told Mr. La Boda that we expected him to go to the 
Mental Hygiene Society for work on Monday morning, to be there at 
9:00, and that he was to continue to go there until his brother who 
expected to obtain work for him on the Eastern R. R. Company had 
done so. He promised to do this. He said that Mr. Ageley gave him 
$20, but he did not use this for transportation to Chattanooga but 
instead bought tobacco. He paid for his transportation to Chatta- 
nooga out of money he received from the sale of cigars. Mrs. La Boda 
was surprised to hear this and told him that he had not been fair to 
her in not telling her what he did with his money. She paid the 
agent $7.50 on rent for her flat and had paid 50 cents on the insur- 
ance so that she had only 50 cents left. The visitor gave her $2.00 
cash. 

November 28, 1916.—Telephoned Mental Hygiene Society. Mr, 
La Boda had not been there. The secretary will send visitor to the 
house. 

December 15, 1916 (Friday)—Mrs. La Boda in office. Says Mr. 
La Boda left home on Monday and she has not seen him since. He has 
been quite disagreeable about the house of late. Leonora is ill; she 
has called in Dr. Moore. Says she has not coal enough to last over 
night. Will not be paid until tomorrow noon. She gets neither 
supplies nor coal from the county. 

Later.—Visited. Leonora was sick in bed. Dr. Moore had 
called and gave Mrs. La Boda money to have prescription filled. Mrs, 
La Boda said that she had a serious talk with Mr. La Boda last 
Sunday. She told him that he would either have to go to work or 
she would take him into the Court of Domestic Relations. She gave 
him until Monday noon to decide. Monday morning when she was 
at work, Mr. La Boda telephoned asking her to go to the depot with 
him—that he was leaving town. Mrs. La Boda did not go, and Mr. 
La Boda would not tell her where he was planning to go. When 
Mrs. La Boda went home to lunch on Monday, Mr. La Boda had gone. 
Mrs. La Boda thinks that she will hear from him within a week. If 
she does not, she will inquire among his friends. Mrs. La Boda went to 
Mr. La Boda’s father, last night, and told him that she had no food 
nor coal in the house. They sent over an order of groceries but did 
nothing about the coal. Gave her card to County Agent for supplies, 
and so cents for fuel and milk. | 


t (See below, p. 891, for statute under which non-supporting husbands are prose- 
cuted.] 


192 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 17, 1917.—|General Office slip received forwarding letter 
to superintendent of Welfare Agency, inclosing letter from Mr. La Boda 
to one of the benevolent and rich business men of the city returned 
by his secretary with a request for investigation and report.| 

January 25,1917.—|Letter written reviewing case for the gentleman 
to whom Mr. La Boda had appealed.| 

March 1, 1917.—Mr. La Boda in office asking transportation to 
New Orleans. He seemed very nervous and complained bitterly of 
his wife’s treatment. Said she had him in the Court of Domestic 
Relations! six weeks ago for non-support and abusive treatment. ‘The 
judge refused to send him to the Bridewell but told him to go toa 
mission and rest up. He went to a mission, and they sang hymns all 
the time which made him so nervous that he returned home. Has been 
making cigars recently at home. Gave his wife $8.00 last week, and 
now she denies that he gave her any money. 

Told Mr. La Boda it would be impossible for the Welfare Agency to’ 
send him to New Orleans. 

March 8, 1917.—Mx. La Boda in office, asking assistance in renting 
a room. Says that the judge of the Court of Domestic Relations on 
Monday had ordered him to stay away from his home and he has 
been spending the last three nights at the Salvation Army Head- 
quarters. There is so much noise at night that he cannot sleep. 
Says he has done no work and has no money. Suggested that he 
go to the Mental Hygiene Society, talk the matter over with the 
secretary, and do the work which she will provide for him. 

Later.—Telephoned Mental Hygiene Society and gave report to 
date. If Mr. La Boda appears, the secretary will put him to work. 
Will communicate with Court of Domestic Relations and get their 
report on recent proceedings. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. La Boda at home after working hours. She 
confirmed Mr. La Boda’s story about the court. On New Year’s 
Day he called her names and struck her, and she decided that she 
would stand no more. She took him into court, but the judge evi- 
dently sympathized with Mr. La Boda. He continued the case, and - 
when it came into court last week ordered Mr. La Boda to get a 
room away from home, and pay his wife what he could earn each week. 
Mrs. La Boda declares that she will never live with him again, cannot 
believe that he is mentally unbalanced, and thinks if he stays away 
from her she will get along all right. She has been unable to 


« {The Court did not ‘‘clear.’’] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 193 


pay her rent this month and the landlord asked her to move last 
Tuesday. She hates to do this because the location is so convenient 
for her work and has made an arrangement by which she can stay there. 
A married couple whom she knows have taken over the flat, furnished, 
and paid the March rent. They will move in on Saturday and allow 
her to occupy one room and have the use of the kitchen in return for 
the furniture. She will also pay half the gas bill. 

She borrowed $40 on the furniture about two months ago, and 
the payment to the loan company ($6.20) is due this week. In all, 
she will have to pay about $60 for this loan. Told her when she had 
paid the $40 borrowed, to come to office and we would give her card 
to the Legal Aid Society.* 

There was no fire in the house and no fuel, and no food except 
a loaf of bread.. Mrs. La Boda is now earning $9.00 a week, but the 
furniture payment has left her without money. 

Urged her very strongly to take out commitment papers for Mr. 
La Boda. He has been coming back to the house during the daytime 
but leaves when it is time for her to come back at night. She will 
think the matter over. Says that his family do not think he is insane 
and would not commit him if they did. Gave $1.00 cash for food and 
coal. | 

March 12, 1917.—Mrs. La Boda in office with letter from Mr. 
George of the Citizens’ League. Mrs. La Boda appealed to the judge 
on Saturday, the tenth, to have Mr. La Boda kept away from the 
house. The judge recommended that he go to New Orleans, where he 
says he has cousins, and asked Mr. George to secure transportation 
forhim. Mr. La Boda could give neither name nor address of relatives 
in New Orleans. Told him we would confer with the judge and see 
what could be done. 

Later.—Interviewed Dr. Moore, who thinks that institutional 
care is the only thing which will help Mr. La Boda. Has known the 
family for many years. Mr. La Boda’s grandfather was a Spaniard 
living in Cuba and emigrated to New Orleans. His son and grand- 
sons have all had excellent educations and were at one time very pros- 
perous. Mr. La Boda is a graduate of Tulane University. They 
are all highly neurotic in temperament. Alfonso, a brother, for 
example, is separated from his wife. 

Dr. Moore feels that if Mrs. La Boda had a little more strength 
and persistent courage, she might be able to handle the situation and 


t [See below, p. 519, for statute governing organization of loan companies.] 


194 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


bring Mr. La Boda through all right. He has given her careful 
directions as to treatment, but she has never been able to carry them 
out completely. 

Later.—Interviewed Mr. La Boda’s father at his home. He felt 
that his son would not stay anywhere he was sent or placed, except 
under compulsion. He has always been a source of grief and trouble. 
He has such an erratic disposition and ungovernable temper that it 
would be impossible to keep him with them even if he would stay. 
They have tried again and again to plan something for him. At 
one time went to expense to cure him of the drug habit, but they cannot 
succeed in any plan for him; therefore felt it was useless for him again 
to make application to have the son examined as to mentality. 
Although Mr. La Boda felt that probably it would be best if his son 
were in the State Hospital and would be glad to have the step taken, 
he was unwilling to make any move himself. 

They had received a letter that morning from the only cousin in 
New Orleans whose address was known to them, saying that there were 
three in the family seriously ill, and this would not be a good time for 
them to take Mr. La Boda in. 

Later.—Interviewed Mrs. La Boda at her place of employment. 
Mr. La Boda had continued to come to the house in spite of the judge’s 
order. She had reported this on the tenth, and the Court had taken 
out a habeas corpus for him. Mrs, La Boda was unwilling to take 
any steps to have Mr. La Boda committed to the State Hospital. 
She feels his mentality does not warrant it. But she would like to 
have him gotten away from Chicago because he bothers her so much. 
Also she believes that her nearness is like a flame to him and keeps 
him constantly stirred up. 

Later.—Interviewed Father Furlong, St. Matthews Church. 
_ Mr. La Boda had been to see him recently. He believed that institu- 
tional care was what Mr. La Boda needed, but he had no special influ- 
ence as Mr. La Boda has not been an active Catholic and Mrs. La 
Boda is not Catholic at all. Mr. La Boda had asked him for fare to 
New Orleans, but he. had advised Mr. La Boda to work in order to 
take his mind off himself. 

Later.—Met Mr. George, of the Citizens’ League, by appointment 
in the chambers of the judge of Domestic Relations Court. When 
the judge found that it was not feasible to send Mr. La Boda to relatives 
and that Mr. La Boda was in the habit of returning when sent away, 
he decided to send Mr. La Boda as a voluntary patient to some hospital. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 195 


March 15, 1917.—Talked with social worker at the court. She 
stated that Mr. La Boda had been recommitted to the Psychopathic 
Hospital and that his case would come up soon. 

March 16, 1917.—Talked with social worker, Psychopathic Hos- 
pital. She stated that case had come up the fifteenth and had been 
continued to the following Thursday because Mrs. La Boda had 
appeared and asked that he should not be sent to State Hospital. 
Requested a report and that a representative of the office come to 
the hospital when the case is heard. 

March 19, 1917.—Letter written social worker, Psychopathic 
Hospital, reviewing the entire case in detail and urging commitment. 

March 20, t917.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda stated that she had no 
plan in particular for Mr. La Boda if he was not sent to a hospital, ex- 
cept she had thought of trying to raise money for him to goaway. A 
friend is expecting to go on a farm in the spring in Wyoming, and she 
thought Mr. La Boda could go there with this friend. She expected 
to be present at the examination on Thursday but stated she had 
rather put the matter of Mr. La Boda’s release into the hands of his 
brother. Mrs. La Boda seemed to think the authorities were cruel 
in trying to arrest him, speaking of it as “hounding him.” She seemed 
unable to see that this was necessary if he was allowed freedom and was 
still to be kept away from her. 

Later.—Telephoned social worker, Psychopathic Hospital. She 
asked visitor to see that the elder Mr. La Boda come to the hospital 
to talk with her. 

Later.—Interviewed the father. He did not wish to go to the 
Psychopathic as he seems to fear that his daughter-in-law will consider 
that he is interfering. However, he said he would be glad to see his 
son receive treatment in a hospital. He thought perhaps it would be 
better to send him to a hospital farther away from the city. He 
finally promised to go to see social worker. 

Later.—The following letter received from the Registrar of 
Tulane University: | 

Acknowledging your letter of March 13, it does not appear that we have 
had a student in any department of the University within recent years by 
the name of Francesco La Boda. If he came originally from one of the 
Central American countries it is possible that he may have registered under 
his mother’s maiden name. We have had some difficulty in past years in 
identifying men for that reason. If you can give me more definite informa- 
tion as to the department or course of study he attended, and his mother’s 
maiden name, I shall be glad to look into the matter further. 


196 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


March 22, 1917.—District Superintendent and visitor in court as 
witnesses. The father and brother of Mr. La Boda had written a 
letter to the court requesting that Mr. La Boda be committed. Mrs. 
La Boda did not oppose the plan, and the judge committed him. 

Mrs. La Boda says that she is getting along very nicely with the 
new domestic arrangement. ‘The woman is very kind to the girls and 
takes good care of them when they are home from school. Her tenant’s 
husband works at night and leaves the house before Mrs. La Boda 
gets home from work and does not get home until after she and the 
children are gone in the morning, so there is no collision at meal time. 

May 1, 1917.—While visiting in the neighborhood, discovered 
that Mrs. La Boda’s flat is vacant. Neighbors did not know where 
she had gone. 

June 21, 1917.—Mrs. La Boda in office, asking advice. She 
moved early in May, as the people who sublet her house and she did 
not get on well together. The man drank and was generally disagree- 
able, so Mrs. La Boda stored her furniture and went into furnished ~ 
rooms. She has paid $24 on the $40 loan, and now the Discount 
Company is threatening foreclosure. There is still $11.50 due on 
the original furniture bill, and Mrs. La Boda is afraid she will get into 
trouble for having given a mortgage on furniture which was not paid 
for. Told her to consult Legal Aid about this. 

September 8, 1917.—Letter from New Orleans Family Welfare 
Organization saying Mr. La Boda was there begging to be returned 
to Chicago and asking prompt investigation. 

September 12, 1917.—Two letters received from New Orleans, 
making further inquiry, and also stating that Mr. La Boda’s cousin 
is arranging for his return to Chicago. 

Later-—Report by telegram to New Orleans Family Welfare 
Organization reporting that Mr. La Boda is a mental case. | 

September 13, 1917.—Telegram from New Orleans Family Welfare 
Organization telling of Mr. La Boda’s leaving New Orleans on fruit 
train, time of arrival uncertain. 

Later.—F urther letter from New Orleans saying that he had left. 

Later.—Telephoned judge of Domestic Relations Court apprising 
him of contents of telegram from New Orleans Family Welfare Organi- 
zation and asking if Mr. La Boda could not be met at the train. He 
said he was not concerned about having man met at train since 
he was sure that man would “bob up”? somehow and then could be 
apprehended and returned to the State Hospital. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 1Q7. 


Telephoned social worker, Psychopathic Hospital, contents of 
same telegram and suggested to her that she get in touch with Illinois 
Central Railroad officials to see if they would take the trouble to have 
man held on train until it reaches a certain point in Chicago tomorrow 
morning and if they will do this, social worker to arrange to have man 
met and returned to State Hospital. She promised to take up the 
matter as suggested. 

November 24, 1917.—Mrs. La Boda in office, to ask for Thanks- 
giving basket. Mr. La Boda returned from New Orleans September 
16, came directly home, and made so much trouble that the next 
day Mrs. La Boda went down to court and complained. The judge 
said that Mr. La Boda was not insane but. was lazy, and as soon as 
he could apprehend him he would send him to the Bridewell. Mr. La 
Boda found out that Mrs. La Boda had been to court and he went 
down to see the judge to plead his cause and the judge sent him to the 
Bridewell fora year. Mrs. La Boda showed visitor her skirt which was 
the only one she had and was almost in rags. Gave skirt from office 
donation. 

December 6, t917.—Letter written State Hospital for the Insane 
asking if they have information concerning Mr. La Boda since he 
left the institution. 

December 11, 1917.—Letter received from managing officer of 
the State Hospital, dated December t0, 1917: 

Replying to your communication of the 6th inst. with regard to former 
patient, Francesco La Boda, beg to say that he was admitted as patient 
here, March 30, 1917, and was considered to be suffering from presenile 
psychosis. | 

. He escaped July 24, 1917, and was dropped from the rolls three months 
from date of escape. I regret to say we have had no communication from 
Mr. La Boda since our last communication with you. 


June 15, 1918.—Mrs. La Boda in office to ask for assistance with 
grocery bill. Explained that visitor would call on the seventeenth 
OTs 0T SY 

June 17, 1918.—Visited at 12:15 while Mrs. La Boda was home 
from work at lunch. Clean cloth on table, and lunch consisted of 
bread, butterine, and coffee. Mrs. La Boda says since the five-day 
shutdown for fuel-saving she has not been able to meet her expenses. 
Her debts have been accumulating, which worries her so she is unable 
to sleep. This week she has not been able to meet her rent. About 
five weeks ago St. Matthews Church gave her a $3.00 grocery order. 


198 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. La Boda’s stepmother gave Leonora her outfit for her first com- 
munion as she was anxious that it should be made this year. Friends 
keep the children almost entirely in clothes. 

Mrs. La Boda went to the Bridewell to see Mr. La Boda two weeks 
ago. Neither thinks there is any use trying to live together again. 

June 20, 1915.—Called on Father Furlong, St. Matthews Parish, 
who gave visitor letter for Mrs. La Boda to take to the Relief Agent 
of the Parish to obtain ‘‘any necessary groceries.” 

June 21, 1918.—Visited. Gave Mrs. La Boda letter from Father 
Furlong. Gave her $3.00 cash to pay on her rent. She said that 
after school closed Carmelita would probably be able to work in a 
department store and earn $8.00 a week. 

July 18, 1918.—Visited. Offered Leonora an outing. She is 
visiting in Oak Grove. Carmelita finished eighth grade in June. 
Had not secured employment yet but hoped she would soon. 

July 23, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda said Carmelita did not 
secure work in the department store, as she was not sixteen years old. 
Mrs. La Boda said she could not Jeave work to look for a place for 
Carmelita but that so far had kept out of debt. Case closed. Family 
is self-supporting. 

March 29, 1920.—Mr. La Boda in office. He has been living at 
the St. Anthony Mission House for the last few weeks. Since his 
discharge from the Bridewell about a year ago, he has been doing 
odd jobs. Asked if the Welfare Agency could advance enough money 
so that he could start his cigar-making again in the shop where he 
left cigar boxes and labels. 

April 5, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda and Carmelita are working 
in the jewelry repair department of a department store. Woman in 
the house said that Mr. La Boda had been coming around making 
trouble and wanting to live there, so Mrs. La Boda took out warrant 
for him last week. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda, Sr., said that they all felt very 
badly about the way Mr. La Boda has been acting. He wants to 
live with his wife but does not want to work. Mrs. La Boda, Sr., 
likes his wife and feels sorry for her. The brother feels the same about 
the situation, but they all feel that there is nothing they cando. Mr. 
La Boda never comes there, and they do not tell his father much about 
him, as he is a very old man and it worries him. " 

The stepmother is of French and Spanish descent. She came from 
New Orleans to Chicago thirty-three years ago. The father is from 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 199 


Spain. Her family is from Lorraine, France. The father and two 
brothers make cigars in a shop back of the house. 

Later.—Telephoned House of Correction. Mr. La Boda com- 
mitted there April 2 for six months unless fine of $100 is paid. 

April 6, 1920.—Letter to Superintendent, House of Correction, 
asking for mental examination of Mr. La Boda, who had been again 
committed to the Bridewell, this time for six months, for non-payment 
of fine on charge of disorderly conduct. 

April 8, 1920.—Letter received from superintendent, House of 
Correction, sending blank to be signed by relative of Mr, La Boda 
asking examination. 

April 9, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. La Boda does not want to fill 
out application for mental examination of Mr. La Boda. She says 
she did it once before when he begged her to send him to the State 
Hospital and has never heard the last of it. She is perfectly willing 
for anyone else to fill it out, and she thinks the only thing for Mr. La 
Boda is to be in the State Hospital, where he will get care and treat- 
ment. Mrs. La Boda has applied for a divorce. Mr. La Boda said 
that he did not believe she could get a divorce, but if she does, he will 
stay away from her. Mrs. La Boda knows she cannot get the divorce 
if he is sent to State Hospital but would rather have him there. 

She said that when they were married, Mr. La Boda provided 
fairly well for her. He never gave her money, however, but bought 
everything himself. Mrs. La Boda’s relatives in Rochester and Mr. 
La Boda’s parents always provided coats for the children. Mrs. 
La Boda feels badly because Mr. La Boda is so careless of his appear- 
ance now and looks like “a bum.”’ When they were first married, he 
was most particular about his personal appearance. Mrs. La Boda 
always wanted to buy a little place either here or in New Orleans, 
but Mr. La Boda said he would not have anything if he could not have 
fifteen or twenty acres of land. 

April 10, 1920.—Letter to superintendent, House of Correction, 
saying that Mrs. La Boda will not fill out the blank, although she 
would like Mr. La Boda committed to State Hospital. 

April 13, 1920.—Letter received from superintendent, House of 
Correction, saying that Mr. La Boda had been examined and was 
neurasthenic, not insane. 

[It must be remembered that agencies for dealing with nervous 
maladies were in 1920 far less developed than at the present time 


(See Illinois Revised Statutes, chap. 40, “‘Divorce.”’ See below, p. 594, note.] 


200 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


and far less ample than those intended for the treatment of the 
insane. The helplessness of the welfare worker in the absence of the 
expert medical and nursing service is illustrated by this record.] 


9. The Family of Joseph Jenkins 
(An Insane Printer, Whose Wife Is Subnormal) 


[The Jenkins family came to the attention of the Family Welfare 
Agency, July 25, 1914, when Mrs. Jane Jenkins came to the office 
asking help. She had been for two months living in a furnished 
fourth-floor room, for which the rent is $1.50, which they pay by doing 
some work for the landlord. Mr. Jenkins, she said, was a printer 
whose health had failed so that he had to give up indoor work and he 
had procured a horse and wagon and taken their three-year-old son 
Bobby (born January 17, 1911) with him and started out selling notions. 
In Alabama, near Montgomery, he had left the child with some people 
living on the road he traveled while he went into town to church. 
While he was gone, someone beat the child; but he was asleep when Mr. 
Jenkins returned, and he did not discover the fact until he had got too 
far away to go back. He therefore drove on to a village and left the 
child again while he went this time to sell his goods. When the 
bruises on the child were discovered, he was put in the county jail 
and was still detained. Mrs. Jenkins said that Mr. Jenkins had always 
provided well for his family, earning $20 to $25 a week. He had 
always been a good father, and she believed him innocent. She was 
just about to be confined when his health broke down. Little Ellen 
was born at the County Hospital June 24, 1914, not long after Mr, 
Jenkins started out. There had been a little boy, James, born in 
June, 1912, who had died in the County Hospital of pneumonia a 
few months ago. ‘This nearly broke Mr. Jenkins’ heart. She was 
entirely without resources and asked for help. 

At that time the family were known to the Legal Aid Society, 
who had collected wages once for Mr. Jenkins, and to the County 
Hospital. No other agency was registered. 

Mrs. Jenkins was only twenty-three years of age, while Mr. 
Jenkins was nine years older than she. The Welfare Agency visited, 
corresponded with the authorities in Alabama as well as with the 
relatives and friends whose names were learned from Mrs. Jenkins 
at the time of an interview in her room the following Monday (July 
27, 1914). The investigation brought out the fact that her parents 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 201 


were alive and in a home for ex-Confederate soldiers and their wives 
in a neighboring state, that Mrs. Jenkins had four brothers, a sister, 
and an uncle, and that Mr. Jenkins was said to have always been very 
unkind to her and to Bobby. One of her brothers, Harry Brown, 
living in St. Paul, offered to care for her and the baby if she would go 
to St. Paul, and after a time in the Home for the Friendless and after 
much effort to secure Mr. Jenkins’ release, she went to St. Paul. 

After a brief period there, however, she returned in January, 1915, 
to Chicago. Mr. Jenkins was found not guilty of beating the child 
and so was released, while Bobby was put in an orphan asylum in 
Alabama where he remained until 1921. Mr. Jenkins had spent much 
of his childhood in an industrial school, and there was a general belief 
that he was cruel to his child. There was at this time an unsuccess- 
ful attempt to have Mrs. Jenkins examined by the psychiatrist. From 
this time until April, 1917, there were at intervals brief contacts or 
inquiries regarding the family with the constantly renewed suggestion 
that the children were neglected, that Mrs. Jenkins was of poor mental 
equipment, and that he was unkind. 

From April 21, 1917, until December 14, 1922, there was no 
contact. On that date, however, Bobby, now almost twelve years 
old and released the year before from the Alabama institution, applied 
at the office for help. 

There were now fourchildren besides Bobby: Leila (born August 27, 
1916), David (born August 30, 1918), Joseph Lee (born July 9, 1920), 
and Richard (born August 27, 1922). The record continues with 
Bobby’s interview and the appropriate investigation. (Ellen is no 
longer in the family, see below, p. 209.)| 

December 14, 1922.—Bobby in office (referred by Vocational 
Guidance Bureau). He has been down to apply for a work certificate 
but is refused because he is only twelve and in the fifth grade. Mr. 
Jenkins drinks and works so little that the whole burden is left on 
Mrs. Jenkins. Bobby wants to help. He is sure his father will 
refuse to come to office, but he will ask his mother to come. 

December 15, 1922.—Telephoned Vocational Guidance Bureau 
(Miss Zener). Bobby reported there that his father would not work. 
Mrs. Jenkins does what she can but is unable to be away much because 
of the baby. Worker has reported the family to the Goodfellow 
Department of the Courier for Christmas. 

January 24, 1923.—Visited Mrs. B. M. Messer, who lives on the 
same floor with the Jenkins family and is on good terms with them. 


202 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


The Jenkins’ use the Messer telephone very often. Mrs. Messer has 
a club foot and gets about with difficulty. It was by merest chance 
that she was visited. The entrance was dark, and visitor went to 
the wrong door. Mrs. Messer is a woman of intelligence and has a 
very comfortable home. It is simply but tastefully furnished. She 
lives with an unmarried daughter, who is employed. At first she 
was non-committal. She knew of the Jenkins’ affairs, knew that there 
was a great deal of quarreling in the home, and knew that Mr. Jenkins 
was severe with Bobby, but it was not until she had been promised 
that her name would not be used in any way that she became willing 
to tell what she knew. She says that she believes Mr. Jenkins 
would kill her if he knew she told anything. A promise was given 
Mrs. Messer that her name would not be used without her consent. 
She offered, then, to make affidavit to the facts as she gave them if it 
became necessary for a prosecution of Mr. Jenkins. 

The family is living in a five-room apartment, well lighted but 
dirty, in which there is a bathroom. The rent is $30. Mr. Ralph 
P. Drake rooms there, but he has been ill and is not paying his rent. 

Mr, and Mrs. Jenkins have lived in the present rooms about two 
years. [Previous addresses were secured.] Their roomer is an old 
man about eighty years old. Mr. Jenkins talks religion with this 
man considerably and also with a young man who frequently visits 
the house. Last winter Mrs. Messer used to have Mr. Jenkins take 
care of her stove—bring in coal and remove ashes. He stole some coal 
now and then, but Mrs. Messer does not hold that up against him as 
she believes he was pretty hard up. Mrs. Messer says that Mr. 
Jenkins has his good streaks and is likable. 

About two years ago Mr. Jenkins was superintendent of a Rescue 
Mission at 277 California Street. Mrs. Messer showed an announce- 
ment. of a Mission party which gave this information. This party 
was to be held in the rear basement of the First Methodist Church. 
Mr. Jenkins has since become estranged from the church, and, although 
a good many visitors have been coming to his house of late—probably 
church visitors—Mr. Jenkins is not on friendly terms with them 
and refuses to let Bobby go to the Sunday school. Mrs. Messer also 
showed a telephone card gotten out by Webster Brothers, old employ- 
ers of Mr. Jenkins. She knows, too, that he worked for a printing 
company at 611 Wells Street just before Christmas. She believes 
he lost his job there. About a week ago he began work again and is 
employed by some printing company. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 203 


Mr. Jenkins’ greatest trouble is drink. When he is drinking he is 
violent. The last spree began before Thanksgiving. He had been 
painting for the landlord and when he had finished the work the 
landlord took him to a store and treated him. (This store presents a 
front of groceries and fruit, but there is a bar in the rear where anyone 
can get a drink.) When Mrs. Jenkins found out that her husband 
was drinking there, she went to the store and asked that drink be 
refused him. Mr. Jenkins became very angry about it, and there has 
been a great deal of trouble. About two weeks ago Mrs. Jenkins had 
her husband arrested because he was drinking and was not supplying 
his family with food. Quite recently he beat her with a leather strap. 
Another source of trouble is her poor housekeeping. Mr. Jenkins 
is really quite clean and is a good cook. Mrs. Jenkins is ‘slovenly. 
Before the last baby was born, Mr. Jenkins attempted to get his wife 
committed to the State Hospital. He showed Mrs. Messer the report 
of a mental examination conducted at the City Hall. Mrs. Jenkins 
was described in this report as being of low mentality, but not 
committable. 

Bobby is another source of trouble. Mr. Jenkins thinks he is 
‘““weak-minded.”’ He beats him unmercifully. Sometimes he beats 
him because of stealing. (Bobby steals money from home and has 
stolen some from Mrs. Messer, but she believes that he has only stolen 
when he wanted something to eat.) But more often he beats him for 
slight disobediences or for poor school reports. ‘Three times Mr. 
Jenkins has, to the knowledge of Mrs. Messer, taken Bobby to a forest 
preserve west of town, has stripped him, and has beaten him. Mr. 
Jenkins has told of it and so has the boy, and either the boy or his 
mother could probably be induced to tell of this again. Another 
favorite punishment of Mr. Jenkins is to make Bobby stand up all 
night. Mr. Jenkins orders him to stand up and sees to it that he does 
it. He also makes the boy scrub and do other housework all day 
Sunday when he expresses a desire to go to Sunday school. All of 
‘the children are punished occasionally, but Bobby gets the most. 
Mr. Jenkins seems to feel some affection for Leila. 

Later—Visited Mrs. Jenkins. It was next to impossible to get 
in. Mrs. Jenkins talked from behind the door and insisted repeatedly 
that Bobby wasn’t going to work and that she didn’t want any help. 
After long conference at the door and much persistence, Mrs. Jenkins 
consented to visitor’s coming in—the argument that won being that 
any conversation at the door might be heard by the neighbors. 


204 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


The rooms were unspeakably dirty. There were dirty rugs and 
dirty clothing everywhere about, the beds that could be seen were 
filthy, and the kitchen table was covered with dirty dishes. 

Mrs. Jenkins could not be approached on anything pertaining to © 
family life or to their movements of the last few years. She is decid- 
edly erratic and wild-eyed. She would talk about the seven years’ 
separation from Bobby, but only from the standpoint of her husband’s 
having won from all the people who would have kept Bobby away 
from her. She frequently referred to the attorney who had finally 
succeeded in restoring Bobby to her. (Mrs. Jenkins would not give the 
name, but Mrs. Messer had already given it.) Mrs. Jenkins says that 
her husband does not expect Bobby to work and feels that it is a reflec- 
tion on him for Mrs. Jenkins to have allowed Bobby to go to Vocational 
Guidance Bureau for a working certificate. She knows he would be 
furious if he heard that a visitor had come as a result. She says that 
Bobby misrepresented when he said that his father was not trying to 
geta job. At this remark, Bobby answered, ‘‘ But he did go to shows 
all the time when we had nothing to eat.” Mrs. Jenkins was not 
at all in a mood to admit anything against her husband. She did 
state at the end of the interview that she and her husband would be 
willing to accept anything that was given them, but that they would 
never ask for anything. ‘The children seem bright and well nourished. 
Leila, who came in during the interview, was recognized as a child 
seen a few days before at St. Boniface’s School Kindergarten when the 
Sister in charge had said of her, “‘The poor little thing has an insane 
mother and her father is out of work.’ Leila recognized the visitor 
as having been at St. Boniface’s School. She added that she attends 
Catholic school but is not a Catholic and that she attends Catholic 
church (even though she is not a Catholic) in order to get some of the 
meanness out of her. 

Several times Mrs. Jenkins alluded to the presence of her mother 
and one brother in Chicago. The mother lives with the brother, but 
Mrs. Jenkins would not give the address. 

January 25, 1923.—Letters written to: (1) The Charity Organiza- 
tion, Montgomery, Alabama [asking history of episode in 1914]; 
(2) Associated Charities of St. Paul [asking their record on the case]. 

January 29, 1923.—Telephoned Dr. Robertson of First M.E. 
Church. He recalls Mr. Jenkins only very faintly. His real connec- 
tion, was probably with the Joseph Lee Mission, and he thinks it 
went out of existence two years ago with the death of Mr. Joseph Lee. 


PROBLEMS OF, INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 205 


Dr. Robertson’s only recollection of Mr. Jenkins is that he was un- 
friendly toward the church, but he believes he can find out something 
more of the man through church people who were more directly 
connected with the Mission. He will try to do this and will report 
to Welfare Agency. 

January 30, 1923.—Bobby in office. His mother had sent him 
over to report that Mr. Jenkins became angry on January 28 and has 
left no money for food since that time. He is getting his own meals 
outside of the home and buying no food for Mrs. Jenkins or the 
children. He became angry because Mrs. Jenkins allowed Bobby 
to go to the home of his grandmother (address given by Bobby). 
The grandmother gave Bobby an overcoat, a shirt, a sweater, and 
some trousers—all army clothes—which had belonged to her son, 
Leslie Brown, with whom the grandmother is living. Mrs. Brown 
also gave a jar of jam. When Bobby came home with these things, 
Mr. Jenkins was furious. He slashed the clothes with a knife and 
threw the glass jar of jam on the floor breaking it. Then he made 
Bobby stay up all night—scrubbing, mopping, and dusting until 
4:00 A.M., when he allowed him to just stand until 6:30 a.m. It 
always makes Mr. Jenkins angry to find the family has received any 
help from the outside. Miss Flournoy, the nurse, who lives on the 
fourth floor of the building in which the Jenkins’ live, has given Bobby 
clothes at various times, as have also the janitor and Mrs. Moore. 
It always makes Mr. Jenkins angry, but this time he was particularly 
violent. 

A great deal of trouble between Mr. Jenkins and Bobby seems to 
be over Bobby’s dirtiness. His face and hands are black, and his 
clothing is dirty and tattered. He said that his father never does 
buy him any clothing. About a month ago Mr. Jenkins brought 
home a can of lye which he mixed with hot water and used to scrub 
Bobby’s face, ears, neck, and arms. He started to make Bobby 
get into a. tub of lye, but Mrs. Jenkins “‘raised Ned” and he stopped. 
The skin came off the parts scrubbed. January 27, Mr. Jenkins was 
again angry because Bobby was not clean and he made him sit for two 
hours in a tub of cold water. When Bobby got out he was so stiff 
and cold that he sat most of the night behind the stove. Mr. Jenkins 
frequently compels Bobby to wear an old dress of his mother’s about 
the house. If, at these times, it is necessary for Bobby to go to the 
store, he has to wear the dress. He tries to tuck it under his coat 
so no one will see it, but it is long and torn and gets out in spite of him. 


206 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Three times within Bobby’s memory, his father has taken him to a 
forest preserve and has taken off all clothing but his underwear and 
has beaten him. He beats him with a horse whip (which Bobby 
showed when the home was visited) after tying his hands behind him 
with a leather dog strap and fastening his feet together with a chain. 
The last time he was beaten was January 20. There seemed to be 
no marks of this left. Bobby likes to go to Sunday school, where 
Mr. Smith is his teacher, but his father refuses to let him go. 

The old ‘man who lives with the Jenkins’ is Ralph P. Drake. 
He is about seventy-five years old. Bobby does not know how long 
his people have known this man, but he has been living with the family 
since Bobby came back two years ago. He pays only $4.00 a month. 
He offered to pay $10, but Mr. Jenkins would not take it. Often, 
however, when Mr. Jenkins does not provide for the family Mr. 
Drake buys food for them. 

Bobby is slightly hunched over and seldom looks directly at his 
listener. He has the details of his story remarkably well in mind, 
but there is some possibility of his romancing. He says that he does 
not believe Mr. Jenkins is his own father. He believes he must be 
a stepfather because an own father would not be so abusive. He has 
never known of a stepfather who was abusive. He knew one boy 
who had a stepfather, but the man was quite good to the boy. He 
has read of stepfathers but has never read anything like the punish- 
ments he receives. He has read of one boy whose parents died, 
leaving him with an uncle. ‘This uncle cheated the boy out of money 
and was mean to him in that way, but he did not subject him to 
beatings. Bobby stated that his father had threatened to take him 
to the forest preserve that night (January 30). When he was asked to 
come to the Welfare Agency office the next day and show his bruises, 
he said he would do so if he was able to walk. When asked if he ever 
had been beaten so he could not walk, he said that he had not been 
recently but that the expected beating was to be worse than any 
he had yet received—that his father had said he was going to 
make blood come. When asked if his father had made blood come, 
Bobby said he did not remember but that he had heard that when 
he was a small boy in Alabama, his father had beaten him until 
blood came and until he could not walk. It was suggested to Bobby 
that it might be made possible for him to stay with his uncle, Leslie. 
Bobby said he would like to do this, but that his father would kill 
his uncle for taking him in. Asked if his father had ever killed any- 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 207 


body, he said that his father killed a negro in Alabama. The negro 
did not die immediately but died within a week, and his father was 
in jail eighty-seven days for the offense. 

Bobby cannot say ‘“‘th.”’ He says “muvver,” ‘‘favver,” Mr. 
“Smif.” : 

Visited the Jenkins home with Bobby. Mrs. Jenkins did not 
hesitate to admit visitor, but she was still non-committal as to her 
relatives in Chicago and as to Mr. Jenkins’ work place. ‘She stated, 
however, that since Bobby had gone to the Welfare Agency office, her 
sister-in-law had come to the house and had left $8.00 for her. Mrs. 
Jenkins seems almost at the mercy of Bobby when any questions as to 
the abuse of Bobby are asked. Bobby at first gave all the answers, 
and Mrs. Jenkins echoed his words. When it was insisted that Bobby 
keep still and Mrs. Jenkins do the talking, she corroborated his story 
of being taken to the forest preserve for beatings, of being scrubbed 
with lye, of being compelled to sit in a bathtub of cold water, and of 
being compelled to work or stand up all night. She stated, however, 
that the beatings at the forest preserve were not so severe as Bobby 
had said and she denied that Mr. Jenkins had threatened a beating 
for this night. Bobby interrupted then, saying that his father had 
put the leather strap and chain in his pocket. Mrs. Jenkins laughed 
at that and pointed to the leather dog strap hanging in the corner. 
Bobby acknowledged this to be the strap he had referred to and said 
that his father must have changed his mind. Mrs. Jenkins says that 
Bobby is a disobedient boy and that he needs punishment, but that 
when his father is brutal she often interferes. The possibility of 
taking Mr. Jenkins into Court of Domestic Relations for not contribut- 
ing to her support was discussed with Mrs. Jenkins. She seemed to 
be willing to do that but is afraid of any action that might “break up 
her family.”’ She has heard that at one time Mr. Jenkins threatened 
to put her in an insane asylum, put Bobby in some institution, and 
turn the other children over to relatives. She seems to feel that she 
is at the mercy of Mr. Jenkins, and has to be careful that she does 
not rouse him to any such action. 

During the visit an officer from the Protective League came to 
the door and tried to gain admittance, saying that he had heard there 
was trouble in the family and that a twelve-year-old boy was being 
abused. Mrs. Jenkins denied everything and refused to let the man 
in. When he had gone, she accused Bobby of having reported his 
father to “Juvenile Court.’”’ The idea could not be dislodged. 


208 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 31, 1923.—Telephoned Mr. Stowell of the Protective 
League. He had heard of Mr. Jenkins’ brutality to Bobby and had 
asked the Protective League to investigate. He could not, however, 
name the person from whom he had heard this (see below, p. 216), 
but he will attempt to get the name and send it to the Welfare 
Agency. 

February 2, 1923.—Letter received from St. Paul. : 

February 4, 1923.—Letter received from Birmingham saying 
that when Bobby was released from the orphanage in Alabama he 
was to be under the supervision of the Wanaki Club of Chicago. 
Attorney T. V. Speakman had handled the case for Mr. Jenkins. 

February 12, 1923.—Telephoned T. K. Bragg of the Wanaki Club. 
Mr. Bragg has seen Bobby off and on at lodge affairs and had supposed 
that he was happy. There has been no regular supervision of the 
Jenkins’ home but lodge people have visited there. Personally, Mr. 
Bragg has no faith in Mr. Jenkins. He cannot be depended upon as 
he does not keep his word. 

February 15, 1923.—TYelephoned Dr. Thornton, who had had 
Mrs. Jenkins under observation several weeks. He diagnosed her as 
““manic depressive early stage.’’ He found suggestions of syphilis 
and thought her a moron. Telephoned Juvenile Court. Officer has 
talked with Mr. Jenkins, and while he admits beating Bobby he insists 
that it is necessary in the discipline of the boy and that he does not 
beat severely. He says that Bobby is a great problem and too much 
for him. He is willing to have Bobby placed and can pay $15 a 
month for his care. Mr. Jenkins expects to move to another neighbor- 
hood as soon as possible and will secure a housekeeper. He says that 
Mrs. Jenkins is unable to do the housekeeping and that this is a 
great trial. Mr. Jenkins did not seem willing to consider having 
his wife committed. He seemed to be satisfied that with a housekeeper 
the home could be managed. 

Later —Mrs. T. V. Speakman in office to attend Advisory Com: 
mittee meeting. Mrs. Speakman says that she and her husband 
first became acquainted with the Jenkins family through the Joseph 
Lee Mission. Later, when Mr. Jenkins wanted to secure Bobby’s 
release, he asked Mr. Speakman’s help. Mr. Speakman was persuaded 
of Mr. Jenkins’ conversion, Mr. Jenkins was earning and wanted 
Bobby, and workers at the Mission recommended that Mr. Speakman 
work for Bobby’s release. About six months after Bobby returned 
to his family, Mr. Jenkins broke with the church because of a dis- 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 200 


agreement with another member and the Speakmans have seen 
nothing of him since that time. He is no longer connected with the 
Mission. Bobby has gone to Mr. Speakman many different times, and 
_ Mr. Speakman has helped him. <A few months after Bobby arrived 
in Chicago there was some suspicion of his having removed something 
from the pocket of a coat in the church, but this was not proved. 

Mrs. Bledsoe will make preliminary inquiries concerning the 
possibilities of getting Bobby into Braedalbane. Mrs. Speakman con- 
sented to ask Mrs. Joseph Lee to talk to Mr. Jenkins about plans for 
having Mrs. Jenkins sent to a sanitarium and the children cared for 
out of the home. If Mrs. Bledsoe finds it possible to get Bobby into 
Braedalbane at any time she shall have power to put him there, and 
the Committee will be responsible for the money. | 

February 16, 1923.—(Letter written to Juvenile Court, giving 
Dr. Thornton’s diagnosis and suggesting action looking toward the 
commitment of Mrs. Jenkins.| 

February 20, 1923.—Visited St. Francis Asylum. Ellen was 
brought to St. Francis on June 25, 1915. She was accompanied by 
both parents, who stated that they were unable to care for her and 
wanted her adopted. It was explained to the parents that they 
would forfeit all right to her in taking such a step and that they might 
better consult with relatives and friends as to ways and means of 
getting through their difficulties, but the parents answered that they 
had already done this and that no help was forthcoming. ‘They were 
quite confident that they were doing the only possible thing they could. 
Ellen remained in the Asylum for four months, when she was placed 
for adoption in a Chicago physician’s family. She was legally adopted 
August 1,1916. Several pictures sent to St. Francis after her adoption 
were marked with her new name. Nothing has been heard of her in 
the past few years but the Sisters will have the home visited and 
report as to present conditions. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have never 
inquired about Ellen since placing her in St. Francis. They know 
nothing as to her present whereabouts. | 

February 21, 1923.—Visited Mrs. Messer, a neighbor. Mr. 
Jenkins has been working nights and Sundays and is now earning 
from $60 to $70 a week. He hates Bobby now worse than ever and 
will kill him if he comes home. Leila is beginning to steal too. She 
took nickels from Mrs. Messer’s telephone box this morning. 

~The break with the church came as a result of a statement supposed 
to have been made by Mr. Jenkins that Bobby was not his own child. 


210 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Another man in the church quoted Mr. Jenkins as having made this 
remark, and Mr. Speakman upheld the man who had quoted him. 
Mr. Jenkins denied having made the remark. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Jenkins to ask for clothes for Bobby. Mrs. | 
Jenkins said she would like to send them to him, but that she was 
not the ‘‘boss” and that she had very little ‘‘say.” She would be 
afraid to give them. 

February 23, 1923.—Bobby was sent to-Braedalbane-Farm. The 
place was secured for him through Mrs. Bledsoe of the Advisory 
Committee and through the Good Will Club, which voted $400 to 
maintain him a year. 

Captain Stirling asked his immediate entrance so that he could 
give him personal attention for the next two weeks before he leaves 
for a vacation. Bobby was outfitted with new clothes by Mr. Henry 
Bledsoe, Jr. Mr. Jenkins signed a release to the Juvenile Court 
“for three years” or until Bobby ‘“‘has reached his majority.” 

March 2, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Jenkins was wearing a new black 
sateen apron, and the house was somewhat straightened. She says 
that Mr. Jenkins is much more agreeable now that Bobby is gone. 
Mrs. Jenkins, however, blames Bobby for most of the trouble in the 
home and feels that it was impossible to manage him without corporal 
punishment. She tells of how comparatively easy David is to manage. 
On February 28, David played with matches and started a fire, 
When Mr. Jenkins came home at between 10:00 and_11:00 at night, 
Mrs. Jenkins, as is her custom, told him of the children’s behavior 
during the day. Mr. Jenkins got David out of bed and talked with 
him. Mrs. Jenkins believes the talk made an impression and that 
David will never repeat his offense. In speaking of Bobby’s conduct, 
Mrs. Jenkins tells of how he once demolished a new chair. He 
smashed it up with a hammer. Later she found that Mr. Jenkins 
had ordered Bobby to do this because he was angry with his wife. 
He had left word with Bobby that the chair should be demolished 
by night and that if it was not Bobby would be whipped. 

March 5, 1923.—Visited Mrs. Messer in response to a telephone 
call from her. Mr. Jenkins earned over $80 last week, according to his 
own story. He is tired when he gets home and is much more peaceable 
than formerly. He seems to be willing for Mrs. Jenkins to get treat- 
ment in a sanitarium, and Mrs. Messer believes that he would be 
willing to have Mrs. Jenkins’ mother come to the home to care for 
the children. She is pretty old, but in Mrs. Messer’s opinion, it would 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 211 


be a dangerous job for any other decent woman. Mrs. Messer tells of 
how following an impulsive threat of hers to report Mr. Jenkins if he 
continued to abuse Bobby, a report did get out which Mr. Jenkins 
attributed to Mrs. Messer. He was very angry, and she felt that her 
life was in danger. He was finally convinced that this particular 
report did not come from her, and he took the first occasion to fall 
down on his knees and beg her forgiveness. At the time a Mr. 
Jones of the Garden Mission was visiting the Jenkins home, and Mrs. 
Messer felt that Mr. Jenkins’ performance might have been for his 
benefit. 

March 9, 1923.—Juvenile Court officer telephoned. Mr. Brown is 
unwilling to sign for Mrs. Jenkins’ commitment even though a doctor’s 
statement has been secured. The Mental Hygiene Society is not 
sending doctors into the homes, and it will be necessary now to get a 
neighborhood doctor to make a statement on Mrs. Jenkins. 

March 12, 1923.—Read County Hospital record, which shows 
that a boy was born to Mrs. Jane Jenkins August 27, 1922. 

Later.—Visited Bureau of Vital Statistics and secured verifica- 
tion of the birth of Richard Jenkins. ‘The registration number is 
90572-5. 

March 30, 1923.—Telephoned Braedalbane in response to a report 
from Mrs. Messer that Bobby was to come to the city for his Easter 
vacation. Mr. Jenkins had heard that the boy expected to call upon 
Mrs. Messer and had threatened to kill him if he saw him around there. 
Mr. Johnson of Braedalbane said that Bobby had been provided with 
money for the trip to Chicago by his uncle, Leslie Brown, in whose 
home Bobby expected to stay. The boy had already started for the 
railroad station, but’ Mr. Johnson, after consulting with Captain 
Stirling, agreed to have him brought back. 

April 10, 1923.—Mrs. Messer telephoned reporting that Mrs. 
Jenkins has her house shining and that Mr. Jenkins is very much 
more agreeable about the home. He bought $100 worth of clothes 
for Mrs. Jenkins at Easter. On Easter Sunday, Mrs. Jenkins dressed 
up the children and herself and although Mr. Jenkins was working 
that day, he stopped long enough to take her and the children out to 
dinner. In the afternoon she took the children to a “movie.” Later 
‘Mr. Jenkins met them and all came home together. 

Leila is the chief difficulty now. She lies and steals, and whipping 
and putting her to bed are having no effect upon her. She stole 
$1.00 from her mother only a few days ago. 


212 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


April 18, 1923.—Telephoned Dr. Grossman, who had gone in to 
see Mrs. Jenkins at visitor’s request. He reports that Mrs. Jenkins 
is subnormal, but not committable. 

April 26, 1923.—Juvenile Court officer telephoned to report that 
conditions in the Jenkins’ home do not warrant bringing the children 
into court. Mr. Jenkins is working and contributing, and there is 
apparently no opening for court action at the present. The Juvenile 
Court will therefore drop the case unless a new complaint is entered. 

The officer visited again yesterday and found conditions much 
better than formerly. Mrs. Jenkins has brightened up considerably. 
On April 22 Mr. Jenkins took her and the two younger children to 
Milwaukee, while the two older children stayed with Mr. Drake. 
During the visit yesterday Leila came home from school, saying she 
did not feel well. Mrs. Jenkins said that she had been ill the day 
before and was using that as an excuse to stay from school. She 
insisted upon Leila’s return and accompanied her to the school. 

A pril 30, 1923.—Telephoned Mrs. Messer. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins 
had a violent quarrel yesterday. Mr. Jenkins did not work and got 
up late. When he started to build a fire, he found no kindling and 
blamed Mrs. Jenkins for it. Later he became angry because a button 
was off his shirt. He tied his shirt in knots and hit Mrs. Jenkins 
over the head with it. Then he threw a shoe at her, striking her in 
the leg, so that she is bruised and limping today. Mr. Jenkins also 
blames Mrs. Jenkins because Leila stole 40 cents last week. He has 
punished Leila for this, but has not been over-severe with her. He 
threatens now to cut up the new clothing he bought for Mrs. Jenkins 
at Easter. Mrs. Jenkins has reported all this to Mrs. Messer. Mrs. 
Jenkins believes that the main trouble now is that Mr. Jenkins is 
drinking moonshine. Mrs. Messer reports that Mrs. Jenkins con- 
tinues to do better in her housekeeping. 

May 10, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office in answer to letter. Heisa 
small, slight, blond man with a very sloping forehead, dressed in a 
fairly neat dark suit. As he talked his lips trembled. His attitude 
was at first antagonistic, and he said that all he asked was that his 
family should be let alone, that three or four organizations were 
interfering. 

Later, his manner became conciliatory and he explained at some 
length that he had always had a very hard time. He was brought up 
in an industrial institution in Alabama, where he was taught only 
as far as the third grade. He says that he has read and studied a 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 213 


great deal and has tried to educate himself and that he believes that 
he will yet ‘““amount to something.”’ He works in a printing-shop as 
pressman but is planning to open a printing shop of his own within the 
next few weeks and says that he is sure that he will make a success of 
it as he knows where he can get business. His salary is $55 a week 
with extra for overtime. 

Mr. Jenkins denies he was guilty of beating Bobby in the South 
when he was a small child and attributes all that trouble to his brother- 
in-law, Leslie, whom he accuses of writing numerous letters, which he 
had friends in Buffalo, St. Paul, and other towns mail for him, purport- 
ing to come from themselves. ‘These letters were to the Alabama 
institution in which Bobby was held, and all accused Mr. Jenkins 
of being unfit for his guardianship. He admits that he had been 
beating Bobby before he was sent away and believes that he was 
right in doing so. He says Bobby was an extremely bad boy, that 
he lied and stole, and took indecent liberties with Leila himself and 
also asked neighboring boys to do the same thing; that he frequently 
struck the younger children and several times threw stones at women 
on the street. He admitted that beating did Bobby no good and says 
that the only disciplinary measure he discovered that did have a good 
effect was dressing him in girl’s clothing. That kept him straight 
for about three weeks. He says that he tried to ““chum” with Bobby, 
taking him to picture shows, etc., but Bobby “threw him down.” 
He now wishes never to see him again, but that it was a great mistake 
for him to be sent to Braedalbane. He should have been sent to the 
State School for Delinquent Boys. Mr. Jenkins says that he seldom 
whips the other children, but that he does sometimes do so. ‘The 
Bible enjoins us to spare the rod and save the child.”’ He thinks the 
reason for present-day juvenile delinquency is that people are not 
permitted to whip their own children. He says that he is going to 
have his children baptized into the Roman Catholic church, although 
he himself will not join it as his faith remains that of a Methodist. 
He ascribes the present complaints against him to Mr. Joseph Lee, 
and the reason for his enmity is his sending the children to a Catholic 
school. 

Mr. Jenkins says that Mrs. Jenkins was mentally unbalanced 
when he married her and that he did not realize it until about three 
months after their marriage. He has left her numerous times, but 
she has always begged him to come back. At times he has felt that 
he must place his children and break up the home, but all organizations 


214 ~ FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


opposed him in this plan. Now when his wife is improving and better 
able to make a home than formerly, they want him to doit. He will 
never consent to put them in institutions as his own experience in 
institutions makes him very bitter against that. After he was 
grown up he worked in several institutions for a short time and in 
Mississippi was offered the assistant superintendency of one. Neither 
will he consent to have his children adopted. Explained to him that 
we would not advise either of these plans but that boarding-homes 
could be found for them. He says that if it becomes necessary for 
his wife to go to the sanitarium he will find a housekeeper. Failing 
in this, he will arrange his business in the same building with a flat 
for residence and take care of the children himself. He knows he 
can do this as he did do it once before when his wife was in the hospital 
and he took them daily to the nursery and did the washing at night. 
He feels that he deserves a great deal of credit for the help he gives 
his wife with the housework and says that he often washes and mends 
at night. 

The only help he wishes to accept from any organization is to 
have someone come in and supervise his wife’s housekeeping. He 
says that she can cook well, but that she does not do it and does not 
give the children regular meals. She will not clean or do anything 
in a systematic way. He wants her to send her washing out, but she 
will let it go sometimes for as much as three weeks before getting it 
ready. He does not give her a regular weekly allowance, but asks her 
each day how much she wants and never denies her anything. He 
complains that she spends too little money. He would also like to 
have her go back to see Dr. Thornton, whose treatment helped her 
very much when she went there before. He said that he paid Dr. 
Thornton $25 for each treatment and that she took one each week for 
about two months. Mr. Jenkins says that he loves his mother-in-law 
and would like to have her come to live with them. He thinks she 
might consent to do this if it were not for Leslie Brown. 

Arranged with him to have a visiting housekeeper take up work 
with his wife, and visitor promised to talk with Mrs. Brown, Sr., 
about coming there to live. Mr. Jenkins offered payment for these 
services and when it was refused, insisted upon giving the organization 
a dollar. 

May 11, 1923.—Mr. Drake in office. He feels that the whole 
trouble in the Jenkins’ home is Mr. Jenkins’ neatness and Mrs. Jenkins’ 
carelessness. Mr. Jenkins is ‘two-fifths’? Cherokee on his mother’s 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 25 


side. His father was German. He has a violent temper and is 
brutal, but his whole idea is to have his children do right and to have 
his home well kept. He does not make allowances for Mrs. Jenkins. 
He seemed to try to make something of Bobby and often took him 
to theaters, but when Bobby disobeyed Mr. Jenkins was abusive. 
The children are untrained and Mrs. Jenkins can never hold them in 
place, but argues with them as if she were talking with people of her 
ownage. The children become impudent and pay no attention to her 
comments. The house is-unspeakably dirty. Mr. Drake has lived 
with the family for five years. He is a solicitor for a towel supply 
company. He knows that Mrs. Jenkins has no friends, but he had 
not thought that friends might be a stimulus to her to keep her home 
looking better. He will make this suggestion to Mr. Jenkins. 

May 12, 1923.—Visited Mrs. Brown, Sr., to talk with her about 
going to live in the Jenkins’ home. She at first thought that she could 
not consider it, but finally said that if the home were cleaned up it 
might be possible. She mentioned the fact that there is no hot 
water in the house and no gas. Mr. Jenkins has had the gas turned 
off because he says that Mrs. Jenkins had the gas on at all hours and 
ran up a bill of as much as $30 a month eveninsummer. Mrs. Brown, 
Sr., promised to talk with her son about going to the Jenkins’ and to 
give her decision later. 

May 13, 1923.—Visited Leslie Brown. (While Juvenile Court 
had been on the case it had been agreed that the court would confer 
with Mr. Jenkins and the relatives.) Mr. Brown is a chef and works 
from 2:00 to 12:00 P.M. He has a frail little wife and one little girl 
of twenty months. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are intelligent- 
appearing people and seem to have good ideas on food and discipline 
of children. Mr. Brown is gentle and kindly and seems to have the 
warmest interest in his sister and her children. He dislikes to see 
her suffer but feels at a loss as to what to do. Mr. Jenkins has been 
unfriendly since the time Bobby was taken over by the authorities 
in Alabama. He feels that Mr. Brown was in large part responsible 
for the fact that there was so much trouble in getting the boy released. 
Mr. Brown has not seen Mrs. Jenkins in twelve years. He lived in 
Chicago several years prior to 1918, but did not know where the Jenkins’ 
were living. In 1918 he went to New York to live. In 1920 he 
returned for three months and during that period he met Mr. Jenkins 
onacar. Mr. Jenkins was very unfriendly and repulsed all overtures 
of Mr. Brown, who tried to remind him that ‘the war was over.”’ 


216 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Brown left the car in order to avoid a scene. In December, 
1922, Mrs. Brown, Sr., came from Waterloo, Iowa. She had been 
staying there with her daughter, Mrs. Grace Bird. Mrs. Bird is a 
widow, who has two daughters. She keeps boarders and is making 
every effort to save what little was left by the children’s father for 
their education. When Mrs. Brown, Sr., came to Chicago, Mrs, 
Bird wrote Mrs. Jenkins to announce this fact to her. Shortly 
afterward Bobby came to the Browns’ home to get his grandmother 
and take her to his home. The Browns were not at home, but Bobby 
left his address. Mr. Brown immediately looked up the Jenkins 
family but did not find them at home. He left his name at the Jenkins’ 
home as Leslie Somerville. Somerville is his middle name, and he had 
felt that it might avoid trouble with Mr. Jenkins if he used that name. 
Mr. Jenkins, however, came to the Browns’ home and not finding Mr. 
Brown there, he talked to his wife about him and denounced him 
in no uncertain terms. Since then Mr. Brown has felt that it would 
only make trouble for him to go to the Jenkins’ home, but Bobby 
came out often and was very friendly with him. When his mother 
gave Bobby some of his clothes and a jar of jam, Mr. Jenkins broke 
the jar of jam and cut up the clothing and forced Bobby to bring the 
things back. He had to carry the broken glass jar as well as the 
clothing. His father accompanied Bobby to the Browns’ home, 
but stood out in front until he delivered the things. James Adams, 
who was then living in the same building with the Browns, saw the 
boy and heard his complaint and was so incensed that he reported 
the matter to the Protective League. Mr. Adams was the source of 
the report of January 30, 1923. His wife has several times taken 
his mother to the Jenkins’ home, but it is hard for them to get very 
far with Mrs. Jenkins, as she tells her husband everything. Mrs. 
Brown, Sr., who was also seen, is very unhappy over the situation but 
does not know what to do. Mrs. Bird sent clothing to Mrs. Jenkins 
while Mrs. Brown, Sr., was with her, but Mr. Jenkins refused to let 
Mrs. Jenkins keep the clothing. 

Harry, the brother in St. Paul, to whom Mrs. Jenkins went in 
1914, died of tuberculosis. 

Mrs. Jenkins went to school in Brownsville, Missouri, until 1905. 
She always held her own with the other school children and never 
allowed herself to be bossed around. She never worked outside of 
her home as there was nothing for a girl to do. Mrs. Brown, Sr., 
believes now that it would have been better if she had worked away 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND F EEBLE-MINDEDNESS 217 


from home. Mrs. Jenkins met Mr. Jenkins at a mission in Joplin. 
He was a pressman in the city and came out to the mission and gave 
good talks. Mr. Brown, Sr., hated him from the start and never 
had any faith in him. Mrs. Brown had a letter from Mrs. Jenkins 
a few days ago in which she told of having received $100 worth of 
clothes for herself at Easter and $50 worth of clothes for the children. 
She added in the letter that she had been ill and her husband had 
told her that if she died he would bury her and never notify her 
relatives. 

Leslie Brown is much pleased with Braedalbane and is doing all 
he can to encourage the boy. Bobby expresses his desires easily 
and wrote this week asking for a fish rod, cocoa, and sugar. He wanted 
the cocoa and sugar to make fudge. ‘These things were all sent to 
him. When Leslie was told that it might be possible to keep Bobby 
through high school and perhaps college, he was enthusiastic and said 
he would do all in his power to impress the boy with the advantages 
of an education. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Brown would very much like 
to have Leila in their own home, but they did not believe that Mr. 
Jenkins would consider giving her up, especially to them. Mrs. 
Leslie Brown and Mrs. Brown, Sr., will, however, visit the Jenkins’ 
home and suggest that in view of the difficulties Mrs. Jenkins is having 
with Leila they might take her in hand for a while. 

May 14, 1923.—Visited with visiting housekeeper. The plan 
for renovating the rooms and for getting a woman in to help with this 
work was discussed with Mrs. Jenkins. It was explained that while 
her mother might be persuaded to come to her home if conditions were 
improved, it would be hard to get her to do so under present conditions. 

Mrs. Jenkins did not seem to feel that her husband would be 
willing to pay for the help of a woman, but she agreed to try it. 

May 18, 1923.—Visited with Zella Burke (case) to begin to clean. 
Mrs. Jenkins refused to allow anything to be done, saying that her 
husband did not wish it and could not afford to pay. 

May 22, 1923.—Zella Burke returned to the Jenkins’ home to do 
cleaning after Mr. Jenkins had assured visitor that he did wish to 
have the home cleaned and that he was willing to pay for a woman. 
Zella went early in the morning and worked one-half day. She 
reported that Mrs. Jenkins co-operated very well. The front room 
and part of the bedroom were cleaned. Clean clothes were put away 
and bureau drawers were repaired and put inorder. Zella also combed 
out Leila’s hair and planned to clean a ribbon for her. 


218 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


May 28, 1923.—Visited. Mr. Jenkins was at home. He has lost 
his job and believes it was partly due to the fact that he stayed away 
so many days last week. Work is slack and his employer would not 
make allowances. Mr. Jenkins does not think it will be hard to get 
another job. Meanwhile he will help with the housework himself, 
and it will not be necessary to send in the cleaning woman this week. 
She worked two and one-half days last week, but it was necessary 
for Mr. Jenkins to stay home and insist that the cleaning was to be 
done. Mrs. Jenkins asked her husband to telephone the office last 
week saying that the work was done and even if it was not she could 
herself get help if it was necessary. Mr. Jenkins had to threaten to 
burn up all the clothes before he could get Mrs. Jenkins to send them 
to the laundry. 

The house is cleaner than it has ever been. The windows were 
clean and there were clean curtains. The front-room furniture is 
covered with cretonne. Cretonne also covers the base burner which 
still stands in the middle of the front room, and cretonne is draped 
ungracefully over the mantle and bookcase. Mr. Jenkins has swept 
down all the walls and has washed the ceiling of the hall and kitchen. 
He expects to paint the kitchen and hall. ‘The back room, which has 
been reported by Mrs. Messer and by Mrs. Brown as filthy, has been 
cleaned out. Mr. Jenkins burned up three soiled mattresses and 
replaced them with new ones. He has his things in the back room 
_ now and is sleeping there on a cot. 

Mr. Jenkins’ father died when he was five. His father was a carpen- 
ter and building laborer, and while he provided well for his wife and 
child during his life he was able to save nothing. Immediately after 
the father’s death Mr. Jenkins was sent out selling papers. His mother 
was an invalid, and he lived with her in one room when he was at home 
(most of the time he bummed). He had very little schooling. When 
he went to school, he usually managed to get himself into some scrape 
and get expelled. When he was expelled, he was as good as dead so 
far as the schools were concerned. No attempts were made to get him 
to return to school. On the streets he also got into trouble. Follow- 
ing some street scrape in which he was involved, it was decided to 
place him in some institution. ‘This was when he was fourteen. 
Mr. P. A. Caldwell, who had known him as a newsboy on the streets 
of Savannah, came to the front at this time and offered to pay for his 
care in a good school. ‘The Southern Industrial School of Alabama 
was recommended as the right place, and Mr. Caldwell paid $150 a 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 219 


year for the next six or seven years for his care in this school. He 
evidently had no idea what sort of place it was. Mr. Jenkins is very 
bitter about this experience and says he learned only deviltry while in 
this school. His mother died one year after he went to the school. 
Mr. Jenkins gave his mother’s name as Mrs. Eleanor Ellis Jenkins 
but while he talked Mrs. Jenkins was muttering: “Her name was 
Mrs. Blackburn; she didn’t even give Joe his right name.”’ 

Mr. Jenkins declares that Leslie Brown is a bad man. He says 
that while Mrs. Jenkins lived in Joplin (before she married), Leslie 
used to urge her to go out on the street soliciting. Mr. Jenkins knows 
this because Mrs. Jenkins has told him. He knows positively that 
Leslie lived with his first wife for several years without any pretense of 
marriage. Mrs. Brown then began to go out with another man, and 
there was trouble between Leslie and that man. ‘There was some 
shooting, and Leslie was picked up by the police. Mr. Jenkins heard 
of the trouble and went to the station to help his brother-in-law out. 
The trouble was settled by getting them -to marry. It was later 
learned that the wife had been previously married and had no divorce. 
Leslie then had his marriage annulled and was married to the present 
Mrs. Brown. © 

When Bobby was first taken over by the Montgomery authorities 
he was placed in a Baptist orphanage. He stayed there for about 
three years and was then placed in the Southern Industrial School. 
According to Mr. Jenkins the transfer was made because Bobby was 
too bad a boy for the Baptist orphanage. From the time Mr. Jenkins 
learned that he was in the Southern Industrial School, he began 
to work for the boy’s release. He was confident that he would learn 
no good there. When he finally went to get the boy he was deter- 
mined to stop at nothing. He went prepared to shoot if that was 
necessary. Mr. Jenkins is glad Bobby is out of there but he feels 
confident that the School for Delinquent Boys is the only place for 
him. Everything that could be done for him at home was done, and 
still he was so bad that he could not be touched by kindness. He had 
to have severe punishment. Mr. Jenkins says, however, that the 
punishments were never so severe as reported. He did not scrub the 
boy with lye but with white naphtha soap which he calls “lye soap”’ 
and which Bobby probably thought was lye. He did take him to the 
forest preserve and beat him, but he did not beat him hard. This 
was the punishment Mr. Jenkins gave Bobby for calling his mother a 
liar. It was given on two different occasions, but Bobby called his 


220 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


mother a liar a great many times. Mr. Jenkins’ idea in beating the 
boy was to instil respect for his mother. In this connection it was 
observed that Mr. Jenkins shows no respect whatever for Mrs. Jenkins. 
He talks to her as to an exasperating child. During the visit one 
remark to her was “Tuck up your underskirt. J have told you over 
and over not to go around with your underskirt showing.’”’ ‘Then he 
turned to the visitor and commented on Mrs. Jenkins’ behavior as if 
she were not in the room. Several times during the interview he 
reprimanded her sharply and sent her to the kitchen on one errand or 
another. 

Mrs. Jenkins talks most of the time. She rambles on with what 
she has to say whenever she wants to talk and regardless of whether 
or not someone else is speaking. Several times Mr. Jenkins and 
visitor waited for her to stop, but it was next to hopeless; she does not 
come to the end. At several times when Mr. Jenkins and visitor 
continued in conversation Mrs. Jenkins went right on talking. She 
is not particular that she has an audience. Once she went to the 
window and began to sing. 

_ Mr. Jenkins told at length of how affectionate the children are 
with him and how they love to kiss him. He called little David 
to him, put him on his lap, and had David kiss him. ‘There was no 
spontaneity about the child, but he did everything Mr. Jenkins told 
him to do. 

Mr. Jenkins feels it was a mistake for him to have married a 
woman with mental trouble and that it was graver to have had 
children. He does not want more children and is confident that there 
will be no more. .... 

He would like to have Mrs. Jenkins go away for at least two weeks’ 
vacation this summer and would like to have her go without the 
children so that she can have more rest. He would also be willing 
to have her take another two weeks with the children. 

June I, 1923.—Visited. Mr. Jenkins had gone out to look for 
work. None of the children was dressed, although it was after nine. 
Mrs. Jenkins put an underwaist many sizes too large on Joseph Lee 
and then brought out some clean but unironed trousers for him. 
When she put them on she fastened the middle front hole of the 
trousers on the side button of the underwaist. The child could hardly 
walk and the trousers finally fell off. Mrs. Jenkins let him run 
around without them for a little while and then put them on again. 
This time she buttoned them in the right place, but the button holes 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 27 


were too large and they fell off again. She went through this per- 
formance three times during the interview. Once she brought some 
safety pins and put them on the couch beside her. Later she opened 
the safety pins and put them on the floor. 

The baby’s face was burned a fiery red. Mrs. Jenkins took the 
children to the park on Memorial Day so that Mr. Jenkins would have 
the house to himself and could paint the kitchen. During the day 
the baby fell asleep on the grass and the sun was in his face. Mrs. 
Jenkins did not think to move him. 

The kitchen has had several coats of paint. Mr. Jenkins washed 
the walls and ceiling before he painted. The work was very neatly 
done, and the room is much brighter than before. Mr. Jenkins has 
put one coat of paint on the hall and expects to give that another coat. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Messer. She is moving. She had a bundle 
of clothing which Miss Flournoy had left with her to be sent to Bobby. 

June 8, 1923.—Visited. Mr. Jenkins has finished painting the 
hall and has also papered the living-room. The paper is light gray 
with a rose border and brightens up the room considerably. Mr. 
Jenkins is still out of a job. According to Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. Drake 
has paid no room rent in several months. He is doing very little 
work. Mrs. Jenkins was told she might go for a two weeks’ vacation, 
but she was not enthusiastic. She said her husband would not allow 
her to go. 

June 9, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office. He is to begin work on 
June 11, but will not have so good a job as before. He believes the 
story of his washing Bobby’s hands with lye, which was told by the 
Juvenile Court officer, had something to do with his losing his position. 
He is beginning to doubt the wisdom of Mrs. Brown’s coming to live 
in the family. She is seventy years old and “‘her mind is not exactly 
right.” 

Mrs. Jenkins is doing better in the home now than she has ever 
done before during her married life. Since Mr. Jenkins has been at 
home she has also told him more about her family than ever before. 
She says that her father died in the State Hospital for the Insane in 
Iowa. She says, too, that an aunt on her mother’s side died insane. 

June 12, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Jenkins did not open the door for 
a few minutes and when she did she had put the baby in the bedroom 
and shut the door. Joseph Lee was in another bedroom with the 
door shut. He came out once, but his mother made him go back to 
bed even though it was 10:15. David had been bathed and was 


222 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


playing about the house. When Mrs. Jenkins was asked why she 
would not let the children get up, she said that they were not exactly 
well and that they did not go to bed until 9:30 or 10:00. Several 
times she suggested that her husband was in need of money, but 
that he would not take anything as charity, that he would only accept 
money with the understanding that it was a loan. 

Later —Mr. Jenkins in office, saying that he would not be paid 
until June 23 and that he will only get one week’s pay then. His 
finances are exhausted and he would like a loan of $20 or $25, which 
he could pay back at the rate of $5.00 or $10 a week. Mr. Jenkins 
says that Mrs. Jenkins kept the children out of sight because they have 
had a skin eruption and she was ashamed to have them seen. All 
the children had it, but Leila and David are free from it now. Mr. 
Jenkins says that the two youngest children are in bed at 7:30 or 8 
and the oldest two at 8:30 or 9:00. He is heartily in favor of the idea 
of Mrs. Jenkins’ taking the children to the Infant Welfare Station. 
He believes that it might be effective in helping her raise her standards 
for the care of the children. He asks that visitor urge her to do this. 
Mrs. Jenkins takes directions better from visitor than she ever has 
taken suggestions from Mr. Jenkins. 

June 14, 1923.—Met Mr. Jenkins for evening appointment. He 
had telephoned saying that he was hard pressed for money. Mr. 
Jenkins explains that he had to pay $50 to rejoin the Union. He had 
his Union card with him. The particular local to which he belongs 
pays $12 a week during periods of unemployment after the member 
has paid dues for one year. After one year’s membership Mr. Jenkins 
will also be entitled to sick benefit at the rate of $15 a week. Mr. 
Jenkins’ wages are $48 a week. He is paid every two weeks but 
as one week’s pay is held back he will have only $24 on June 23. 
He was given $20 as a loan. 

He says that while Leila gave considerable trouble a little time 
back, she gives no trouble now. He believes that her stealing and 
lying were a result of Bobby’s influence. — 3 

Mr. Jenkins said again that Mrs. Jenkins had never during her 
married life done so well as she is doing now. Mr. Jenkins says that 
David and Joseph Lee need treatment and that he would like to have 
all the children vaccinated. He felt, too, that it might be well to have 
thorough physical examinations for Mrs. Jenkins and all the children. 

June 20, 1923.—Visited. ‘Two appointments have been made with 
Mrs. Jenkins to go to Illinois Dispensary with the children, but she 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 223 


has backed out both times. The first time she seemed to feel very 
much abused. Mr. Jenkins had told her to be ready at a certain time 
and had been angry when he found that she had no clean clothes for 
the children. She had not sent out her laundry for the past few 
weeks because of the shortage of funds. Mrs. Jenkins says that her 
husband supplies clothing for her, but does not realize that the 
children ought to have a great many changes of clothing. He wants 
his children to look just so, but he does not want to get clothes for 
them. Mrs. Jenkins refused offers of help in getting the children 
ready to go and as a last excuse said that David was wearing old shoes 
of Leila’s and that his father would wish to buy new shoes. During 
most of this interview Mrs. Jenkins was attempting to wash in a kettle 
placed on the floor. It was too small for the washboard, which 
extended over the sides. It was suggested that Mrs. Jenkins might 
put it on a chair, but she said she was used to using it the other way. 
There is a stationary tub in the kitchen, but this stains the clothes. 
Mrs. Jenkins’ attitude toward her children is not at all that of a 
parent. Several times she called Leila to verify the truth of some 
statement she made or to give her advice. Once she said to the child, 
“T just don’t blame Bobby for leaving. Do you, Leila?” She then 
went on to tell how Bobby had had to work all the time. He used 
to go out picking up wood which he later split and sold to neighbors, 
This money he used to turn over to his father. 

All the children except David were dirty and only partially clothed. 
David had been bathed and was playing outdoors in a clean suit. 
Mrs, Jenkins finally said that she could not go to the Dispensary 
today. She will telephone visitor when she is ready to go. The 
breaking-out on her children was chicken pox, but she did not say 
anything about it before as she knew Leila would be excluded from 
school and the home would be in quarantine. Mrs. Jenkins will try 
to have the children cleaned up and ready to go to the Dispensary on 
June 27. 

During this visit, Leila came in with a pail of ice she had just 
secured from an ice wagon in front of the house. She said that the 
ice man threw it out and that a boy picked it up and gave it to her. 
Mrs. Jenkins seemed to feel that it was all right to allow Leila to go 
out with the pail in the hope that she might get some free ice. 

June 27, 1923.—Acompanied Mrs, Jenkins and four children to 
Illinois Dispensary, where the children were given thorough examina- 
tions. Mrs. Jenkins was given only a cursory examination as a great 


224 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


deal of time had been taken with the children and Mrs. Jenkins and 
the doctor were both impatient to get away. Mrs. Jenkins was 
found to be in need of dental work. 

[Here follows transcript of medical history and findings, see 
below, p. 232.| 

The doctor regards David’s physical development as fair. David 
was intelligent and responsive throughout the examination. 

Aside from the circumcisions there were no other recommendations 
for the children. The general findings are remotely indicative of 
syphilis. The physician advises a Wassermann on Mr. and Mrs. 
Jenkins and blood tests on the children later if the parents’ tests are 
positive. 

Mrs. Jenkins was stolid and gay by turns. Sometimes she 
appeared not to hear the doctor’s questions and at other times the 
questions would strike her as being extremely funny. She was on 
the whole co-operative. : 

July 2, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in visitor’s home at night by appoint- 
ment. He had telephoned several times saying that he wished to get 
a report on the physical condition of the children. Arrangements 
were made for operations for David and Joseph Lee at the South Side 
Hospital on July 1o, and Mr. Jenkins agreed to this. He also stated 
his willingness to go himself and to accompany Mrs. Jenkins to 
Social Hygiene League for Wassermanns. 

He says that the feeding of the children has been largely his 
problem. Joseph Lee does not talk yet, but Mr. Jenkins says that 
he did talk at one time and was set back by a beating he received from 
Bobby. 

Mr. Jenkins is working only a day here and there as he can get 
work. He lost his job because there were other Union men who had 
been out of work longer than he. He mentioned this as the reason 
for his inability to begin payment on the $20 loan. 

History.—Mr. Jenkins’ father died either from ptomaine poisoning 
or a blow on the head. He was i!l in bed at the time a collector came 
to the house. He got into an argument with the collector, and the 
collector gave his father a blow on the head, from which he died two 
hours later. The mother died of typhoid malaria. She had been a 
cripple from “child-bearing and rheumatism.” She was “‘four-fifths 
Cherokee.” She lived in an Indian settlement in the hills eighty-seven 
miles from Savannah. She had never lived in a house until she was 
married. Mr. Jenkins’ father had lived in the neighborhood of the 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 225 


Indian camp. When he married he took his wife to Savannah. 
Just before her confinement his father and mother walked back to 
the Indian camp and Mr. Jenkins was born there. The mother’s 
maiden name translated meant ‘‘Overbrook.” Both mother and 
father were illiterate. The mother was one of thirteen children, 
but only one sister grew up. She still lives in old neighborhood. 
Mr. Jenkins’ father has some relatives—one in Chicago—but Mr. 
Jenkins does not ‘“‘claim kin.” 

Mrs. Jenkins’ father was filthy, but Mrs. Brown was always 
- clean. 

Mr. Jenkins always thought that his wife was clean, too, at the 
time he was calling upon her. Now he realizes that her people 
cleaned her up when he was coming. ‘There are times now that she 
does not comb her hair for days. 

He spoke of Ellen and took a long time to tell how he had brought 
himself to the point of actually giving the child away. When he was 
released from imprisonment in Montgomery, he bummed his way to 
Chicago only to find that his wife had gone to St. Paul. He then 
bummed his way to St. Paul and found that his wife had gone to a 
sister in Iowa. He then bummed his way to Iowa. Shortly after 
his arrival in Iowa, Mrs. Jenkins made an extremely vulgar remark, 
about her relations with other men during his absence. Mr. Jenkins 
does not believe it at all, but at the time was so disgusted that he 
left his wife and-came back to Chicago, taking up quarters in a bachelor 
rooming-house. A few months later Mrs. Jenkins and Ellen followed 
him here. She arrived about 11:00 P.M. and was brought to Mr. 
Jenkins by a social worker who had met her at the train. She wanted 
to stay in the same building, but Mr. Jenkins explained to her that 
no women were allowed in the building. The social worker then 
volunteered to get a room for Mrs. Jenkins, and she did so. Mr. 
Jenkins soon found out that the place to which his wife had been 
directed was an immoral place. He then secured other rooms and 
began to live with his wife again. This was during the winter of 
1914-15, when there was a period of great depression. Mr. Jenkins 
found it almost impossible to make a living. Several times he heard 
of positions open to a man and wife and asked Mrs. Jenkins to help 
_ him by taking such employment with him. She always refused to 
do so, saying that she did not get married with any idea of earning 
her own living. Mr. Jenkins finally told her that he could not take 
care of her and the baby, too, and that the best thing for the baby 


226 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


would be to give her away. Mrs. Jenkins preferred this to helping 
her husband earn a living. 

In speaking of his discipline of David, Mr. Jenkins told that he 
had recently given David strict orders not to go on the street until 
he had been cleaned up. When Mr. Jenkins later came home he 
found David on the street dirty. He asked him why he was there 
and David said his mother had given him permission. Mr. Jenkins 
took him upstairs and attempted to verify the story. Mrs. Jenkins 
said that she had told David not to go out and that he had gone in 
spite of her order. Mr. Jenkins then ordered David to stand in the - 
corner with his arms folded. When Mr. Jenkins thought he had been 
sufficiently punished, he said to him, “‘Come over to papa, put your 
arms around his neck, kiss him, and tell him the truth.” Mr. Jenkins 
proudly tells that David obeys him implicitly when he gives such a 
command. When such methods are disapproved and suggestions are 
made that commands should be positive and punishments should be, 
so far as possible, consequences of wrong doing, Mr. Jenkins is inclined 
to argument. He politely resents any question of his methods. He 
is thoroughly familiar with child psychology and discipline, has tried 
everything, and is convinced that the methods he employs are the 
only effective methods. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins and the children have been going to the 
beaches or forest preserve every Sunday since warm weather began. 
Mr. Jenkins talks about going all week, but in order to have the 
children presentable it is necessary to keep Mrs. Jenkins up until 
12:00 or 1:00 the night before. The children’s clothing is not in 
order, and Mr. Jenkins insists upon having it in order before Mrs. 
Jenkins goes to bed. Mr. Jenkins bobbed Leila’s hair last Saturday. 
It has been very scraggly. He cut the hair of all the other children, 
too, and has suggested to Mrs. Jenkins that it might be well for her 
to bob her hair, as she so rarely combs it. 

July 10, 1923.—Visited to accompany David and Joseph Lee to 
the hospital. Mrs. Jenkins has her hair bobbed. Mr. Jenkins is now 
working at the Diversy Printing Co, That is why he was unable to 
accompany the children to the hospital. The children were entered 
and David had his operation. Joseph Lee had a temperature and 
was not operated upon. The superintendent advises that he be | 
brought in on July 16, and the nurse will then see that he is in condi- 
tion for an operation on July 17. The children ate very well liked 
at the hospital. Their obedience is pathetic. If they are placed on a 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 22} 


chair, they stay there and continue to face in the direction in which 
they are placed. 

July 12, 1923.—Telephoned Visiting Nurse to report that David 
is home from the hospital and needs dressings. A nurse will visit 
and attend to this. 

July 16, 1923.—Accompanied Joseph Lee to hospital as Mr. 
Jenkins had telephoned saying that he would be unable to take 
the child. Joseph Lee was entered and will be operated upon July 17. 

Mrs. Jenkins states that the reason that Mr. Jenkins could not 
go with Joseph Lee was that he has effected a reconciliation between 
Mr. Drake and his family. Mr. Drake was formerly a drinking man 
and, because of this, his wife refused to have anything to do with 
him. She died a few years ago without having seen him in over 
twenty years. Mr. Drake has two very beautiful daughters, who are 
college graduates (Mr. Drake had pictures of his daughters as children 
with him when he came to office on May 11). Through Mr. Jenkins’ 
intercession, one of the daughters came from St. Louis to visit her 
father. She has been in the Jenkins’ home. ‘They gave her the front 
room for a sleeping-room. ‘The daughter is leaving the city tonight, 
and Mr. Jenkins wants to go to the train with her and her father. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have both been to Social Hygiene League 
(verified). 

July 19, 1923.—Visiting Nurse went in to care for Joseph Lee, 
who came home from hospital yesterday. 

July 20, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office with all four children at 
6:15 P.M. He has been interested in getting their weights and heights. 
He cleaned up the children after his return from work, and all wore 
new suits. 

[The details as to weights and heights are omitted.| 

The children were beautifully clean, and their clothing was in 
good taste. Joseph Lee wore new sandals which were given him 
with some new underclothing at the hospital. (The underclothing 
he wore to the hospital was in very bad shape. Mr. Jenkins was 
ashamed of it, but had nothing else clean.) Mr. Jenkins did not 
seem to resent the clothing having been given to the child and asked 
visitor to thank the superintendent of the hospital for the things. 
He did not say anything when he went to get Joseph Lee because he 
believed the things had been given by visitor. Mr. Jenkins was eager 
to talk about his care of the children and about their good physical 
condition. 


228 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Jenkins traveled a great deal before he was married. He 
went to England on a cattle boat. At other times he went to South 
America, Central America, and Mexico. He hoped to go to Alaska 
and Japan; but, when he stopped off at Joplin, Missouri, to work, 
he met Mrs. Jenkins and was married. 

When Mr. Jenkins left the office he took the children to walk 
by the lake. 

July 21, 1923.—Telephoned Miss Ridgeley, superintendent of 
hospital, as Mr. Jenkins had requested, to thank her for the sandals 
and underwear. She says that Dr. Jonas Payne of the staff has a 
friend in the country, who is comfortably fixed and who would like 
to take both David and Joseph Lee if the Jenkins’ home is ever broken 
up. The friend has two children of his own and wants two more. 
If any foster home becomes necessary notify Dr. Payne or Miss 
Ridgeley. 

July 24, 1923.—Visited at the request of Mr. Jenkins, who had 
telephoned, saying that Mrs. Jenkins had been quite peevish at 
Social Hygiene Dispensary and that she was not at all persuaded as 
to the need for treatment. Mrs. Jenkins was quite willing to talk 
and at first said that she was disgusted with the Dispensary. Later, 
she said that she guessed they talked to her for her own good and that 
she would follow instructions. 

Mr. Jenkins left the Diversy Printing Company July 17. “There 
were some things done that he did not like.” Nothing was done 
directly to Mr. Jenkins. He left on account of what was done to 
other men. He has another job. Mrs. Jenkins does not know where. 

Julia Drake, who visited her father in the Jenkins’ home recently, 
suggested to Mr. Jenkins that bus rides would be splendid for the 
children. Mr. Jenkins took her advice and last Sunday took all the 
children for a long ride on the bus. He has bought earrings for 


During the interview Leila and David were playing in the street. 
Several times they were noticed darting between automobiles to an 
ice wagon. 

Later.—Telephoned Social Hygiene League. Although the 
Wassermanns on Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins were negative, Mrs. Jenkins 
is to return July 27 for further diagnosis. There is a condition which 
may not be venereal but should be cleared up. Worker at Dispensary 
had told Mrs. Jenkins that if after a week she fails to care for herself 
properly, she will be forcibly hospitalized. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 229 


July 26, 1923.—Visited to accompany Mrs. Jenkins to Infant 
Welfare Society. She was ready to go but looked worn. She had 
great circles under her eyes. Without waiting for a question she began 
to talk of Mr. Jenkins and, while she was talking, Leila piped up, 
“Papa hit mama last night.’”? Mr. Jenkins became angry because 
the lamp chimney was not cleaned and because he found some dishes 
on the floor from which the children had been eating. Mrs. Jenkins 
had also placed a chair across the doorway in order to keep the baby 
in the kitchen, and he was angered about that. He threatened to 
break up everything he found on the floor. He smashed the lamp 
chimney. He hit Mrs. Jenkins on top of the head with a piece of 
wood and he slapped Leila but he was ‘“‘not too severe with her.” 
He was angry at Leila because she went down on the street dirty. 
When Mrs. Jenkins went to bed, Mr. Jenkins was still “‘raving”’ 
and said she could not stay there. He made her get up and said 
she should leave the house. At that point Mr. Drake interfered and 
said if she left the house she could not leave without money. He 
offered her $2.00, but Mr. Jenkins would not let her accept it. Mr. 
Drake told Mr. Jenkins that he was doing and saying things he would 
be sorry for and Mr. Jenkins finally said that Mrs. Jenkins might stay 
in the house, but that she would have to sit on an organ stool all night. 
Mrs. Jenkins took her place on the stool, but as Mr. Jenkins continued 
to fuss and swear, she finally slipped out of the house and spent most 
of the night on the stairs, in the basement, and under the sidewalk 
to the south of the building in which she lives. ‘The sidewalk extends 
around a vacant lot used as a dump. A part of the area under the 
sidewalk is used for horses. About 4:30 A.M., she came in and went 
to bed. Mr. Jenkins left the house this morning still angry and 
swearing, and he did not go to work. Mr. Drake warned him that 
it was risky to stay away from work, but Mr. Jenkins said he was too 
upset to go. 

During the interview, it was observed that Leila had on nothing 
but a soiled dress. She had been playing on the street with only 
the dress on. When Mrs.-Jenkins’ attention was called to this, she 
was angry at the child, but Leila protested that her mother had made 
her put her bloomers with the soiled clothes and that she did not know 
where to look for others. Mrs. Jenkins found a soiled underwaist 
and some torn bloomers. 

Accompanied Mrs. Jenkins to Infant Welfare Society, where 
Richard was registered. Mrs. Jenkins wore long green earrings. .... 


230 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


August 27, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins telephoned in response to message 
left at their home asking permission for Welfare Agency to have any 
necessary dental work done for Leila and David before the opening of 
school. Mr. Jenkins was more than friendly and said visitor need 
never hesitate to take his children to doctors or dispensaries at any 
time; that he felt he could even put decisions as to minor operations 
in her hands; that she might sign his name for permission for such 
operations. 

Mr. Jenkins has taken a position at the Alpha Printers and 
Engravers’ Company. He began a week ago. He hopes soon to 
get a position with the May Flower Towel Supply Company. This 
is the company for which Mr. Drake is working. It is difficult to get 
work with the company as their employees stay on for years. If 
Mr. Jenkins gets this work he will earn $36 a week and a commission. 
The work will be largely soliciting, and Mr. Jenkins will be outdoors 
a great deal and will be able to keep better track of the home. 

David is to begin school on September 4, and Mr. Jenkins rather 
plans to send him to the parochial school. He has told the Sisters that 
he is willing that his children be taught catechism, but that he does 
not want them to join any church until they are old enough to know 
what they want to do. A great many of his friends protest against 
his sending his children to the parochial school, but Mr. Jenkins has 
not decided to make a change as yet. 

August 29, 1923.—Visited to accompany Leila and David to 
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary, where both children 
were registered and dental work on Leila was begun. The dentist 
examined David and said his teeth did not need attention. David 
was found to have a temperature of 102. Dr. Portage felt that this 
might be attributable to his tonsils and recommended tonsillectomy, 
but said that it was not urgent and might not be necessary for several 
years to come. David should return for re-examination in a few 
months. | 

Mrs. Jenkins and all the children went to Leslie’s home for a 
birthday party about two weeks ago. It was the birthday of Leslie’s 
little daughter. Mr. Jenkins was invited too, but did not want to go: 
He was, however, willing that Mrs. Jenkins should go, and he helped 
her to take the children out there. David spent one week in Leslie’s 
home in August. 

September, 1923.—On September 4 Mr. Jenkins came to the office, 
saying that he was ready to give up. While the housekeeping has been 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 231 


a little better at times during the past few months, he believes there is 
on the whole no real improvement. Recently Mr. Jenkins sent the 
family away on a Sunday and did the washing himself. Mrs. Jenkins 
seems to take these things for granted and merely remarked when she 
came home that. night that it seemed good to sleep in a clean bed. 
(The visiting housekeeper plan did not work out, as Mr. Jenkins lost 
his position and could not afford to hire help one day a week and about 
the same time the visiting housekeeper left the Welfare Agency and 
the position has not yet been filled.) Mr. Jenkins finds himself 
getting more irritable all the time. He is doing about one day’s 
work a week. He throws over a job for any slight irritation. Mr. 
Jenkins believes now that it would be best to get hospital care for 
Mrs. Jenkins for at least several months. Mr. Jenkins has a hernia 
and can meanwhile get medical care for himself. If it is necessary 
to go to a hospital, he will do so and the children can be placed tempo- 
rarily. If itis not necessary to go toa hospital, Mr. Jenkins would like 
to place the children in a day nursery and care for them himself at 
night. On the basis of this request, Dr. Lucey, county doctor, made 
two visits to the home. He reported that he regarded Mrs. Jenkins 
as a committable type, but he advised voluntary commitment. ‘This 
was later discussed with Mrs. Jenkins, and while she was reluctant to 
go where there are “‘crazy people,”’ Mrs. Jenkins was in this as in any 
discussion rather at the mercy of Mr. Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins’ manner 
with Mrs. Jenkins was kindlier than usual, but he said himself that he 
knew he had only to order Mrs. Jenkins to put on her hat and come and 
she would do so. Mr. Jenkins finally told Mrs. Jenkins to take the 
calendar and go into another room and mark the day when she would 
be willing to go. Mrs. Jenkins marked the twentieth of September 
and came back giggling. Dr. Lucey reported, too, that Mr. Jenkins 
would probably have to be committed. He noticed a very “peculiar”’ 
look in his eyes. 

After several conferences and several night visits, it was arranged 
that both Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins should be examined. 

On September 1o Leslie Brown came to the office. He was worried 
because Mr. Jenkins had not been working regularly and he feared 
that the children and Mrs. Jenkins were suffering. ‘The family came 
to the Browns’ home for dinner yesterday, and Mr. Brown felt that 
the children were ravenous. ‘The day was cool, and they came without 
coats. Mr. Jenkins is more friendly than he used to be and he at 
least helps Mrs. Jenkins to take the children out to the Browns’ 


232 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


home. Recently Mr. Brown gave Mr. Jenkins two chickens, and he 
did not object to taking them. Mr. Brown is now working in the 
mailing division of the post-office and is doing extra work as chef 
on Sunday. His wife is expecting confinement about September 20. 
The matter of hospitalization of Mrs. Jenkins was discussed with Mr. 
Brown and, when the object was explained, he seemed very willing 
to co-operate. He had been rather alarmed because he thought Mrs. 
Jenkins was being forced by her husband to go to an insane asylum. 
Mr. Brown again expressed willingness to take Leila into his home if 
that becomes necessary. He would prefer Leila to the younger 
children because of the expected new baby and because his own 
child is so young. 

September 14, 1923.—|The following statements concerning Mr. 
and Mrs. Jenkins were sent to the Dispensary. | 


Mrs. JANE JENKINS 


I. REASONS FOR REQUESTING EXAMINATION: 


Mrs. Jenkins is filthy about herself and her home and shows very little 
interest in the care of her children. Mr. Jenkins has a violent temper and 
is continually quarreling with his wife. Is Mrs. Jenkins amenable to treat- 
ment? Ifso, what treatment is recommended? Is it reasonable to expect 
that she will recover sufficiently, so that, with teaching and the help of a 
visiting housekeeper, she can keep a fair home ? 


II. SOCIAL AGENCIES: 
See attached report on Mr. Jenkins. 


III. INFORMANTS: 

Mother of Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Brown. Impression: Mrs. Brown is a 
neat, kindly appearing woman of far better standards of dress and thought 
than her daughter. She does not condone her daughter’s housekeeping 
methods but she does not attribute them to a low mentality. She blames 
present conditions to Mr. Jenkins’ long-continued abuse and neglect. Mrs. 
Brown and her daughter are very much alike in features, and Mrs. Brown, 
like the daughter, is highly distractible. She acknowledges no mental 
taint in the family. 

Brother of Mrs. Jenkins, Leslie Brown. IJmpression: Mr. Brown is a 
frank, intelligent-appearing man. He is at present in the mailing division 
of the post-office service. He would be very willing to have his sister 
committed to an institution, if that is the recommendation of the doctors 
who examine her. He attributes her decline to her life with Mr. Jenkins, 
rather than to any “hereditary taint.” He is willing to co-operate in any 
way to get the Jenkins’ home on a happier and sounder basis. He offers 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 233 


to care for one child in his home, if it is necessary to place the children while 
Mrs. Jenkins goes to an institution. Mr. Brown has, at all times, shown 
the greatest interest in his sister and her family, and even when persecuted 
by Mr. Jenkins, has not broken relations with the family. 

Roomer in the Jenkins’ home, Ralph P. Drake. Impression: Mr. Drake 
is a solicitor for the May Flower Towel Supply Company, for which he has 
worked over twenty-five years. He appears thoroughly honest and most 
impartial in his judgments. He never hesitates to tell Mr. Jenkins when he 
is in the wrong. He is very kindly in his attitude toward the children and 
is altogether a cohesive force in the home. 

A neighbor who does not wish her name given out. This woman is 
crippled, and for a time lived in the rooms adjacent to the Jenkins’. Mr. 
and Mrs. Jenkins and Bobby all confided in her. They came into her rooms 
often to use the telephone. The woman has known so much of the brutality 
of Mr. Jenkins, that she is frightened at the idea of his ever learning that she 
had “betrayed him.” She has had a very intimate knowledge of the family, 
and while of the gossiping type, we have found that her reports are founded 
on fact. 


IV. FAMILY HISTORY: 


Heredity not known. 

Paternal and Maternal Siblings —Mr. Jenkins reports that an aunt of 
Mrs. Jenkins’ on her mother’s side died insane. 

Parents.—Mrs. Jenkins’ father was, for a number of years, in a Con- 
federate Home in Iowa. Mr. Jenkins reports that the father was removed 
to the State Hospital for the Insane and died there. Mrs. Jenkins’ mother 
is about seventy years old (described above). 

Siblings (order not known).—Leslie Brown (described under Informants) 
has a wife and one child. 

John C. Brown, 2420 Columbus anes Davenport, Iowa. <A report 
from the Davenport Welfare Agency, dated September 8, 1914, states that 
John C, Brown is a furniture finisher, earning fairly good wages and paying 
for a four-room cottage. He and his wife cared for the mother and father 
six years before they entered the Confederate Home. 

Harry Brown, died three or four years ago of tuberculosis. 

Mrs. Grace Bird, Waterloo, Iowa, is a widow with two daughters. 
According to Leslie Brown, she is planning to send her daughters to college, 
and is keeping boarders in order to save money for the children’s education. 

2. Children.—See report on Mr. Jenkins. 

3. Family life-——The children have little or no respect for the authority 
of Mrs. Jenkins. When she gives a command, the children argue with her 
or disregard it. She talks with the children as with equals. One day, she 
said to Leila: ‘I don’t blame Bobby for running away, do you, Leila ?”’ 

4. Home and Neighborhood.—See report on Mr. Jenkins. 


234 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


V. PATIENT’S PERSONAL HISTORY: 

1. Birth and Development.—Mtrs. Jenkins was born in 1891, in Browns- 
ville, Missouri. According to Mrs. Jenkins’ mother, Mrs. Jenkins was 
normal as a child and ‘‘held her own” with other children at school. She 
did not allow herself to be bossed and would even fight with her fists. 

2. Past ilinesses.—Dr. F. B. Thornton kept Mrs. Jenkins under observa- 
tion from September 7, 1921, to October 8, 1921- His diagnosis was 
“Manic depressive—early state.” The pathological conditions at the time 
of examination were: Teeth infection, anemia, greatly diminished leukocyte 
count, and enlarged liver. The general findings were extremely suspicious 
of syphilis. There was sugar in the urine and a trace of albumin. There 
was also a heart lesion and a serious disturbance of the glands of internal 
secretion. When examined at the Social Hygiene League in July of this 
year, Mrs. Jenkins’ Wassermann was negative. ‘There was a condition of 
inflammation, however, which worker stated might not be venereal, but for 
which Mrs. Jenkins should return for treatment. 

3. Education, Patient and Husband or Wife——See report on Mr. Jenkins. 

4. Economic, Patient and Husband or Wife.—Mrs. Jenkins has never 
worked outside her home. 

5. Court Record.—See report on Mr. Jenkins. 

6. Marital.—See report on Mr. Jenkins. 

7. Personality—Our only information on Mrs. Jenkins prior to her 
marriage is the information given by her mother and brother—that she 
seemed normal in every way. 

8. Religion.—There is at present no interest in religion that we know of. 

9. Recreation.—Mrs. Jenkins apparently has no hobbies and no outside 
interests. She has no friends come to see her, and she goes nowhere to 
visit except to her brother’s home. She goes there when her husband 
takes her there. She goes to restaurants and to movies when her husband 
takes her. 

10. Habits —Mrs. Jenkins is filthy in her personal habits. Her clothing 
is extremely dirty. She tells lies when her husband has directed her to tell 
them. We have no knowledge of her telling lies on her own initiative. 


VI. PRESENT ILLNESS: 

Mrs. Brown and Leslie Brown are confident that the breakdown in Mrs. 
Jenkins is a result of her life with Mr. Jenkins. They feel that he has com- 
pletely broken down her will. We have found that Mrs. Jenkins cannot 
be held to any line of conversation. We have seen her dress a child in 
trousers that did not belong to him, and have seen her repeatedly button 
the middle front button of the trousers to the side button of the underwaist. 
This hampered the child so in walking, that the trousers fell off. Mrs. 
Jenkins let him run around without them for a while, and then put them on 
the same way. There was no front button on the underwaist. During 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 235 


this same interview, Mrs. Jenkins picked up several safety-pins and put 
them on the couch beside her. Later, she opened all of them and placed 
them on the floor. We have also found her washing in a kettle placed on the 
kitchen floor. The kettle was too small for the washboard, which extended 
over the sides. It did not seem to occur to Mrs. Jenkins that she could, 
at least, put the kettle on a chair. One day this summer, Mr. Jenkins 
took Mrs. Jenkins and the children to Lincoln Park and left them there for 
the day. During the day, the baby fell asleep. Mrs. Jenkins paid no further 
attention to him until he awakened, and the child had meanwhile been 
exposed to the direct rays of the sun. His face was terribly burned, but 
it had not occurred to Mrs. Jenkins that the spot in which she had placed 
him would not be shaded all the time. Mr. Jenkins recently quarreled 
with his wife because she had not cleaned the lamp chimneys. At first, he 
told her she would have to sit up on an organ stool all night. She did this 
for several hours; then Mr. Jenkins ordered her out of the house and she 
went. For a time, she stayed in the basement, and later she crawled 
under the sidewalk and stayed there for several hours. 


Mr. JOSEPH JENKINS 


I. REASONS FOR REQUESTING EXAMINATION: 

Mr. Jenkins has throughout our acquaintance shown tendencies to 
extreme brutality and religious fanaticism. In addition to this, Dr. Lucey, 
county physician, last week commented on a ‘‘queer look in Mr. Jenkins’ 
eyes”’ and advised a mental examination. 


II. SOCIAL AGENCIES: 

Our attention was first called to the case on July 25, 1914, when Mrs. 
Jenkins came to our office, asking help in securing her husband’s release 
from an Alabama jail. The only other agencies on the case at the present 
time are Braedalbane Farm, where Bobby is being cared for, and the Infant 
Welfare Society. 


III. FAMILY HISTORY: ° 


1. Heredity —August 14, 1914, P. A. Caldwell, state and county tax 
collector of Savannah, Georgia, reported that he had known Joseph Jenkins 
about fifteen years, but that he knew nothing at all of his parentage. Joseph 
had been a newsboy on the streets of Savannah and was familiarly known 
as “Biscuits.” 

Mr. Jenkins himself reports that his father was a carpenter and building 
laborer and provided well for his wife and child during his life. He was of 
German descent. He died either from ptomaine poisoning or a blow on the 
head. When a collector came to the house, Mr. Jenkins’ father got into an 
argument with the collector and the collector struck him on the head. The 
father died two hours later. Mr. Jenkins’ mother was part Cherokee. 


236 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


She lived in an Indian settlement eighty-seven miles from Savannah. 
She had never lived in a house until she married. She was one of thirteen 
children, but only one sister grew to maturity. The mother died of typhoid 
malaria. She had been a cripple from the time of Mr. Jenkins’ birth. 
She was crippled from “child-bearing and rheumatism.”” Both mother and 
father were illiterate. There were no siblings. (Impression: In giving 
these facts Mr. Jenkins was trying to prove to worker that his own develop- 
ment had been phenomenal when the handicaps of his heredity were 
understood.) 

2. Children.—Bobby (born January 17, 10911) Braedalbane Farm, 
Illinois. Ellen (born June 24, r914) given to St. Francis’ Orphan Asylum 
for adoption on June 25, 1915 (verified). (Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins have never 
inquired about Ellen’s whereabouts since leaving her at the asylum. We 
were informed in February, 1923, by the superintendent that the child 
had been legally adopted August 1, 1916, by a physician. At the time of 
our inquiry, there had been no report from her in two or three years, but 
before that she was well and was very well liked.) Leila (born August 27, 
1916). Leila last year attended the kindergarten of St. Boniface’s School 
and was reported as precocious. She gave some trouble with lying and petty 
stealing. The three younger children, David (born August 30, 1918); 
Joseph Lee (born July 9, 1920), Richard (born August 27, 1922), were 
examined at Illinois Dispensary June 27, 1923, and were reported “well 
developed and well nourished.” 

3. Family Life-—Mr. Ralph P. Drake, a man of about seventy-five or 
eighty years, lives with:the Jenkins family. He has been with them for 
five years. Heisa kindly, sensible man, who neither condones Mrs. Jenkins’ 
housekeeping nor Mr. Jenkins’ bad temper. He talks very sensibly with 
either of them as occasion demands. ‘The children are terrified when Mr. 
Jenkins speaks. If he places a child on a chair, the child does not move 
his head until Mr. Jenkins gives permission. When Mr. Jenkins asks a 
child to come and kiss him (as he sometimes does to show that he is affection- 
ate with the children), the child walks over flushed and trembling and does 
as he is told. Mrs. Jenkins is filthy about herself and about her house. 
She also neglects to wash the children and to change their clothing. All 
these things annoy Mr. Jenkins. Sometimes he washes the children and 
washes and irons their clothes, and at other times he will fly into a frenzy 
because a lamp chimney has not been washed. On one occasion recently 
he ordered his wife to sit up all night because she had not washed the lamp 
chimney. During the past winter he became angry because Bobby’s 
face and hands were dirty, and scrubbed the boy with lye. At another 
time when the boy had not bathed as he wished Mr. Jenkins placed him in 
a bathtub of cold water and compelled him to sit there two hours. Again 
when he felt that the boy should have helped with the housecleaning, he 
made him scrub the floors, wash dishes, and clean for several hours of the 


‘PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 237 


night and compelled him to stand in a corner the rest of the night. Several 
times he took Bobby to a forest preserve, tied his hands behind him, and 
beat him. When Mrs. Jenkins ran up large gas bills, Mr. Jenkins had the 
gas turned off. , 

This latter information was given by Mr. Jenkins as a defense for having 
no gas or hot water in his home. The information on the abuse of Bobby 
came from Mrs. Jenkins, from Bobby, from a neighbor (who has asked us 
not to give her name), and from Bobby’s teacher in St. Boniface’s School. 
Mr. Jenkins told the neighbor of his punishments of Bobby, but when the 
Juvenile Court officer and the worker from our office later approached him 
on the subject, he was furious. We have only been able to work with him 
by dropping the subject of Bobby. Mr. Jenkins denied the scrubbing with 
lye and the cold-water punishments, and said he only beat the boy because 
he was.so insubordinate. The observations on the attitude of the, children 
toward Mr. Jenkins are the observations of our worker. 

4. Home and Neighborhood.—The home is in a factory district. There 
are five light rooms and bath. Much of the furniture is in a dilapidated con- 
dition. Mr. Jenkins painted and papered in the spring, and the entire flat 
was cleaned; but it was soon filthy again. Mr. Jenkins sleeps with his 
wife in a room in which there are two other beds for children. For a time 
he slept in a bedroom off the kitchen, but this room is not now used. During 
our acquaintance the family has lived at six different addresses in this city. 
They have been at the present address since 1920. Fora few years between 
1914 and 1920 the family lived in St. Paul, where they were known to the 
Family Welfare Association, because of Mr. Jenkins’ desertions and non- 
support. The break-ups have usually come as a result of quarrels or 
desertions. 


IV. PATIENT’S PERSONAL HISTORY: 


1. Birth and Development (Informant Mr. Jenkins).—Born 1882. 
Just before her confinement, Mr. Jenkins’ mother, who was then in Savannah, 
walked eighty-seven miles back to the Indian settlement in which she had 
lived prior to her marriage. Mr. Jenkins was born there. The mother 
was crippled the rest of her life. 

2. Past illnesses —Mr. Jenkins’ condition was described by Dr. Thornton 
as being extremely “‘suspicious of syphilis.” The recent Wassermanns on 
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins at the Social Hygiene League were negative. Mr. 
Jenkins reports that he has a hernia. 

3. Education, Patient and Husband or Wife.—At five or six, Mr. Jenkins 
entered school at Savannah, Georgia. His attendance was very irregular, 
and he was out of school more than he was in. He was a newsboy, and most 
of his associates were older. He was influenced to lie and to steal and he 
was in trouble much of the time, so that he never completed the third grade. 
He was frequently picked up by the police. When he was fourteen he 


238 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


became involved in some street scrape, and the authorities decided to place 
him in an institution. Mr. P. A. Caldwell, state and county tax collector 
of Savannah, then came to the front and offered to pay for Mr. Jenkins’ 
care in a good school. The Southern Industrial School was recommended 
as the right place, and Mr. Jenkins was placed there. He remained there 
for the next six or seven years. According to. Mr. Jenkins, there was little 
academic training in the Southern Industrial School. ..... [See statement 
concerning Mrs. Jenkins.| 

4. Economic, Patient and Husband or Wife-—Mr. Jenkins began selling 
papers when he was five years old. When released from the Southern Indus- 
trial School, he began to work at printing. During the past year he has held 
several printing jobs, and has earned from $40 to $80 a week. He worked 
longest for the Stoneleigh Printing Company. He was employed there as 
pressman, and, by working overtime, earned $70 and $80 a week. We have 
no report from the company. (This information was given out by Mr. 
Jenkins and by a neighbor who saw his pay checks at that time. Mrs. 
Jenkins gave the same report.) Mr. Jenkins worked ten days in June for 
the Woodford Publishing Company and earned $45 a week. This employer 
reported to us that Mr. Jenkins was “reliable and satisfactory” and that he 
left only because of Union conditions. Other pressmen had been out of work 
longer than he. Mr. Jenkins worked a few weeks in July for the Diversy 
Printing and Supply Company. According to Mrs. Jenkins, he left this 
work because the employer had been unfair with another employee. ‘There 
was no direct injury to Mr. Jenkins, but he refused to let the injury 
to the other employee pass. At the present time, Mr. Jenkins is employed 
irregularly; he is working as pressman a few days here and a few days 
there. 

For several years between 1914 and 1920, Mr. Jenkins was employed 
as a Rescue Mission worker at California and Dearborn Streets. During 
this period, Mr. Jenkins conducted social affairs for the mission children and 
did a great deal of street preaching. He quite won the confidence of Joseph 
Lee, but Mrs. Joseph Lee, who was closely associated with her husband in 
his work, reports to us that she was never convinced of the sincerity of 
Mr. Jenkins. At the death of Joseph Lee, Mr. Jenkins was very eager to be 
put in charge of the work. He won the confidence of Attorney T. V. 
Speakman, a member of the First Methodist Church, with which Mr. 
Jenkins was also connected, and pleaded with him to use his influence in 
that direction. Shortly afterward, Mr. Jenkins had a disagreement with 
church members and broke his connection with the church and with the 
Mission. (This information was secured through Attorney Speakman and 
Mrs. Joseph Lee.) .... 

During the period of our acquaintance, there has been no regular relief. 
At the time of Mrs. Jenkins’ first application, she was given 75 cents for food. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 230 


In June of this year, Mr. Jenkins asked for a loan of $20 and this was given, 
and he has so far returned nothing. In addition to this, our office has spent 
$4.05 in transportation, taking the children to dispensaries and hospitals. 

5. Court record.—{Review of Alabama episode omitted.] 

By the end of seven years, Mr. Jenkins had established himself in the 
Rescue Mission and had won the confidence of Attorney T. V. Speakman. 
Mr. Jenkins wished to secure the release of Bobby, and Mr. Speakman 
agreed to help him in this. There was considerable difficulty in securing 
the release, but Mr. Jenkins, who had meanwhile become a member of the 
Wanaki Club, went to Montgomery and succeeded in getting Bobby 
released to the Montgomery Wanaki Club. Bobby then returned to Chi- 
cago with his father, with the understanding that he was to be under the 
supervision of the Chicago Wanaki Club. (This information has been 
secured through the Montgomery Charities Commission, the Family Wel- 
fare Agency of Montgomery, the local Wanaki Club, and Attorney 
T. V. Speakman.) 

Mrs. Jenkins reports that she has many times had Mr. Jenkins arrested 
for drunkenness. While in St. Paul, he was also arrested for desertion. 
On January 30, 1923, Bobby went to the Chicago Avenue Police Station 
and complained of his father’s abuse. The boy was sent to the Juvenile 
Detention Home, and Mr. Jenkins was later summoned by the Juvenile 
Court. He then signed a consent to have the boy sent out to Braedalbane 
Farm. 

6. Marital—Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins were married in Joplin, Missouri, 
November, 1909 (verified). ‘There have been many quarrels and separations. 
Following Mr. Jenkins’ release from the Montgomery jail, he went to 
Waterloo, Iowa, and joined his wife there. He became angry at her, 
however, and left her. 

Mr. Jenkins directs the feeding and dressing of the children and the 
entire management of the house. .... 

The most frequent quarrels are those about housekeeping. Mr. 
Jenkins is careful about his own appearance and would like to have his 
home and children well kept. Mrs. Jenkins is filthy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins had known each other only a few months before 
marriage. Mrs. Jenkins and her mother used to attend a mission in Joplin, 
and Mr. Jenkins, coming to speak at the mission one night, met Mrs. Jenkins 
there. (This information has been given by both Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins 
and by Mrs. Jenkins’ mother. The marriage verification was secured 
through the mission of Joplin, Missouri.) 

7. Personality previous to present illness.—Mr. Jenkins often makes a 
very favorable impression. This has been shown in the way he won P. A. 
Caldwell, Attorney Speakman, Joseph Lee, and the Children’s Protective 
Society of St. Paul. Mr. Jenkins, himself, reports violent outbursts of 


240 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


temper. Leslie Brown, his brother-in-law, reports him as a ‘‘four-flusher.”’ 
Mr. Brown tells that recently, when an old friend of Mrs. Jenkins’ father 
was visiting in the city, Mr. Jenkins insisted upon staying out of work and 
showing the man about town. He spent $5.00 or $6.00 in entertainment, 
and Mr. Brown is confident that at the time, he had not given his wife 
any money for food that day, and that she and the children were doing 
without. When Mr. Jenkins first came to our office, his attitude was 
belligerent. He had learned, prior to coming, that he was under criticism 
for his treatment of Bobby. When he found that we intended to help him 
overcome the difficulties in his home, he become very friendly, and later 
insisted upon leaving a dollar to cover any expense attached to interviewing 
his mother-in-law about coming to live in hishome. He is very antagonistic 
toward his brother-in-law, Leslie Brown, whom he accuses of having been 
instrumental in blocking Bobby’s release from the Southern Industrial 
School. We frequently interview Mr. Brown or his wife, and we always tell 
Mr. Jenkins when we have done so. He insists upon knowing whether 
they called us or we called them, and when he has been given an answer, 
he invariably telephones Leslie or his wife, to verify the report. From our 
standpoint he is extremely suspicious, but we get along very well by sympa- 
thizing with him because of the hardships of his home and by praising him 
for trying so hard to keep his home clean. We had-no difficulty in securing 
his consent to a mental examination, when we marveled that he had borne 
up so well under the strain of his family life. He reacts most unfavorably 
to anything that savors of compulsion. 

8. Religion.—As previously reported, Mr. Jenkins was at one time 
identified with the First Methodist Church and the Rescue Mission. He has 
broken these connections and has entered his children in St. Boniface’s, 
a Roman Catholic parochial school. He says that he entered them in St. 
Boniface’s because he wanted to “show his friends.’’ At present, Mr. 
Jenkins goes to a mission now and then, but has no regular church affiliation. 

9. Recreation.—During the past summer, Mr. Jenkins has taken the 
children bus-riding, or into the country almost every Sunday. He has 
also taken his wife and children to movies and to restaurants. When he is 
angry, he stays away from home a great deal, and we do not know how he 
spends his time. He still belongs to the Wanaki Club. 

10. Habits —At the present time, Mrs. Jenkins and the four children 
are sleeping in one room. During the past winter, Mr. Jenkins did a great 
deal of overtime work and did not go to bed until eleven or twelve at night. 
He left the house at seven in the morning. Mr. Jenkins is, personally, 
clean and is very much cleaner than his wife and his home. Compared 
with Mrs. Jenkins, he is fastidious, but his hands and clothing are not always 
clean. Mr. Jenkins smokes cigarettes, but not excessively. He himself 
states that he has been drinking since .he was five. Attorney Speakman 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 241 


reports him as not being “‘a man of his word.” Mr. Bragg of the Wanaki 
Club, reports him as ‘‘unreliable.”” Mr. Jenkins himself reports that he 
early learned to steal and that he was schooled in crime in the Southern 
Industrial School. He gives this information as evidence of the fact that 
he has arisen to great heights, considering his early influences. 


VI. PRESENT ILLNESS: 

There has been no decided change in Mr. Jenkins since we have known 
him. Mrs. Brown and Leslie Brown also report that Mr. Jenkins has 
always been brutal and overbearing. Mr. Jenkins himself says that he 
has less control of his temper than formerly and that he is more annoyed 
at the untidiness of his home and children. He says that he is willing to 
visit a neurological clinic, because he wishes to talk with someone who can 
help him forestall any possible complete breakdown. Our impression is 
that he is going more because he believes that a mental examination will 
prove to us and to his wife’s relations that he is of superior intelligence. 


September 17, 1923—Mr. Jenkins called at the home of visitor in 
the evening and talked at length about his life and his family. 
Many of the details were exactly as have been previously given. 
Mr. Jenkins is willing to have Leila and David studied at the Juvenile 
Psychopathic Bureau. He expressed some interest at the sort of 
studies that were made and was given several of the Healy case 
studies to read. He could give little of the developmental history 
of the children, except that Mrs. Jenkins has never had prenatal 
difficulties. Leila was weaned at one year. According to Mr. Jenkins, 
she walked at thirteen months. 

Several years ago, Mr. Jenkins was taken to Latimer Hospital 
with frozen toes. ‘The great and second toes of his left foot were at 
that time amputated. While in the hospital, he found that the man 
in the bed next to him was a Henry Jenkins. On talking with the man 
he found that he had come from Savannah. He claimed to be a 
brother of Mr. Jenkins’ father, and Mr. Jenkins thinks he probably 
was. He found, however, that the man was married to a ‘“‘low-down 
woman’”’ and he has made no attempt to keep track of him since then. 
The man may possibly be in Chicago still, but Mr. Jenkins does not 
know where he is. On the occasion of this visit, Mr. Jenkins also 
stated that after he had agreed to stay with the Woodford Company, 
he received word from the Northern Printing Company that he could 
be taken on for permanent work at $50 per week. He showed the 
letter to Mr. Woodford, but he refused to release him from the agree- 
ment to stay there. 


242 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


September 19, 1923—The following letter received from Dr. 
Stratton of the North Side Dispensary containing diagnosis of Mr. 
and Mrs. Jenkins: 


The provisional diagnosis of Mr. Jenkins is constitutional inferiority, 
paranoid personality, and the alternative diagnosis is paranoid personality 
based on a subacute or chronic organic disease of the central nervous system. 
I should like to examine him at a later date after he has been helped by 
you to live a life less overwhelmed by problems and burdens. 

Mrs. Jenkins is low-grade, feeble-minded. She is quite inadequate 
to care for her children properly. The children should be transplanted. 
Mrs. Jenkins should be offered the medical opportunity to improve her 
physical health. Prognosis is poor. There are no indications for institu- 
tionalization. 


Dr. Stratton further advised the permanent placement of the 
children as the only reasonable plan. There is no hope of ever 
making even a fair housekeeper out of Mrs. Jenkins and there is no 
hope in hospital care for her. He advised Mr. Jenkins that he might 
go on living with his wife, but that inasmuch as Mrs. Jenkins cannot 
be relied upon to follow contraceptive instructions, he should not have 
marital relations with her. This report was later given Mr. Jenkins, 
but no attempt was made at a definite plan. Mr. Jenkins feels that 
there is nothing left for him if he does not have the children. He 
would prefer to be relieved of Mrs. Jenkins. He talked of the possi- 
bility of getting care for her in some hospital where he might pay. 
He thinks he would be well enough in two or three months to care for 
her again. He does not want any recreation except that of caring 
for the children. He thinks, too, of getting janitor work in some 
building where he can have his rooms in the same building and thus 
be able to give them closer oversight. While waiting for the doctor 
he was very restless. He walked up and down a great deal and 
went out to smoke cigarettes. He said he had not slept at all the 
night before and has had many sleepless nights lately. He also talked 
of his childhood experiences and his various changes of employment. 
He recalls as a child going with his father to pick up the body of a 
man who had been killed by a train. He lived near the tracks, and 
his father was employed by the railroad. When between ten and 
eleven years old Mr. Jenkins spent nine months in the “stockade” 
at Savannah. This was for getting into a fight with the son of a 
policeman. He spent a great deal of time in the “stockade” as 
punishment for stealing or fighting. When released from the Southern 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 243 


Industrial School, he worked about institutions. He mentioned in 
particular the Charity Hospital in Mobile, Alabama and the Insane 
Hospital at Jackson, Louisiana. In the latter institution he was first, 
attendant, and later, watchman, and still later, assistant supervisor. 
He enumerated the names and addresses of the employers for whom 
he has worked since he was married. 

During the course of her examination Mrs. Jenkins stated that she 
was treated in the Red Cross Hospital of Joplin, for a nervous break- 
down when she was nineteen years old. She was also treated at a 
St. Paul Dispensary before the birth of Leila. 

Mr. Jenkins had just secured a position at Woodford’s the day 
before he was to go to the Dispensary for examination. He was 
reluctant to stay away from work on the second day but did so when 
visitor offered to explain to his employer. His employer was com- 
municated with through Miss Wagner, secretary at Woodford’s. She 
asked definite information regarding the examination of Mrs. Jenkins 
and when the explanation was given she stated that Mr. Jenkins had 
been taken on only temporarily, but that he would on visitor’s recom- 
mendation be given permanent employment. He asked to have $2.00 
advanced to him yesterday. 

As requested by Mr. Jenkins, Leila and David were vaccinated 
during the month and their teeth were cleaned. Dental work on 
both children is now complete. 

September 27, 1923.—Night conference with Mr. Jenkins. He 
had telephoned asking an appointment. The whole situation was 
gone over with Mr. Jenkins and, while he could not think of parting 
with the children permanently, he expressed a willingness to have them 
placed for a year if only they could be where he could see them. The 
possibility of getting boarding-homes for them or placing them in the 
Chicago Nursery and Half Orphan Asylum was discussed. He agreed 
to visit the Asylum and decide on that later. He would be willing to 
have Mrs. Jenkins committed to the State School for the Feeble-minded 
if that seemed best and if her commitment did not mean that she 
could never be released. He is not willing to burn his bridges. Mr. 
Jenkins was very anxious to have it understood that in consenting to 
commitment he was not disclaiming any love for his wife. He cannot, 
however, conceive of a home with her and without the children, and 
he is not financially able to have the children and Mrs. Jenkins cared 
for outside of the home. If Mrs. Jenkins’ own people are willing to 
care for her, Mr. Jenkins would consent to that. He prefers not to 


244 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


have the possibility of the State School discussed with Leslie. It will 
be enough to talk it over with Mrs. Brown, Sr. He could not consider 
sending any of the children into Leslie’s home. Whenever he mentions 
Leslie, he can recall something against him. He will get any needed 
medical care for himself during the period that the home is broken up. 
He has just begun work at the T. K. Walsh Printing Company and is 
to earn $50 a week. This will be night work, and he hopes it will be 
permanent. Before he secured night work, he had talked some of 
going to night school and taking up English and mathematics. He 
believes things will be better in the home if he is there during the day. 

He left the Woodford Company because he felt he was not treated 
fairly. He had been working on a big and difficult job. It became 
necessary to do overtime and Sunday work on the job and Mr. Jenkins 
felt he was the logical person to get this extra work. It was being 
“fed” on his machine. Instead of giving the job to him, however, 
the foreman turned it over to an assistant foreman. Mr. Jenkins 
regarded this as a decidedly unethical procedure. (The details of 
this story were verified by telephoning. the Woodford Company. 
Their explanation of the reason the work was not turned over to Mr. 
Jenkins was that he was a new employee and he would have had to 
work in the shop alone. It was felt that he was not known well enough 
to be trusted with the keys. He earned $35 a week while there.) 

Leila and David have entered the public school. They have been 
sent for to return to St. Boniface’s and have been told that they would 
not have to pay tuition, but Mr. Jenkins has decided to keep them in 
public school for the present. 

He is somewhat troubled by the fact that Bobby writes Leslie 
for so much. He has been asking Leslie for clothing lately and has 
written to other people with the same request. Mrs. Jenkins and 
the children have gone to Leslie’s home frequently of late and when 
Mr. Jenkins goes to get them, Mrs. Brown, Sr., ‘‘bawls him out” 
for not sending clothing to Bobby. 

September 28, 1923.—Letter written Dr. S. H. Stratton in reply 
to letter of September 18. a1 3ef 09N 


In your report of September 18, 1923, on Mrs.. Jenkins, you stated that 
there were “no indications for institutionalization.’’ Does this eliminate 
the possibility of her commitment to the State Institution for the Feeble- 
minded ? 

We have talked at length with Mr. Jenkins on your recommendations, 
but we cannot get anywhere with the idea of his living with Mrs. Jenkins 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 245 


while the children are permanently placed. The thought of the children 
seems to be all that keeps Mr. Jenkins going, and a life with Mrs. Jenkins 
and without the children seems ghastly to him. We have finally persuaded 
him to part from the children for perhaps a year. We shall try to get the 
three little ones boarded out here in the city where he can see them at least 
occasionally. A woman in Peoria, who had Leila for two weeks vacation 
this summer, is very anxious to have her come back and go to school there. 
and Mr. Jenkins has now given his consent to this plan. 

The only problem left is the problem of care for Mrs. Jenkins. It may 
be that her own family will be willing to care for her, but if they are not, 
we are at a loss what to do. After cursory examination a county doctor 
gave a statement recommending Mrs. Jenkins’ commitment to an insane 
hospital. This was before she was examined by you. Would you be willing 
to give us a statement recommending commitment to the State School and 
Colony for the Feeble-minded and if not, can you offer any suggestion as to 
what should be done ? 


September 29, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office. He had displayed 
great interest in Dr. Stratton’s report and had asked to read the letter. 
When this was granted, he said he would like to read the other reports 
the Agency had on him. It was explained that these reports were given 
in confidence and the Agency would not be justified in asking for them 
if confidence were to be violated. It was further explained that while 
one report might be favorable and another very unfavorable that no 
single report was regarded as conclusive, but that the Agency got a 
composite picture of a man by getting a series of reports. It was 
pointed out that Mr. Jenkins’ best idea of the Agency’s picture of 
him would be found in letters written by the Agency. He was allowed 
to read the September 28 letter to Dr. Stratton. He seemed satisfied 
with the explanation. 

He seemed anxious to talk about his life—particularly his life in 
the Southern Industrial School, where he said bad practices prevailed 
among both boys and instructors. 

As Mr. Jenkins talked of breaking up his home he cried. He 
stated that he had missed home life in his own childhood and that it 
had been the big desire of his life to have a real home. 

[Plans were then worked out with him to place Leila in the home in 
which she had been for a summer outing and to find boarding-homes 
for the three younger children. | 

‘October 3, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office. He went to West Side 
Dispensary this morning, but did not wait for examination as he 
found it was taking too long. 


246 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


He at first said he would not go back if he were to be paid for it, 
but when superintendent was communicated with and agreed to see 
that he was not delayed if he returned, Mr. Jenkins said that he would 
go back. He does not work Sunday nights and will not be so worn 
out on Monday morning. Examination was arranged for on that 
day, and Mr. Jenkins went. He later reported that his heart and lungs 
were in splendid condition and that the only recommendations were 
dental work and attention to hernia. He is to return to the Medical 
Department about October 23 and is to return to the neurological 
clinic October 15. 

October 8, 1923.—Visited Braedalbane Farm with Mrs. Lodge of 
the Advisory Committee and found Bobby greatly improved... .. 

October 11, 1923——Mr. Jenkins in office. He had telephoned 
previously, saying he had bad news and was afraid to come in. He 
was asked as to his news and said that he wanted to keep that until 
the last of the interview so he could make a quick get-away. When 
he finally broke the news, it was that Mrs. Jenkins is three months 
pregnant. .... He said that Mrs. Jenkins is quite despondent 
about her condition. She has several times attempted abortion 
and he is afraid that she may do herself permanent injury. She has 
resorted to the same means before the births of the other children. 

Telephoned the County Hospital and learned that Mrs. Jenkins 
can be examined any Monday at 1:30. The Social Service Depart- 
ment will try to get immediate hospital care for her if she is pregnant. 

Mr. Jenkins suggested that he would like to know more of the 
home to which Leila was going, and he was advised to accompany 
her when she goes. He agreed to this. 

October 16, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins called at the home of visitor. He 
was unable to get Mrs. Jenkins to County Hospital. She does not 
want to see any doctor. 

Mr. Jenkins advertised in the Morning Herald three days last 
week for boarding-homes for the younger children. He told this of 
his own accord and said he had never intended to act without consult- 
ing visitor, but that he had rather hoped he might get just the right 
place by advertising. He found the Morning Herald very anxious 
to get a story out of him, and several different employees told him 
that if he would let them advertise their story using pictures, they were 
sure they would be able to find the right homes. Mr. Jenkins insisted 
that he only wanted an ad and would pay for it. He will turn over 
answers to visitor so that the places may be investigated. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 247 


October 26, 1923.—Accompanied Leila to Juvenile Psychopathic 
Bureau. She was reported as supernormal in intelligence, with a 
possible overactivity of the brain, which might be a symptom of 
beginning disease of the brain tissue. The director recommended an 
X-ray of the skull. He also recommended an X-ray of the chest, say- 
ing that there was possible tuberculosis. He found slight anemia, too. 
Because of these conditions and because of an acute coryza, the 
physician advised that the child be entered in a hospital for observation 
and later be placed in an institution where she could be held to routine 
and where she could be built up physically. 

October 27, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins telephoned. During the examina- 
tion at the Bureau the physician spoke of the dinginess of Leila’s 
underwear and of her need of institutional care, with the result that 
Leila reported his statements to her father. Mr. Jenkins was very 
much upset over the whole thing. He was at first inclined to refuse 
any further medical attention for Leila, but he was finally prevailed 
upon to take her himself to a specialist of his own choice. It was 
later learned that he took her to two physicians and to the Municipal 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 

Later—Accompanied Leila to Illinois Dispensary, where she was 
given a prescription for her nose and throat. Physician asked to 
have her return to his office the next day. 

October 29, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office with Leila. Visitor 
accompanied them to Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary, 
where she was examined and diagnosed as free from tuberculosis. 
She is anemic and has not been properly nourished, but both physi- 
cians felt that she would not be at all endangered by going to the 
country and both advised her going. 

Telephoned physician at Psychopathic Bureau, who expressed 
himself as satisfied with the sanitarium report and said she might 
safely be placed as planned. When asked as to the possible brain 
disease and as to the possible outcome if neglected, he said that there 
is nothing to be done if the X-ray does reveal the disease. It will 
cause over or under development physically. 

Following these reports and Mr. Jenkins’ own statement that on 
Leila’s third visit to his own specialist he had been advised to send 
her to the country, arrangements were made for her to go. Half-rate 
transportation was secured. Mr. Jenkins agreed to pay half of this, 
but he did not have the money when the tickets were delivered to 
him. Later he talked of having gone to the theater a few days 


248 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


before to see ‘‘The Fool.’ He has also bought a new suit for himself, 
On the way from Dispensary, he stopped at a tea shop to buy lunch 
for himself and Leila. He almost insisted upon visitor having lunch 
with them. Leila was wearing a very thin spring coat. When asked 
if she had a winter coat to take with her to the country, Mr. Jenkins 
said he would send one later. Although the weather was extreme, 
he seemed to feel that Leila could wait until he was ready to send one. 
It was finally necessary tactfully to offer a warm coat from the Agency’s 
stock. Gloves were given Leila, too, and Mr. Jenkins accepted them 
blithely. It was later learned that he had asked Mrs. James Roberts 
(case) to do some work in his home a week before Leila went away 
and had not paid Mrs. Roberts for the work. 

Mr. Jenkins has himself been conducting an investigation on some 
of the letters received in answer to his advertisement. 

November 1, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office. He accompanied Leila 
to Peoria on October 30 and returned October 31, 1923. ‘The family 
are tenant farmers and have only a five-room cottage. ‘There are 
four in family, the father and mother and two children who are 
away from home. They have only two bedrooms. The parents 
occupy one; and the two children, when they are at home, occupy two 
beds in the other and larger bedroom. ‘The house is stove-heated. 
Both of the children have left high school and are working for neigh- 
bors. The girl is doing housework and the boy regular farm work. 
The father is considering making a change this year and moving to 
another farm. At the present place he pays an annual rent of $10 an 
acre on each of his eighty acres and also gives one-half of the crop. 
Mr. Jenkins also visited the school and talked with the teacher. He 
told her that Leila was ‘“‘supernormal”’ and that he did not wish her to 
be urged in her books. He also told the mother to keep her at home 
in bad weather. ‘The mother promised to make whatever clothes she 
can for Leila and Mr. Jenkins told her to send the bills to him. 

November 25, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Jenkins told of Mr. Jenkins’ 
cleaning the house and getting the dinner yesterday. He wanted a 
big dinner because it was their fourteenth wedding anniversary. He 
scoured all the kitchen utensils before he did the cooking. He also 
bought some pretty new dishes. He has been doing some overtime 
work lately. Most of the time recently Mr. Jenkins’ disposition has 
been pretty good, but he got “ugly”’ about one week ago. 

‘The plan for Mrs. Jenkins and the children was talked over with 
Mrs. Jenkins, but she seemed to grasp very little of it. It was 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 249 


explained that to restore Mr. Jenkins his health, it was necessary for 
him to be relieved of home burdens and for that reason and because 
of her condition and her inability to care for the three children without 
his help it seemed better to have the children boarded out for a time. 
It was also suggested that it might be well for her to get immediate 
hospital care for herself, but she only shook her head at this. She 
has not been in Leslie’s home for the last three weeks. 

Richard is walking now. He had some small burns on his hand. 
He had reached for the stove when he was about to fall. 

November 27, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins and all the children in the office. 
He had called at and had telephoned repeatedly to the visitor’s home 
previously. He expects to take Joseph Lee to West Side Dispensary 
tomorrow. He is not convinced that Bobby’s beatings have not done 
permanent injury to Joseph Lee. He has great confidence in the 
Dispensary doctors and wishes them to examine the child. It was 
later learned that he did take Joseph Lee and although X-rays of his 
skull were taken and no injury found, Mr. Jenkins was advised to 
place the child in the hospital for a week or ten days, so that he could 
be kept under observation. Mr. Jenkins did this and gave consent 
at the same time for a tonsillectomy. Mr. Jenkins is taking a few 
days off now because of slack work. He shopped for the children 
today and bought two complete suits—outside clothes, underwear, 
and stockings—for each of them. He also bought new shoes for each 
of them. For Richard he also bought a woolen cap, leggings, sweater, 
and mittens. 

Mr. Jenkins protested against Leslie having been advised to go 
to see Bobby. He does not want Leslie to see Bobby or any member 
of his family. When Mr. Jenkins was told that the visit had been 
recommended by the Agency because it seemed best that Bobby 
should have some home ties and when he was reminded that he had 
formerly disclaimed Bobby, he then said that Bobby still bore his 
name and he did not wish Bobby communicating with Leslie. 

He was asked as to his ability to pay Mrs. Roberts and to make 
some payment to the Agency for Leila’s railroad fare to Peoria and 
the $20 loan. He said that he would make payment to Mrs. Roberts 
and he did so, giving her $2.00, as she was in the office at the time... . . 

December 10, 1923.—Visited the Leslie Brown home. ‘The home is 
rather a tumble-down frame building in a poor neighborhood, but it 
is across the street from a large playground adjoining a public school. 
There is a small back yard. The rooms are small but light. 


oe 


250 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


The whole plan for the Jenkins family was explained to Mrs. 
Brown and Leslie, and both agreed that it would probably be best for 
them. The results of the examination of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins were . 
also explained. Mrs. Brown did not seem to grasp its significance. 
When asked if Mrs. Jenkins’ condition had not manifested itself when 
she was younger, Mrs. Brown and Leslie both said they thought that 
her condition had been brought on by her life with Mr. Jenkins. 
Mrs. Brown said that Mrs. Jenkins got on in school as well as the other 
children and that she never had any “‘reason to complain.” 

The elder Mrs. Brown and Leslie’s wife both have seen evidences 
that the children are suffering from the home conditions. Both Leila 
and David have shown at different times that they take advantage of 
their mother. Mrs. Leslie Brown has seen both of them give orders 
to their mother which the mother would obey. She has also seen them 
take advantage of their grandmother. When David was with the 
Brown family last summer for a week, he seemed rather unruly. 

Leslie and his wife both expressed willingness to take Mrs. Jenkins 
into their home until after her confinement, if Mr. Jenkins would 
consent to that plan. Braedalbane authorities have written Leslie 
saying that Bobby will be allowed to come in for Christmas if Mr. 
Brown wishes it. He asked if that would be satisfactory to the 
Agency. He has already sent money for railroad fare. He agreed to 
keep Bobby in that neighborhood and not to let him go away from the 
place unless he accompanied him. , 

December 12, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins and Miss Burnett, of the Chil- 
dren’s Friend Society, in office by appointment. Miss Burnett recom- 
mends as a suitable boarding-place for the three Jenkins children the 
home of a woman who has been known to the Children’s Friend Society 
for a period of years and is conscientious and gives good care. She 
has six rooms on the second floor. She has a large back porch and a 
back yard. Her own children are grown. She will have to be paid 
$18 a week. It was agreed with Mr. Jenkins that in view of his 
present indebtedness to the Welfare Agency, the Agency would assume 
half the burden of the children’s board, Mr. Jenkins meanwhile to 
repay the loan within the next few weeks. He will then put any 
extra money in on dental work. He agreed to this. The Agency is 
to be directly responsible to the Children’s Friend, and Mr. Jenkins 
is to be responsible to the Welfare Agency. 

Mr. Jenkins then stated that before he gave any final decision on 
the home recommended, he would like to make his own investigation. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 251 


Miss Burnett rather felt that the house mother might resent this. 
She also felt that the Society’s investigations were complete enough 
so that this was not necessary. He then bragged that he could make 
an investigation in such a way that the house mother would never be 
the wiser. Miss Burnett was asked to accept his word on this and 
agreed to do so. 

Miss Burnett reports that no investigation was made on the 
letters turned in by Mr. Jenkins, as the one free home offered to 
take only Richard and the boarding-home offered would be no less 
expensive than one known to and recommended by Children’s 
Friend. 

December 13, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office by appointment. The 
plan for him and for Mrs. Jenkins was discussed in further detail. 
Mr. Jenkins was not at first inclined to give his consent to Mrs. Jenkins’ 
staying in the home of Leslie. His final objections were on the grounds 
that the sleeping arrangements were not adequate. When it was 
suggested that that part might be left to the Brown family and that 
they would undoubtedly be willing to put up a bed in their front room, 
or agree to any other reasonable plan and when it was further suggested 
that the plan would probably be a very much happier one for Mrs. 
Jenkins and that on those grounds alone he ought to show a willing- 
ness, Mr. Jenkins said he would leave that matter entirely to visitor 
and he then added that if Leslie needed an extra bed he could have one 
from Mr. Jenkins’ home. 

Mr. Jenkins was advised for himself to give up his flat. He has 
from the start clung to the idea of keeping the flat and the furnishings 
intact. He was advised to sell the furniture or to put it in storage 
and find a room for himself. He agreed to this. 

December 15, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office to report that he is 
satisfied with the home selected by the Children’s Friend. He talked 
with the precinct captain of police and learned from him that the house 
mother is well regarded in the neighborhood. Mr. Jenkins will take 
the children to West Side Dispensary for examination on December 17 
and will take them to the foster home on December 18. Mr. Jenkins 
has talked the whole plan over with Mrs. Jenkins and has promised 
that he will occasionally take the children to see her. Mr. Jenkins 
also agreed to give Mrs. Jenkins $2.00 or $3.00 a week, so that she 
will not be entirely dependent. 

December 27, 1923.—Met Mr. Jenkins, Miss Burnett, and the 
Jenkins children at Children’s Friend Society office by appointment. 


252 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


The children have been in the foster home since December 18. Mr. 
Jenkins has been out to see them twice—once to take them to the Dis- 
pensary and once on Christmas day—since he first accompanied them 
to the home. Meanwhile the foster mother has telephoned Children’s 
Friend and Welfare Agency several times saying that she could not 
keep the children. David was no trouble, but the two little ones cried 
all the time. Mr. Jenkins feels that the trouble is with the foster 
mother. He felt from the time he first saw her that she would not bea 
good caretaker. ‘The children cried when they were left there. She, 
too, reminds him of a character he saw in a play when he was a boy in 
Savannah. The play was “The Waif.” The woman whom he so 
unpleasantly remembers was supposed to care for small children but 
instead of caring for them she abused them shamefully. He felt an 
aversion to her from the time he saw her. On one occasion she 
telephoned the office in great excitement saying that she would be 
put out of the house if she kept the children a day longer. “The big 
one gives me no trouble, but the little ones drive me crazy with 
their yelling. They turn on my gas and cry all the time.” Miss 
Burnett has now secured another caretaker—a Mrs. Black. She is 
a nurse and has also worked on difficult mental cases with the 
Juvenile Psychopathic Bureau. She is willing to take the children 
for $20 a week. She has a large yard and an automobile, which she 
drives herself. This plan had been suggested to Mr. Jenkins by 
Welfare Agency as a next possible step when his objection to the 
present foster mother was first offered. At that time Mr. Jenkins 
was quite willing to try Mrs. Black. He is working days now, how- 
ever, and was summoned from his work to the appointment at the 
office. Mrs. Black had also been summoned and had her car waiting 
infront. The whole thing seemed to be too sudden for him and he was 
very angry. Heat first insisted upon taking the children back home, 
saying that the house is thoroughly cleaned and that he can keep 
them in a nursery. It had to be repeatedly explained that that plan 
would not give him the relief he must have. Even then Mr. Jenkins 
was not willing to try Mrs. Black. He is afraid of the Children’s 
Friend. It seems to him to savor too much of the “institution.” The . 
first time he ever went there he read some bulletins which were lying 
on the table and which spoke of Riverdale Manual Training School 
in glowing terms. Mr. Jenkins seemed to feel that the Society was 
connected definitely with Riverdale and he has been afraid ever since 
then. He much prefers to work with the Family Welfare Agency 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 253 


and select a home independent of the Children’s Friend. Mr. Jenkins 
finally consented to go with the children and visitor to Mrs. Black’s 
home anid to leave them there for a trial if it seemed right. When it 
was found that Mrs. Black already had passengers and could not take 
in more than the children, Mr. Jenkins gave in and allowed the 
children to go with her. He will not go to see them for two days 
(December 29), so that they may be somewhat accustomed to the 
new surroundings and he will have a better chance to judge of the 
home. He seemed much encouraged when he put the children in 
the car with Mrs. Black and saw that they went to her easily and 
without crying. David and Joseph Lee had very light-weight coats. 
They were supplied with used overcoats from the Children’s Friend 
stock and were also given two new suits of underwear. Mr. Jenkins 
was asked by visitor to pay for these things, and he offered to do so. 
He wanted to pay right away, but Miss Burnett told him that a 
statement would be sent in later. A doll given by New Town High 
School was sent to Leila for Christmas, and a book was sent to Bobby. 
Mr. Jenkins provided the toys for the three younger children. 
December 31, 1923.—Mr. Jenkins in office. He went to West 
Side Dispensary this morning and in some way—he would not say 
how—learned that the Agency had recently written a letter there 
about him. He seemed to have the feeling that something was going 
on of which he knew nothing and became so excited that he left the 
Dispensary immediately and came to the office. When assured that 
the Agency had only written asking a report on the children, he seemed 
satisfied. He said he was willing to take the word of the worker that 
there was nothing else but he seemed very glad to see a copy of the 
letter. He realizes that he is very suspicious and seemed to feel rather 
sheepish when he found there was nothing more to be suspicious about. 
At the same time he welcomed the defense offered him when worker 
suggested that his life had been so hard he had become accustomed 
to expecting the worst. He was reminded that it was up to him not 
to give in so easily to suspicion and he promised to try. Mr. Jenkins 
asked again about his bill to Children’s Friend, and asked if he could 
stop payments to Welfare Agency for the next two weeks if Dispensary 
doctors advised him to enter the hospital immediately. He said he 
did not want to be accused of non-support if he made no payments 
for the next two weeks and promised to make up the amount later. 
This arrangement was accepted. Mr. Jenkins then returned to the 
Dispensary, and was referred to Knox Hospital, where he was entered 


254 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


the same day (verified). He later telephoned saying he would like 
to be visited while he is in the. hospital. 

January 3, 1924.—Committee recommends that the office continue 
to pay partly for the children, and visitor will continue in charge. 
Volunteer offered $5.00 a week toward the bill. 

January 6, 1924.—Visited Mr. Jenkins in hospital. The 
herniotomy was performed January 3. He is very contented and has ~ 
only the highest praise for the doctors and attendants at the hospital. 
He feels that the superintendent of the Dispensary has taken a personal 
interest in him and that it is due to her that he had such splendid care 
in the hospital. He will probably be in, the hospital only four or 
five days more and then at home a week or ten days before he goes 
back to work. 

January 28, 1924.—Letter from Mr. Jenkins to visitor received 
as follows: 


I know you are wondering what has become of me, because I have not 
written or phone you. I have been staying home under orders of the 
doctors, they had forbidden me going to work. I just taken the bandages 
of last Tuesday. I was out to see the children today, it is just grand the 
way Mrs. Black take care of them, they have better care than I thought 
they would have. 

I am going back on my old position tomorrow morning and will be 
sending you $20.00 per week after my second pay day so I can catch up with 
the arrears. I am sorry I could not pay yesterday but you can understand 
why I did not now. 

I am enclosing the letter from the Alpha Printing Co. showing what 
they say. I would like it back some time as I would like to keep it on my 
file.t ’ 

Mrs. Jenkins was to see me today. I don’t think they are able to take 
care of her much longer, as they are complaining of hard times and he is 
borrowing money from anyone they can. I would not like you to say anything 
about this as it would make unpleasant feeling and you know there are 
enough. 


t (This letter was as follows: 


anuary 24, 192 
Dear Sir: J 1 4m O84 


Having heard that you left the hospital, we were wondering if you are able 
to work. Ifso, we would thank you to get in touch with us immediately. Call 
Dearborn 5371 or write. 


By all means, acknowledge the letter so we can make arrangements. 
Yours very truly, 


The Alpha Printing Company 
E. P. GREENLEAF] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 255 


I am feeling better than I have for years, think if I take care of myself 
as I should I will be better physically than I have been for years. I know 
I am better mentally than ever before and hope to improve with old age 
(like Liquor). 

I have a lot that I would like to take up with you when I see you, 
something you may know regarding the children, but you have not said 
anything to me about it. 

I had my teeth cleaned yesterday and got another price $85.00. I will 
keep going until I find the man who can do the work at a fair price and do 
a good job. This Dr. Abben at the corner of Wells & Chicago Ave. can’t 
do any more work for me as he has not had the experience. Don’t think 
he is licenced. I will close for this time hoping to see or hear from you. 

I beg to remain 
Sincerely 


JOSEPH JENKINS 


January 28, 1924.—Letter written by Visitor to Mr. Jenkins. 


I was indeed glad to find out that you have continued to feel better. 
In the press of other things it seemed impossible to make a trip over there 
and I had begun to wonder if by any chance you were ill. I am glad you 
are not. 

That was a fine letter from your employers. I should think you would 
want to keep it. I am returning it to you. 

There are some things I should like to talk over with you, and I shall 
be glad to see you whenever it is convenient. 


[The remaining portions of the record may be briefly summarized. 
Early in March Mr. Jenkins learned from Mrs. Jenkins, who had 
visited him on Sunday afternoons, that Bobby had come in from 
Braedalbane and spent a week-end at his Uncle Leslie’s. Mr. Jenkins 
then wrote Leslie threatening to kill him unless all relations between 
him and the Jenkins children ceased. Leslie Brown sent this letter 
to the visitor, who saw Mr. Jenkins, persuaded him again to see the 
psychiatrist, Dr. Stratton. Hesaid that Mr. Jenkins would probably 
carry out his threat to kill his brother-in-law and that he should be 
committed to the State Hospital. With this letter from the doctor, 
Leslie Brown was able to secure Mr. Jenkins’ apprehension, have him 
taken to the Psychopathic Hospital, and on March 27 committed to 
the State Hospital for the Insane. While he was in the Psychopathic 
Hospital, the visitor saw him and assured him that methods of caring 
for the children would not be changed and he went not too reluctantly 
to the state institution. 


256 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


At this time the Agency was paying $91 a month for the care of the 
three children; and when his earning was interrupted by his commit- 
ment for an indefinite period it seemed necessary to have the children 
adjudged dependent by the Juvenile Court so that the cost of their 
board might be met out of county funds. 

The social service workers at the State Hospital were asked to 
explain these proceedings to him and to reassure him on the point of 
his children’s being placed in an institution, but on April 28, 1924, 
when the notice of the proposed proceedings was served on him, he 
escaped from the hospital. ‘The following day he wrote to the visitor 
arraigning the Agency and the visitor for their treatment of him, 
asking that steps be taken to secure his release, that his furniture be 
taken out of storage, and his children returned to his care. He asked 
for a reply through the personal column of a daily paper, and a request 
that he arrange for an interview either by telephone or letter was 
inserted among the “personals” in the paper named. After some 
negotiation through friends and by telephone he was persuaded to 
come to the office and after a very skilful interview in which it was 
made clear that no change in the method of care of the children was 
intended and that he would jeopardize his chances for an early 
release he was persuaded to return to the hospital. 

In the meantime Mrs. Jenkins had been cared for, first in her 
brother’s home, then at the Lying-In Hospital, where a baby daughter, 
Louisiana Margaret, was born on April 7, then at the Home for the 
Friendless. Institutional care is to be secured for her when her 
brother can be induced to file papers for her commitment. 

The children were brought into court, and declared dependent. 
Captain Stirling was appointed guardian of Bobby, and the superin- 
tendent of the Children’s Friend Society was appointed guardian 
with power to place the other four for whose board the county pays 
$100 a month. ‘They are in the care of the foster mother selected by 
the Children’s Friend Society.] 


ca 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 257 


10. The Family of George Weber 


(A Steel Worker, of German Descent, Whose Wife, 
Lillian, Is Subnormal) 

[This migratory family was for the time being in one of the neigh- 
borhoods in which there are a large number of furnished rooming- 
houses. | 

December 19, 1916.—Miss Kate Davis, Memorial M. E. Church, 
reports family. Mr. Weber is an industrious man, thirty-one years 
old, not a drinker, and has just obtained work at the Acme Foundry. 
He will not be paid until the Friday after Christmas, December 29. 
In the meantime the family is without funds. They seem to be unable 
to obtain credit at the neighborhood grocery store. 

The County Hospital is registered, January 4, 1915. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. Weber, Mrs. Weber, and the two children, 

Grace (born January 31, 1915) and George (born February 19, 1916), 
are living in one large room in a furnace-heated house. They have 
been in Chicago since Jast September, having come from Devlin, 
Missouri, where Mr. Weber had worked in the oil wells. Previous 
to that they had lived from April until July in North Dakota but 
could not remain there because the climate had a bad effect upon the 
baby. Before that they lived in Chicago for six months. They 
were married in Birmingham, where Mr. Weber worked in the steel 
mills and at the time made $20 to $25 a week. They furnished a 
flat there; and everything went well until the mills shut down, and 
‘they were forced to let the furniture go back to the instalment house 
with about $35 due on it. Since their marriage, Mr. Weber has never 
held a job longer than four or five months. He was out of work for 
about a week when Miss Davis obtained his present job for him. He 
will make $12 a week with the prospect of a raise, and will be given 
better work if heis kept on. He will not be kept unless his work proves 
satisfactory. Mrs. Weber is feeding the baby Imperial Granum and 
condensed milk. 

Mrs. Weber has not obtained credit in the grocery store, being 
afraid to ask for it, as she fears being refused. Assured her that she 
need not hesitate as long as Mr. Weber is working and has money 
coming to him. She has already borrowed $2.00 from each of two 
friends and is afraid to ask them for more as they need whatever they 
have. Mr. Weber’s father, who lives in Elkhart, Indiana, is an old 
man and probably being assisted by the county and therefore unable 
to send anything to Mr. Weber. His sister, who formerly helped them 


258 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


when they were in need, has now been forced to go to work herself 
to support her children as she is a widow. 

Promised to communicate with the County Public Welfare Agent 
to secure temporary assistance if they will make an exception as the 
family are non-residents. 

Although Grace is nearly two years old, she has learned to walk 
only since September. She talks very little but understands what is 
said to her. Mrs. Weber says that she has taken her to the clinic at 
the Home of Crippled Children and was told that the child is retarded 
because of having had summer complaint during her first summer but 
that she will come out all right. The baby is getting his teeth and 
appears to be normal. Mrs. Weber has not been very well since he 
was born. Last year a doctor told her that she should have an opera- 
tion, but she is afraid. On visitor’s urging her to take Grace to 
West Side Dispensary and to be examined there herself, Mrs. Weber 
said that she preferred not to go at present as the weather is too bad 
for her to walk and she cannot afford the carfare. Mrs. Weber can 
_ be reached by telephone, Pacific 8238. 

Previous to her marriage Mrs. Weber lived in Birmingham. She 
was born in 1895. Her parents died when she was a baby, and she 
-was brought up by a woman whom she called a nurse. She knows 
nothing whatever of her family. She went to school until she was 
in sixth grade, and at fifteen took her first position as cash girl in a 
department store. She hasalso been saleslady. At sixteen she entered 
the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for nurse maid’s training, 
remaining five months at one time and three months at another. 
She never completed the course. Her ‘nurse’ died when she was 
sixteen or seventeen, and Mrs. Weber then lived with the nurse’s 
cousin. Implied that she had gotten married July 6, 1913, because 
the cousin could not very well keep her. Mrs. Weber would like to 
obtain some kind of work to help out, but does not think she can 
place her children in a day nursery because of bad physical habits, 
of which she has not tried to break them. She might be able to get 
work at home, addressing envelopes, but has not known where to 
apply for it. Visitor suggested that she consult the telephone book 
for names of firms giving such work. 

December 20, 1916.—Telephoned Mr. Bassett, County Public 
Welfare office. Although the family is non-resident, he will have 
their investigator call and probably grant supplies once as an emer- 
gency and perhaps offer deportation, if necessary. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 259 


Later.—Telephoned Miss Davis, source. She obtained the work 
for Mr. Weber at the Acme Company and does not think it advisable 
to consult with the company in an effort to obtain a salary advance. 
She does not think very much of the family but hopes they will get 
along now. The fact that they will probably receive one issue county 
supplies pleased her. 

Later——Telephoned Mrs. Weber reporting that visitor from 
County Public Welfare office will call. 

January 6, 1917.—Telephoned Miss Davis. Mr. Weber is still 
working at the Acme Company at $12 and likes the work. Mrs. 
Weber is paying the rent in small instalments. Grace has been ill, 
but Mrs. Weber has not considered it necessary to call the doctor 
for her. Miss Davis has warned Mr. Weber that if he leaves the 
Acme Company without a definite understanding with the department 
he can never be employed there again. 

July 25, 1918.—Miss Wilson, Ebenezer Baptist Church, telephoned 
asking an immediate investigation of family named Weber. Mr. 
Weber locked Mrs. Weber and the children out. Mrs. Weber went 
out to Maywood to the home of Mrs. Mason, whom she knew at the 
Ebenezer Baptist Church. Mrs. Mason telephoned asking to have 
Mr. Weber take Mrs. Weber home. Mrs. Weber is below normal 
and not good to the children. Church is not helping. Mrs. Weber 
and the children must be placed. Does not know where man is. 

Later.—Visited. Found Mr. Weber at home sitting on the back 
doorstep. They are living in a first-floor four-room apartment. 
His back was all bandaged: He said that yesterday when he was 
shaving and had his back turned, Mrs. Weber took up a coffee pot 
full of boiling coffee and poured it on him. He was so mad he hit 
her and told her either he would leave the house or she would have to. 
She rushed to the neighbors’, and he has not seen her since. He locked 
the door and went to his sister’s. When he came back he found that 
Mrs. Weber had broken a window and taken out her clothes and those 
of the children. Mr. Weber had no idea that Mrs. Weber was in May- 
wood. Showed the visitor the house, which was unspeakably filthy. 
Mr. Weber said Mrs. Weber never did any work, was exceedingly 
lazy, read novels, and insisted upon going to the show nightly. Neg- 
lected the children. Said he had always cleaned the house, got his 
meals, and cared for the children after his work. They have been 
put out of two houses because of filth. He is very fond of the children, 
but said he did not care whether Mrs. Weber was arrested or not. 


260 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


He would not have her in the house. They have quarreled ever since 
they were married, and Mrs. Weber threw hot coffee on his arm just 
a few months ago. ) 

Mr. Weber originally came from Indiana. He has been in the 
army for two years and wants to go now, but Mrs. Weber wil] not 
let him. By profession he is a steel roller, but since the war he has 
been doing various kinds of work with munitions. Says he has 
not been able to keep any job long because his mind is never on his 
work and he has to stay home often because of the children. Now he 
has a good job, which he has had for six weeks only. Hours 7:00 A.M. 
to 3:00 P.M. His employer told him he would get a raise shortly. 
He has a very straightforward manner and is intelligent appearing. 
He has one widowed sister, Mrs. Violet Kolacek, with two children, in 
Chicago. Mrs. Weber is jealous of this sister, and the trouble proba- 
bly started when she found Mr. Weber had paid the doctor for his 
sister to be examined and is going to pay for her operation. Mr. 
Weber had visitor go to see Rose Doran, a friend of Mrs. Weber’s 
[who lives across the street]. She would tell nothing of the quarrel 
and said she could not take Mrs. Weber and the children in. 

Later.—Went with Mr. Weber to see his sister. She is being 
helped by another district of the Welfare Agency. She expects to 
go to the University Hospital, March 29, so cannot take care of Mr. 
Weber’s children. When she recovers she may be able to do so. 
She begged that Mr. Weber take Mrs. Weber back for the children’s 
sake. Is sure Mrs. Weber is mentally off. 

Later.—Called with Mr. Weber, on Miss Kate Davis, deaconess 
of the Memoria] M.E. Church. She has tried to help Mrs. Weber 
at different times but has had no success with her. Thought surely 
something was mentally wrong with her. Thought it a fine idea to 
have her examined at the Psychopathic Hospital. Would be willing 
to co-operate with Agency as much as possible. Mr. Weber finally 
promised to go to Maywood for his wife, but he made the visitor 
promise to have Mrs. Weber examined. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Mason, to see if Mr. Weber went there. 
Said he had just left, but a few minutes before he came Mrs. Weber 
took the Madison Street car and was planning to go home. She 
said Mrs. Weber slept on the church lawn with the children, across 
from her house. She®was so filthy they made her stay on the back 
porch. Told her she must go home, but Mrs. Weber was afraid Mr. 
Weber would kill her. Mrs. Mason has never known Mrs. Weber 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 261 


well. She has tried to help her. Knows very little about her and 
thinks she is subnormal. Approves of the plan to have her examined. 
Said she had a long talk with Mr. Weber. Thinks him honest and 
well meaning. Mr. Weber told her he wanted to pay $3.00 a week to 
keep the children in a private home. Asks that Agency report to her 
steps taken. 

July 29, 1918.—Visited. Mr. Weber was not at home. Mrs. 
Weber and the children were there. Mrs. Weber was on the bed 
reading a novel. Her eyes attract one’s attention at once. They 
are huge, stary eyes. With her curly hair on end and her queer eyes 
she looked like a wild woman. ‘The children were filthy and the house 
was in the same condition as it was when the visitor last called. Mrs. 
Weber said Mr. Weber would be at home July 30. 

July 30, 1918.—Visited. Found both Mr. Weber and Mrs. 
Weber there. They seem to be contented and happy. The house 
was very clean, and Mrs. Weber and the children looked quite neat. 
Mr. Weber said he did not want Mrs. Weber to be examined. Wanted 
the whole matter dropped. 

July 31, 1918.—Telephoned Mrs. Mason that at present Mr. 
Weber did not want anything further done in regard to Mrs. Weber. 
They evidently had made up—were good friends again. 

August 6, 1923.—Miss Lyons, Joint Children’s Bureau, telephoned 
that Mrs. Weber was there asking that her children be placed. Miss 
Lyons felt that no action could be taken until home conditions were 
looked into and asked that Welfare Agency do this. 

Later. —Mrs. Weber in the office. She is a small, rather colorless- 
appearing woman. She talks in a monotone. She did not wish to 
consider anything but having her children placed. She feels that she 
is too ill to care for them in the home and that she will never be better 
until she is relieved of their care. She has decided to leave her husband 
because he drinks and does not keep a steady job. For references 
she gave Lieutenant Sirius, Salvation Army Post No. 4, and Dr. 
Colgate, Salvation Army. 

Mrs. Weber gave practically the same story of her life as she told 
earlier in the record. [Two children have been born since the previous 
episode, Florence (born July 16, 1919) and Joseph (born July 31, 1920). 
The family has moved several times since 1918 and are now living ina 
four-room first-floor rear apartment on one of the main east and west 
thoroughfares.} Mr. Weber is now working for Miller Hardware 
Company as night watchman, while his father is on a vacation. She 


262 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


says that he was recently in Court of Domestic Relations on the com- 
plaint of some neighborhood girl that he had attacked her. ‘The case, 
however, was dismissed as the complainants did not appear. [Mr. 
Weber was found not guilty.| Mrs. Weber said that she would try 
to have Mr. Weber call at the office as it will be difficult to find him at 
home within the next few days. , 

August 8, 1923-—Mr. Weber in the office. Said that he would 
like to have the children cared for for a month or two so that Mrs. 
Weber might have a chance to rest. He does not feel it would be a 
permanent placement. At the present time he is relieving his father, 
who is on a vacation, and his salary is $24 a week. He thinks he can 
pay about $12 a week for the care of the children. His sister, Violet, 
Mrs. Kolacek (also a case), has recently remarried, and he does not 
feel that he would like to burden her with the care of the children. 
His father is living with his sister. 

He said that Mrs. Weber did little housework, that she punished 
the children severely at times, that she often went away and left them 
locked up in the evening. He feels that this is due to her present 
state of health. 

Dr. Colgate has been their family doctor for some time. A short 
time ago the doctor told him that Mrs. Weber really should be in the 
State Hospital. Mr. Weber feels that he would like to have her have 
a complete rest and see if that would do any good. 

August 10, 1923.—Telephoned Dr. Colgate for a report. He 
confirmed the statement that he was the Webers’ family doctor 
and that, from his observation from visits to the home, the children 
are very much neglected. He has not seen Mrs. Weber for a month 
and would not like to give any recommendations until she returns 
for examination. 

August 11, 1923-August 23, 1923.—Through Miss Lyons of the 
Joint Children’s Bureau, arrangements were made for the children to 
be placed—two of them in the Home for the Friendless temporarily 
until the home in Riverside is out of quarantine. The other two 
children were placed in another home. 

August 24, 1923.—Mr. and Mrs. Weber in office. Each was put 
out with the other one. It seems that Mrs. Weber went down to 
the Salvation Army Officers’ Headquarters in South Haven, Michigan, 
where she had notified visitor she was going. Mr. Weber knew this 
because he had been in the office. He was quite angry over the fact 
that she had not told him where she was going, and when he found 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 263 


out where she was, went down to South Haven to see her. They 
both went over to Dr. Colgate’s office, and the-latter is to telephone 
the visitor. Mr. Weber is very evidently afraid that Mrs. Weber is 
not going to come back to him. He said that she made the statement 
that maybe it would be two days, two weeks, or two years, before 
she came back. Before they left the office Mr. Weber finally agreed 
to let Mrs. Weber go down to South Haven for two weeks if she 
would write to him twice a week and come and go with him to see the 
children on Sunday. 

Later.—Dr. Colgate called. He said he could find nothing organi- 
cally wrong with Mrs. Weber. Neither does he think she is insane. 
He thought any plan which would get her away from home for a while 
would be advisable. He also agreed that an examination by a special- 
ist, a psychiatrist, would be a good thing. Mr. and Mrs. Weber 
apparently had some words after they left the office—both at the 
Joint Children’s Bureau and at the Home for the Friendless. Miss 
Lyons, Joint Children’s Bureau, telephoned that Mr. Weber had been 
down there and said he was going to take the two children from the 
Home for the Friendless and hire a housekeeper. Miss Lyons also 
mentioned the fact that Grace is in a rather bad nervous state and 
should not be moved from the Home for the Friendless at present. 

August 27, 1923.~Telephoned Miss Taylor, Home for the Friend- 
less, who reports that Grace is better but is in the infirmary. She 
will notify visitor when she is to be transferred. 

September 1, 1923——Mr. Weber in office to report that Mrs. 
Weber has been gone some days. He threatens to get her committed 
on three doctors’ statements, which he says he has. 

September 7, 1923——Mrs. Weber in office. Said Mr. Weber told 
her to leave and that she is not going back to him. He drinks periodi- 
cally; moonshine is the cause of the present difficulty. He throws 
the things about the house and then asks visitor to come and see how 
she keeps house. Mr. Weber’s father gave him $100 September 4. 
He gave Mrs. Weber $20, of which she now has $11. Paid $2.00 for 
a coat for herself. Mr. Weber’s father has given him money off and 
on for four years. She said she would go to Mrs. Kolacek’s to remain 
temporarily. 

Made an appointment for medical examination at West Side 
Dispensary. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. Weber had been home all day awaiting 
Mrs. Weber’s return. He acknowledged that he told her to leave 


264 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


but denied that he had been drinking or had ever done so. He says 
that Mrs. Weber has never been any better housekeeper or cook than 
she is at present. He used to do a great deal of the housework but 
got tired of it. He thinks that if she can run about to meetings she 
is able to do some work in her home. She told him some very 
disgusting and shocking things about immoral relations with men the 
day after they were married. Although it was very hard to endure, 
he forgave her and does not hold it against her. He is fond of his 
wife, else he would not put up with her as he does. He is willing to 
do anything for her benefit. She has been a religious fanatic, first 
a Presbyterian, then a Methodist, next the Volunteers of America, 
and now the Salvation Army. She goes down to the Atlantic Mission 
(Mr. Kingsley superintendent) but at home she is not religious and 
swears like a sailor. She goes to the Volunteers of America and buys 
old clothes, shoes, and books. Several months ago she went to Albert 
K. Waverly, at 235 Adams Street, to petition for divorce. He went to 
Mr. Kingsley about it, and he had the petition recalled. He thinks 
that Mrs. Weber is mentally defective or unbalanced else she would 
not act as she does. 

Most of Mr. Weber’s work is secret service in connection with 
labor troubles. His pay amounts to about $150 a month when he is 
steadily engaged. He could do much better if his.shome life was better. 
His work appears to be very irregular because he only stays while 
looking up something in connection with secret service. For instance 
he worked in a lumber yard for a few weeks in order to find out who 
was smoking there. As soon as he found out he left. He does not 
like to take work that sends him out of the city because he wants to 
be with his family. 

Mr. Weber took George to the Municipal Tuberculosis Dispensary 
for a medical examination just before the close of school last spring. 
He had an examination at that time himself at Mrs. Weber’s urgent 
request. She thought he had tuberculosis because he coughed. The 
home consists of four rooms which are very dark because the blinds 
are drawn. There are piles of dirty clothes in a number of places 
in the house. Beds dirty and disorderly looking. Mr. Weber 
says the house is full of vermin. Kitchen also dirty and did not 
look as if any cooking had been done recently. Foul odor in the 
house. | 
September 8, 1923.—Mr. and Mrs. Weber in office. Mr. Weber 
showed a check for $9.00 for the past night’s work, expenses $2.00. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 205 


He says he will not work for the next day or two until family 
matters are adjusted. Mrs. Weber may come home if she so desires. 

Mrs. Weber acknowledged that she bought clothing from Volun- 
teers of America. Said that she bought laundered articles cheap; 
when they were dirty she was unable to wash them and so bought 
new ones. Shortly after they were married she told Mr. Weber about 
being assaulted by a man when she was fourteen years old. He 
continually taunts her about it. Mr. Weber tells her that she is 
insane and that she ought to go to a hospital. 

She says that Mr. Weber was dishonorably discharged from the 
army before they were married, about 1909 possibly. He was dis- 
charged as judge of election because of his being accused in the 
Court of Domestic Relations last spring. He has upon several 
occasions struck her and she wants to secure a divorce. Does not 
want to go back home—wanted help in gettting a room elsewhere. 

September 10, 1923.—Visited Mr. Weber, Sr., a rather feeble 
old gentleman. He lives with his daughter and works at night as a 
watchman. He did not know his daughter-in-law until two years 
after his son married her. From the time he first knew her she has 
not been a good housekeeper, and it seems impossible for her to cook. 
He thinks she is worse of late than she ever has been before. His 
son has helped at times with housework and at present does his own 
laundry work. He does not know about his son’s drinking nor about 
his work record. He gave him money several years ago during 
the time of unemployment. Recently he drew out $200 from his 
bank account and gave George $100 and Violet $100. He thinks 
that both his son and his wife are to blame for their trouble, but does 
not know what can be done about it. He is very fond of his grand- 
children and would dislike to have them placed permanently. Mrs. 
Weber is not a welcome guest at the house because she continually 
talks over her family troubles and implicates them all. The home is 
on the second floor of a rather good-looking apartment house. ‘The 
rooms were comfortably furnished and quite clean. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Kolacek at the Star Emporium, where she 
is employed. She is a neat-appearing clerk in the dress department 
in the basement. She said that she and her brother are not on speak- 
ing terms and that she had forbidden him to enter her home. She 
says she does not know how he lives without working. She does not 
like to have her father help him, for he is getting old and may need 
his money. 


266 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


She has been a widow with three children and she took care of 
herself without anyone’s help or assistance but she had to work to 
do it. Mrs. Kolacek says that her brother received a dishonorable 
discharge from the army because he refused to salute a superior officer. 
He felt himself to be as good as anyone else. She thinks her sister-in- 
law is fickle and incapable but does not agree with her brother that 
she has a mind of a fifteen-year old-child; she thinks her brother is 
more likely to have the fifteen-year-old mind. She thinks Mrs. 
Weber is to be pitied, for Mr. Weber is so unsympathetic and unreason- 
able with her and talks so loudly to her. Both are to blame for 
their difficulty. Mrs. Weber does not seem to have any affection for 
Mr. Weber; declares she hates him. She does not know whether 
her brother cares any more for Mrs. Weber. Mrs. Kolacek kept 
saying that she could not bother with these people, she has troubles 
of her own. She goes to the Tuberculosis Clinic occasionally and has a 
pre-tubercular boy. She cannot give them any help. She is not 
able to work steadily at the store. 

Later.—Visited West Side Dispensary. Mrs. Weber reported 
for gynecology examination. [Serious condition was discovered.| 
Home treatment was prescribed. She should also return to Dis- 
pensary for treatment. Because of her condition she is very nervous. 
She had blood tests. She is to return on the thirteenth for mental 
examination. Doctor wishes to see Mr. Weber. 

Later.-—Visited. Mrs. Weber was not at home, and Mr. Weber 
could not say where she had gone. He was much concerned about 
what the doctor might want of him but said he would go to the Dis- 
pensary. Seems to think Dr. Colgate should be consulted rather 
than anyone else. 

Mr. Weber had paid up to September 21 for care of the children. 
Grace and George are in Riverside Children’s Receiving Home. He 
showed receipt for $12 paid. The other two are in the. Dorcas Chil- 
dren’s Home Association, Grovedale. He also showed receipt for 
payment of $12 for care of these. 

“Dorothea” at Volunteers of America is the woman from whom 
Mrs, Weber buys her clothes. 

History—Mr. Weber went to a country school, quit in fourth 
grade, when he was eleven years old. He studied when in the army. 
He entered in August or September, t906—Army Serial No. 2155, 
Private oth United States Infantry, located at Fort Missoula, Mon- 
tana. He was discharged in late summer of 1909. He said he did 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 267 


not have his misoularee papers. [He gave the names of several 
employers.] 

September 11, 1923.—Visited Pennant Cafeteria, 296 Washington 
St. Mr. Weber was investigating and receiving clerk there for prob- 
ably six or seven months, about six months ago. He did fairly satis- 
factory work, nothing especially commendable, but good. He did 
some detective work for them. ‘They did not remember his wages. 
They did not care to consult records for more exact data. 

Later—Mr. Weber in office. He was much disturbed about 
visits made to his relatives. Said that his sister attempted to commit 
suicide two weeks ago. He acknowledged that he drank. Said he 
drank on Saturday, the eighth. Would quit and be a man. He 
would help his wife with the housework. He felt ashamed of his 
actions. 

September 12, 1923.—Visited California Tool Works, 451 West 
Street. Mr. Weber had said that he had worked there as helper in 
furnace room, receiving an average weekly salary of $28. Miss 
Wallace, informant, said that he left of his own accord giving as his 
reason that he was leaving the city. His work was satisfactory. Mr. 
Weber stated that when he worked at this place he had no connection 
with the secret service work. He gave his wife his pay envelope 
each week which he thinks has been the cause of much trouble. 

Later.—Visited Mr. Robert Graves, 415 West Street, Room 205. 
He has a very nice office and is a gentlemanly business man. He 
said that Mr. Weber had done work for them at different times for 
about four years. Their plan of work,is this: An industry or business 
firm asked them for a detective to investigate something in connection 
with their working force. They send a man who is employed at 
some odd job that he may be able to do and receive whatever wage the 
job yields. He remains until the investigation is completed, when 
he either leaves of his own accord or is dismissed by his employer. 
Mr. Graves states that they pay a per diem rate depending upon the 
nature of the work. Mr. Weber has been receiving from $60 to $75 
a month from them. ‘They have always found him to be honest and 
dependable, and they are well satisfied with his work. He also does 
secret service work for other agencies, he thinks. Mr. Graves does 
not know that he drinks. 

September 13, 1923.—Visited West Side Dispensary. Mrs. 
Weber was there. Mr. Weber reported to doctor that Mrs. Weber 
is contemplating doing some work soliciting for the Volunteers of 


268 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


America from 9:00 to 12:00 each morning. She would like to get 
away some place out of the sound of Mr. Weber’s voice. He speaks 
so loud it irritates her very much. | 

September 19, 1923—Mrs. Weber in office. She was looking 
better but said that she was weak. She came to ask if the doctor 
at the West Side Dispensary had said that she could not have her 
children back again. She said that Mr. Weber is not working, that 
he said that since visitor had seen Mr. Graves he had lost his job, 
and that he says it is no use for him to work if he cannot have the chil- 
dren. Mrs. Weber has been unable to secure work with the Volun- 
teers of America as solicitor, but hopes to get other work. She would 
like to have Mr. Weber ordered to give her a certain amount of money 
each week—then she could manage her home. Mr. Weber sometimes 
throws his food on to the floor. He buys and prepares his own meals. 
When Mr. Weber worked for the California Tool Company he gave 
her about $27 a week. She sent out the laundry and had a woman 
come in to do cleaning. 

Advised Mrs. Weber not to nag at Mr. Weber about employment 
but rather to clean up her house and keep it fresh, to prepare meals 
on time, and to serve them properly. If she will do all that, she will 
have plenty of work todo. ‘That it is all up to Mr. Weber and herself 
whether or not the children are returned to them. If they will 
discontinue their jangling and plan to co-operate and make a home 
in which the children will receive the proper care, they may hope to 
get them back, otherwise it was uncertain what would be done. 

September 19, 1923.—Telephoned Miss Davis. She does not 
consider Mrs. Weber mentally capable of caring for her house or 
children. Mr. Weber she thinks has a fairly good work record and 
would do much better if Mrs. Weber were more capable. He has 
always been very fond of the children, but Mrs. Weber has wished 
them out of her way. Mr. Weber thought of getting a woman to 
keep house and care for the children, but he does not earn enough 
to make that possible. Mr. Weber cannot trust Mrs. Weber with 
very much money as she is so incapable of buying and Mr. Weber 
does not know how to make purchases either. She thinks Mrs. Weber 
would profit by six months’ training in an institution for the feeble- 
minded. She suggested that Captain Gross at Salvation Army 
might be able to help work out a plan for Mrs. Weber’s training. 
Miss Page, formerly there, knew Mrs. Weber very much better than 
Captain Gross, but she is out of the city. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 269 


Later.—Visited Municipal Tuberculosis Dispensary. George has 
glandular tuberculosis. Mr. Weber is non-tubercular. 

September 21, 1923.—Telephoned Juvenile Psychopathic Bureau 
and made appointment for examination of Grace and George October 
15 at 9:00 A.M. ‘The parents may both come if they wish. Want 
visitor to come with children. 

Later.—Visited Captain Gross, Salvation Army. She said that 
Mrs. Weber is not coming to meetings at present. She used to come 
when Miss Page was there. Captain Gross refused to be a personal 
friend of Mrs. Weber’s, which she thinks is why Mrs. Weber does not 
come any more. Miss Page was more friendly, but she is now at 
South Haven, Michigan. Mrs. Weber went there to see her not long 
ago. Miss Page tried to help Mrs. Weber do housework by trying 
to have her help about the camp, but all to no purpose. Captain 
Gross has visited the home upon several occasions and always found 
it disorderly and dirty. She did some work there in the house when 
Mrs. Weber was ill at one time. She wanted Mrs. Weber to take the 
children to their summer camp last summer, but Mrs. Weber refused 
to go because she was not able to get them ready. ‘Tried to suggest 
ways of helping, but to no purpose. Mrs. Weber does not seem to 
care for the children, but Miss Gross thinks Mr. Weber does. She 
thinks them all subnormal mentally or deficient in some way except 
the baby. She thinks they should have better care and training than 
Mrs. Weber can give them. Mrs. Weber has at times locked the chil- 
dren up in the house while she went from place to place. Mrs. Weber 
seems to crave friendship with someone outside her home. If anyone 
is kind or friendly to her, she will go to their home and stay until she 
is told togo home. She often wrote sentimental letters of appreciation 
to Captain Gross about her sermons, etc. She questions her morality 
because Mrs. Weber confessed in an altar service at the camp at one 
time that Mr. Weber is not the father of the baby, although he does 
not know it. 

Mr. Weber she thinks is also deficient, but is superior to his 
wife. Mrs. Weber told her that he had an illegitimate child at Michi- 
gan City, Indiana. Mrs. Weber told visitor the same thing; said the 
child is now nearly grown up. Captain Gross thinks the rape story 
is Mrs. Weber’s own invention. Has no suggestions as to treatment 
for family—thinks it is quite hopeless. | 

Later—Visited Miss Dora Stoneman, Volunteers of America. 
She has known the Weber family for a number of years and knows a 


270 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


great deal about their affairs, but she does not like to talk about them. 
They have bought most of their furniture from them. Mr. Weber 
has bought clothes there. Mrs. Weber bought clothes for herself 
and the children but not many shoes. Mrs. Weber has asked for 
work as solicitor, but they cannot use her for she would not be efficient 
enough to be paid. She thinks the family problem requires a ‘“Solo- 
mon to solve.” 

Later.—Visited Atlantic Mission, South Street. Mr. Kingsley, 
the superintendent, said that Mrs. Weber came there and told them 
her domestic difficulties, and it seemed to him that she should have a 
divorce. He referred her to his nephew, who is an attorney. Mr. 
Weber came to see why he was helping his wife to get a divorce, and 
he went to the Weber home with Mr. Weber. He thinks if Mrs. 
Weber would keep a clean house and cook good meals Mr. Weber would 
beachanged man. Referred visitor to his helper, Miss Roth, for further 
information. Miss Roth has tried in many ways to help the Weber 
family. She has gone into the home at times and done work. Once 
she was called in by Mrs. Weber and found two Salvation Army 
girls there helping with the work. She thinks Mrs. Weber likes to 
have people give her attention. She made out a very simple schedule 
for Mrs. Weber to use in doing her housework, but all her efforts have 
been in vain. She felt very sorry for Mrs. Weber but found there 
were two sides to the family quarrel. Mrs. Weber complained of 
lack of money and physical strength as the cause for the condition of 
her home, but Miss Roth insisted that soap and water were available 
and that if she is able to come to meetings every night she is able to 
to do a few things at home during the day. She has tried to impress 
upon Mrs. Weber that ‘“‘love of God in the heart will cause a person 
to be clean in person and manner of living.”” She thinks Mrs. Weber 
has improved in personal appearance. Mrs. Weber has confessed 
in testimonial meetings to swearing and to outbursts of temper. 
Mrs. Weber has wanted to get rid of the care of the children—wanted 
them put in an orphanage. She tried to have them place one of 
them for her. She also asked them to help her get work. She wants 
a divorce but Miss Roth does not think she has grounds for it. Also 
wants Mr. Weber taken into the Court of Domestic Relations, but 
Miss Roth thinks that is futile. If Mrs. Weber had money she would 
spend it foolishly. Mr. Weber, she thinks, may be turned away from 
their meetings by his wife’s actions. If they could interest him 
perhaps they could bring about a reconciliation between the two— 


s 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 271 


that would improve the home. They think Mr. Weber is very fond 
of the children. 

September 22, 1923.—Visited. The house was in better order, floor 
had been scrubbed and blinds raised. Mr. and Mrs. Weber were quite 
agreeable unti] Mr. Weber’s work was mentioned, when Mrs. Weber 
began her nagging again. She does not want him about the house— 
insists upon a steady job with regular hours; but Mr. Weber kept 
good natured and said that he may secure regular employment. 
Mr. Weber had been requested to see the doctor at the West Side 
Dispensary. ‘The doctor knew his whole past, he thought, and gave 
him a good jacking up. He thinks it may be good for him although 
it was not pleasant. He has done some secret service work and paint- 
ing and odd jobs about neighborhood recently. He seemed to feel 
a little hurt that visitor doubted his word about employment and had 
to verify it. He said that the work he did at the Pennant Cafeteria 
was all on his own account, that he was not supposed to do detective 
work without a license, so did not want it known. He is thinking 
of leaving town to do some work. He has not been drinking or been 
in a saloon for two weeks. 

Mrs. Weber goes to the West Side Dispensary twice a week for 
treatment, on Monday and Thursday afternoons. She is willing to go 
to a convalescent home. Mr. Weber is very anxious to have her go— 
wanted to know the expenses—and will pay all that he is able to and 
give Mrs. Weber spending money. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Weber are pleased with the way the children 
are getting along. Mr. Weber has often spoken of his humiliation 
at Grace’s verminous condition when she left home. Both Grace 
and George have had tonsils and adenoids removed, they said. They 
are willing that the children be examined at the Juvenile Psychopathic © 
Bureau but do not see very much necessity for it. Mr. Weber will go 
with Mrs. Weber when they are examined but is not particular about it. 

September 24, 1923.—Visited West Side Dispensary. Miss 
Ruthven, Social Service Department, said that tests made at the time 
Mrs. Weber was examined were negative. The physician who has 
been giving Mrs. Weber treatments said that she need not return for 
further treatments. Secured statement showing that Mrs. Weber 
had no contagious disease. 

September 25, 1923.—Telephoned Oakwood Convalescent Home. 
They will take Mrs. Weber any time she can come. Would like to 
have Mr. Weber pay what he can toward expense. 


2/2 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Visited. Mr. Weber was getting ready to do some clean- 
ing. Mrs. Weber, he said, had gone to a dressmaker’s, who is a friend 
of hers on Austin Street. He is planning to go to Gary to work in the 
steel mills there; he thinks wages will be 70 cents an hour. He will 
have to pay $1.75 for board and room. This is not in connection with 
secret service work. He is thinking of quitting the latter because he 
does not have enough work to do to earn very much. He said that 
he could not state definitely what amount he can pay for Mrs. Weber 
at Oakwood Home. He is not able to pay anything at present and 
cannot go beyond $5.00 a week. He will tell her to come to the office. 

Mrs. Weber goes to Salvation Army on Dearborn Street, across 
from the Atlantic Mission. Lieutenant Vick there knows her. Urged 
Mr. Weber to go with Mrs. Weber to Atlantic Mission meetings. 
He did not like the idea of it because of Mrs. Weber’s actions. 

September 26, 1923.—Mrs. Weber in office. She is planning to 
go to Oakwood Home as soon as she can get ready. 

September 27, 10923.—Visited Riverside Home. Miss Jonas, 
superintendent, said that Mrs. Weber came there about two weeks 
ago and stayed three days. Finally they had to send her home. 
She wanted to help do the work. 

September 29, 1923.—|The following statement sent to the 
Juvenile Psychopathic Bureau:| 


PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL HISTORY OF GRACE AND GEORGE WEBER 


I. REASONS FOR REQUESTING EXAMINATIONS: 


To secure a psychiatric study of the children’s behavior with a special 
view to recommendations as to their supervision in their home or care in a 
boarding-home or institution. 


II. SOCIAL AGENCIES: 


Case was first referred to the Welfare Agency December 19, 1916, by 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, because of financial need owing to irregular 
employment of the father. Case was again referred to the Agency July 25, 
1918, by the Baptist Church, when the father locked the mother and children 
out of doors. The visitor found the father with his back badly burned. 
He said that, while shaving, his wife had taken a coffee pot of boiling hot 
coffee and poured it on tohim. He became so angry he struck her and told 
her to leave or he would. He thought her mentally unbalanced. Before 
a medical examination could be made of the mother, the parents had adjusted 
their difficulties, and refused medical care. Case was again referred to the 
Agency by Joint Children’s Bureau August 8, 1923, for an investigation of 
the home conditions as the mother had requested that the children be 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 273 


placed. Father and George reported to Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Clinic June 28, 1923. Parents reported to West Side Dispensary September 
10, 1923, for mental and physical examination. 

III. INForMANTs: 

Mother, Mrs. Lillian Weber. Impression: She is an incapable, irre- 
sponsible person and seems to have little affection for her children. She 
seems to crave the friendship of people outside her home. She is religiously 
inclined, but goes from one religious group to another, probably because 
the leaders refuse to become personal friends or that they insist upon her 
attending to home duties. She has no interest in home-making whatsoever 
and has never kept a clean house and cooked good meals. for her family. 
She loses her temper, continually slaps and scolds the children. Her 
information as to facts is quite reliable, excepting dates, etc., but her inter- 
pretation is good. 

Father, George H. Weber. Impression: He is somewhat stubborn, 
suspicious, at times very unreasonable, and has a very harsh manner of 
speaking. He is straightforward as a rule in his dealings. He seems to be 
fond of the children and interested in their welfare. His work record shows 
irregular employment, but his employers speak well of him. It seems that 
he is very much discouraged because of unpleasant home conditions. He 
punishes the children by whipping, using his hand and sometimes a razor 
strap. 

Paternal grandfather, Mr. William Weber. Impression: A well- 
behaved old gentleman. He is conservative and fair in his statements 
concerning his son and daughter-in-law; blames them both for failure to 
get along better. He is fond of his grandchildren and would dislike to have 
them placed permanently. 

Paternal aunt, Mrs. Violet Kolacek. Impression: She is neat and 
pleasing in her personal appearance. She does not look very strong. She 
has been married twice and does not seem happy in her present marriage 
as she says she has troubles of her own. She seems to be energetic and is 
impatient with her brother because he does not work more steadily. Her 
home is quite good and seems to be clean. 

Miss Jonas, superintendent, Riverside Receiving Home, agate 
Illinois. Impression: She is a young woman of pleasing personality and 
seems very fond of children and is much interested in them. She has had 
Grace and George in her care since August 1, 1923. She sends children 
to bed and has them sit on chair for punishment. 

George’s present teacher, Miss Marion Kales, Alcott School, Riverside. 
Impression: She is young but mature. Although she had known George 
but two weeks she had made a number of observations of his behavior. 
She had quite definite knowledge of the quality of his work. She seemed to 
be a fair-minded, kindly disposed person. She does not use corporal punish- 
ment in her room. 


274 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Grace’s and George’s former teachers, Garfield School, Chicago. 
Impression: They seemed to feel discouraged about their efforts to impart 
knowledge to the children. They were rather flippant in some of their 
remarks. A very large number of children in their rooms were colored. 
They did not give very definite information as they had just dismissed their 
rooms and were very anxious to leave the building. They did not use 
corporal punishment of any kind. Kept the children after school some- 
times to get their work. 


JV. FAMILY HISTORY: 


Heredity. Paternal grandparents. Grandmother died many years 
ago. Grandfather is now seventy-three years old, health good. He has 
no property. He works all of the time as night watchman. He has given 
small amounts of money to his son at different times for the past several 
years during times when he is unemployed. 

Maternal grandparents. Nothing is known of them. 

Paternal siblings. There is one paternal aunt, Mrs. Violet Kolacek. 
She has three children by a previous marriage. She is employed in the 
Star Emporium as clerk in the dress department in the basement. One 
of her children, a boy about twelve years old, is pre-tubercular and takes 
treatments under the direction of a Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Clinic. Mrs. Kolacek also reports to a Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Clinic. She has given her brother financial aid in the past. She attempted 
to commit suicide a few weeks ago. (Source, Mrs. Kolacek, George H. 
Weber, Welfare Agency Record.) 

Maternal siblings. Nothing is known of any. 

Parents. Father, George H. Weber, thirty-eight years old, was born 
of German descent in Indiana. He attended a country school, leaving when 
he was in the fourth grade at about the age of eleven. He served in the 
Army for two years, was dishonorably discharged in 1904, because he refused 
to salute a superior officer. By trade he is a steel roller, but he has been 
doing various kinds of work, in foundries and as a painter. The past three 
or four years he has done secret service work at different times. He says 
that his wife’s inefficiency to care for him hinders him in his work. He 
drinks some but not to excess, as it has not interfered with his work. He 
has lived in North Dakota and has been in Chicago since September, 1916. 
He was in the Municipal Court, June 13, 1923, on a charge of contributing 
to the delinquency of an eight-year-old girl. He was found not guilty and 
discharged. September 17, 1923, at the West Side Dispensary, he was 
found to be in good physical health, but the psychiatric diagnosis was 
paranoid personality, constitutionally stubborn, suspicious, and resistive 
to suggestion or advice. (Source, George Weber, Mrs. Kolacek, clerk of 
Municipal Court, West Side Dispensary, Pennant Cafeteria, California 
Tool Works, Robert Graves, 415 West St.) 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 275 


Mother, Lillian Weber, age twenty-eight, was born in Birmingham. 
Her parents died when she was a baby and she was brought up by a woman 
she called a nurse. She knows nothing whatever of her family. She went 
to school until she was in the sixth grade, and at fifteen she took her first 
position as cash girl in a department store. She has also been a saleslady. 
At sixteen she entered the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for nursemaid’s 
training, remaining five months at one time and three at another. She 
never completed the course. Her nurse died when she was sixteen or 
seventeen years old, and then she went to live with the nurse’s cousin. She 
knew Mr. Weber one week before she married him. She had a physical 
and mental examination at the West Side Dispensary, September ro and 
17th, 1923. The doctor made this statement in his report: ‘‘ Physically, 
Mrs. Weber is a frail woman in poor health especially needing gynecological 
treatment. (She took all these treatments advised.) Mentally she is 
diagnosed, constitutionally inferior, inadequate personality. She grades 
slightly above the feeble-minded in intellectual development and her judg- 
ment is very poor. She is not mentally capable of bringing up her children.” 
She goes to Salvation Army meetings and also meetings of other missions, 
being out many nights each week. She went out of town for a short time 
upon two different occasions during the past summer. She has a very 
dirty home. (Source: Mr. and Mrs. Weber; West Side Dispensary; 
Salvation Army Officer, Captain Gross; Mr. Kingsley, and Miss Roth, 
Atlantic Mission.) 

Siblings: (1) Grace, 1-31-15 (patient); (2) George, 2-19-16 (patient); 
(3) Florence, 7-16-19 (at Dorcas Home); (4) Joseph, 7-31-20 (at Dorcas 
Home). 

Marital relations of parents.—The parents are very uncongenial. They 
jangle constantly, and Mrs. Weber talks continually of getting a divorce. 
She complains of Mr. Weber’s unemployment, and he of her poor house- 
keeping. He cannot give her money for household expenditures as she 
spends it foolishly, and she complains that she does not receive support 
from him. Mr. Weber says that his wife told him the day after they were 
married of immoral sex relations she had had. Mrs. Weber says that she 
was assaulted when she was fourteen years old and that she told her husband 
about it shortly after they were married. He has never ceased to taunt 
her about it. She stated that he has an illegitimate child that is now nearly 
grown in Indiana. She confessed in a religious meeting that Mr. Weber 
is not the father of her youngest child, but that he does not know it. 
(Source: Mrs. and Mr. Weber; Mr. James Weber; Captain Gross, Salvation 
Army.) 

Relations between patients and family—The children have never run 
away from home. They used to quarrel about who would go to school. 
Grace was untruthful to father. She would hit the younger children and 
then deny it. She has always told things freely. She did not want her 


276 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


father to quarrel with her mother. She took her mother’s part in the 
disagreements. George was made to wash dishes for punishment. Grace 
did most of the dishwashing as a usual thing. 

Relation between patients and superintendent of Riverside Home.—Both 
of the children are scared when they do something they think is wrong; 
they seem to have been whipped or punished severely. But they both 
seem to go as far as they can in wrong doing. Neither of them can be trusted 
to do errands. George lies to get out of difficulties, finally acknowledges. 
He took five cents that was given to him to buy a book for school and spent 
it for candy. Grace begged money of Miss Jonas at one time. She is a 
tomboy, gets very dirty. (Source: Miss Jonas, Superintendent, Riverside 
Home.) 

Economic condition of family—The family is not well-to-do. Mr. 
Weber’s wages amount to about $20 or $30 per week when he is employed, 
but his work is quite irregular. (Source: Employers and Mr. Weber, 
Mrs. Kolacek, Welfare Agency Record.) 

Religion.—Mr. Weber was formerly a member of the Christian church. 
Since he has been in Chicago he has attended the Salvation Army meetings, 
but is not a regular attendant. He has become rather indifferent to church 
owing to his wife’s actions. Mrs. Weber has attended Episcopal, Baptist, 
Presbyterian, Moody Institute, Salvation Army, several different posts, 
and Atlantic Mission. The children have attended the Salvation Army 
Sunday school. At Riverside they attend Lutheran Sunday school. 
(Source: Mr. James Weber, Mr. George Weber, Miss Davis, Deaconess 
M. E. Church; Miss Wilson, Second Baptist Church; Captain Gross, 
Salvation Army; Mr. Kingsley, Atlantic Mission; Miss Jonas, Riverside 
Home.) 

Home and neighborhood.—The family has four rooms and bathroom on 
the first floor of an old frame house, for which they pay $15 per month rent. 
The house fronts the street and there is a front entrance. ‘The blinds are 
usually kept drawn so that it is very dark. The neighborhood is not very 
good. ‘There are a number of small stores near and some manufacturing 
plants are not very far away. The population consists of white and colored 
people. There is considerable space at the back of the house that is clean 
and has been covered with sand. The family has lived there for four years. 
They do not sit down to meals together. Mr. Weber prepares his own meals 
and Mrs. Weber prepares hers, and each eats separately. Mr. Weber does 
his own laundry work. (Source: Visitor, Welfare Agency, Mr. James 
Weber, Mr. George Weber.) 

Patient’s personal history.—Grace (born January 31, 1915) walked when 
one year, nine months. She talked very very little at two years, but 
understood what was said to her. She had summer complaint her first 
summer. (Source: Welfare Record, December 19, 1916). She is tongue- 
tied. Father was tongue-tied until eight or nine years old. (Source: 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 719 | 


Father.) Both of the children have speech defects. Grace speaks like a 
child about three years old. (Source: Miss Jonas, Riverside Home.) 
Grace was found to be very nervous and when at the Home for the Friend- 
less, in August before going to Riverside, had the appearance of a child who 
might have chorea. (Source: Report from Home for Friendless.) 

George (born February 19, 1916) was diagnosed at Municipal Tubercu- 
losis Sanitarium Clinic, June 28, 1923, as having glandular tuberculosis. 

School.—Grace entered school at age of five and one-half or six. George 
at about six. Both entered Garfield Public School and remained in atten- 
dance there until June, 1923. Grace was said to be listless and did very poor 
work, was not good in any subject. She was in first grade two years, and 
was passed on but not really promoted. She showed no application and 
was very careless about written work. She played alone, or rather did not 
play at all. She caused trouble in discipline because of being talkative; 
she was disobedient. She was also quarrelsome at times. 

George tried to do his work. He could draw a little. He was very 
quiet, rarely played much but was with the other boys. 

Both children were very dirty when they came to school. The school 
nurse sent them home for a bath at one time. ‘Their mother was indifferent 
to the teachers in their efforts with the children, and seemed more interested 
in the Salvation Army. The teachers thought that the children were 
whipped at home as they seemed afraid to move. (Source: Teachers, 
Garfield School, Chicago.) 

Grace entered Alcott School at Riverside in September of this year. 
She got into a fight and knocked a boy down flat on the ground the first 
day. She has not attended school since the first day as she seemed too 
nervous to be in school. (Source: Miss Jonas, Riverside Home.) 

George has been going to Alcott School, Riverside, since the beginning 
of the year. The teacher sent five notes to Miss Jonas asking her to buy 
a reader for him, none of which he delivered. He is very slow. He has a 
speech defect which causes great difficulty in teaching him to read. His 
writing, number work, and paper cutting are fairly good. He is one of the 
five lowest in the room. He is quite obedient, and punctual and his attend- 
ance is regular. He was absent one half-day which seemed to have been 
caused by the notes about his reader. He seems to be interested in school. 
He isin Grade IA. (Source: Miss Marion Kales, Alcott School, Riverside.) 

Recreation.—When at home the children played in the back yard with 
the neighborhood children. They played with a little wagon mostly, 
pulling one another about. They also played on a swing. They played 
house and school and hide-and-go-seek. They did not belong to any clubs. 
They did not go to the movies very much. (Source: Father.) 

At Riverside Home Grace likes to run up and down the stairway. 
George likes to make investigations to see what he can find out. (Source: 
Miss Jonas.) - 


278 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Habits —At home the children were put to bed at six or seven o’clock ° 
in the evening winter andsummer. They would get up of their own accord 
about seven o’clock in the morning. (Source: Father.) 

At Riverside Home, the children get up quite promptly in the morning. 
No enuresis. (Source: Miss Jonas.) | 

Personality.—At Riverside Home these children are not liked by the 
other children. They are selfish and very rough. They both fight and 
cannot play with other children peaceably. Their fighting is not in self- 
defense. (Source: Miss Jonas.) 


October 1, 1923.—Miss Lyons, Joint Children’s Bureau, reports 
the Riverside Home unwilling to keep Grace longer. Miss Lyons 
has arranged for her transfer to Oakwood Home. 

October 8, 1923.—Mrs. Weber examined by Dr. J. M. Quayle, 
staff physician at Oakwood Home; operation recommended. 

October 10, 1923.—Dr. Quayle telephoned the office asking per- 
mission to operate on Mrs. Weber. She did not wish to have the 
operation without the Agency’s approval. Dr. Quayle said that he 
could get a free bed at Samaritan Hospital. Dr. Quayle also has 
clinic at West Side Dispensary. 

October 20, 1923.—The following report received from Juvenile 
Psychopathic Bureau: 

Physical examination of Grace Weber showed evidence of mild chorea. 

Mental test indicates her mental development to be six years, six months, 
and her intelligence rating as 73. She is classed as a borderline mental 
defective. 

The patient appeared quite calm physically, in spite of the choreic 
form movements. The marked speech defect adds to her difficulties. 
The mental defect just from casual conversation appears to be more serious 
than the results of the mental tests indicate. This, together with her 
speech defect and her restlessness, makes the problem of placement quite a 
serious one. . 

The girl is not eligible at present for commitment to an institution for 
the feeble-minded. Placement outside the home seems to be indicated in 
view of the fact that the mother is too inadequate to take proper care of her, 
and since the girl requires special attention and training. An institution 
like St. Hilda’s may perhaps take the girl for some time. 


[Just prior to the children’s examination at Juvenile Psychopathic 
Bureau and for a week following it, Mr. Weber either called at the 
office or telephoned daily. He came in one day greatly excited 
because he thought his children were going to be taken away from 
him. After explanation Mr. Weber seemed satisfied. ] 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 279 


October 23, 1923.—At the meeting of the Joint Advisory Com- 
mittee, the following recommendations were made: 

That all four of the children be placed in suitable institutions or 
homes—away from the parents—that necessary medical and convales- 
cent care be continued for Mrs. Weber, and, that failing, she be urged 
to return to her husband and give up her idea of separation or divorce. 
If there is no improvement in her housekeeping when relieved of 
the care of the children, that a more thorough mental examination 
be asked, having in mind her possible commitment to the State School 
for the Feeble-minded. 

October 27, 1923.—The following report received from the Juvenile 
Psychopathic Bureau: 

Seven years, seven months of age, George Weber was found to have a 
mental age of six years four months, and an intelligence quotient of 84. 
He is classed as dull and backward. 

Physically there were findings suggestive of hereditary syphilis. The 
blood Wassermann was negative. 

We found the child timid, fearful, and particularly unhappy in his 
relations to his father and mother. He related instances of quarreling and 
near violence in the home. He declared he was happiest in his present 
boarding-home and had no desire to return to his parents. Nothing signif- 
icant was discovered in the mental examination other than timidity. 

The child has intelligence sufficient to justify giving him the opportuni- 
ties of the average home and education. For this reason we would recom- 
mend his placement in a private family. 


November 6, 1923.—Telephoned Mrs. Burnett at Oakwood Home 
for report. Mrs. Weber had her operation and has been back at Oak- 
wood Home a week. They expect that she will need to stay there a 
couple of months. Mrs. Burnett offered to secure written statement 
from the doctor as to the exact nature of the operation. 

November 10, 1923.—Miss Lyons of the Joint Children’s Bureau 
telephoned that St. Hilda’s refuses to take Grace because of mentality. 
Miss Lyons knows of no other home and suggests asking a private 
home through the Children’s Friend Society. 

November 19, 1923.—Called at Oakwood Home, talked with Mrs. 
Burnett and Dr. Quayle. The latter gave statement of Mrs. Weber’s 
operation. She is still in a nervous condition; has crying spells and 
they feel she needs at least one month’s more convalescence. Her 
operation makes further child-bearing impossible. 

Mrs. Burnett now feels Mrs. Weber is utterly incapable of caring 
for her children. 


280 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Both doctor and Mrs. Burnett recommend that Grace be left 
at Oakwood Home for another two or three weeks at least. She has 
improved physically, though her mouth still twitches and her speech 
has not improved. Her glasses have been changed. She is not 
attending school but is under the care of a nurse in a group of eight 
children. The nurse reports that she is easily controlled, is kindly 
disposed to the other children, shares with them whatever she has, 
takes pride in keeping her few belongings in order, but is exceedingly 
slow in learning simple things. 

November 17, 1923.—Visited Mr. Weber to discuss with him 
placing Grace in a private home. Found him quite willing that 
this be done. He said that he would be glad to have his wife take her 
to whatever home was provided; he would like to have her in the city, 
however. He seemed to feel quite differently toward Mrs. Weber 
than he had on other occasions. He did not bring up any of the things 
which she had done that annoyed him. He has decided that regular 
work would be better for him and has taken a place in a machine shop. 
Showed his last pay envelope marked $24.75. He has joined the 
Pelican Lodge, and one of the members who is business agent for the 
janitors’ union suggested to Mr. Weber that he take up that work. 
Of course, the business agent cannot get him a job, but if he gets a 
job they will take him into the union. This kind of work he feels 
would be an advantage to him in that he would be able to get a steam- 
heated flat to live in, which he cannot otherwise afford. Mr. Weber 
said that he thought it unwise to bring any of the children home from 
steam-heated places as he was afraid they would take cold. It was 
explained to him that, if the Children’s Friend Society found a home 
for Grace, they would expect that she be left there long enough to do 
her some good. Mr. Weber said that of course he expected to carry 
out the directions and repeated the fact that he always had 
“co-operated.” | 

December 1, 1923.—Mrs. Burnett, Oakwood Home, reports 
Mr. Weber very indignant that Mrs. Weber is being held. He 
threatens to refuse to send other children to Home for the Friendless. 

December 3, 1923.—Mr. Weber telephoned asking a visitor to 
come over immediately as he was staying at home that morning with 
the two children whom he brought from Riverside and could not come 
to the office. Planned to go to work that afternoon. 

Later.—Visited, and talked to Mr. Weber. He says that he is 
through with the Agency, that they have double-crossed him, and that 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 281 


he is going to take the matter down to Judge Morgan and find out 
just what rights he has. If Mrs. Weber is not coming home, as it 
seems, he said he is going to divide the household furniture and put 
her share of it out in the shed. The trouble seems to have come up 
over the fact that he wanted Mrs. Weber to come home over Thanks- 
giving, and he reports that Mrs. Weber and Mrs. Burnett always 
tell him it is up to the Agency when she is to come home. Explained 
to Mr. Weber that it was up to Mrs. Weber whether she was to come 
home or not and that the Agency could not decide for her. We 
did feel, however, that she should do what the doctor recommended. 
Mr. Weber did not know the nature of Mrs. Weber’s operation; 
he blames the visitor for not telling him that she was to be operated 
on and then not telling him the name of the doctor, although he had 
never asked it. He was advised to consult the doctor as to the 
nature of Mrs. Weber’s operation. His contention was that if Mrs. 
Weber could be moved from the hospital to Oakwood Home in a 
Packard car seven days after her operation she was able to come 
home. He wants to know immediately from her whether she is 
coming ornot. After the interview he decided to come over and talk 
with the district superintendent to find out just what has been said 
to Mrs. Burnett about him. Earlier he had stated that he would not 
come to the office at all. 

Later.—Mr. Weber in office. It was explained to him that Mrs. 
Weber, though she had his telephone number and had said that she 
would report her operation, had written him instead. He agreed that 
this probably was correct and that the Agency and Oakwood Home 
could not be held responsible for her so writing. He further agreed 
that since he had been seeing Mrs. Weber daily at the hospital, it was 
fair to assume that he had asked such questions as he wished about 
the nature of her operation, as well as the name of her doctor. He 
agreed that we had reason to express surprise that only now should he 
ask the name of her doctor. He was encouraged to see Dr. Quayle, as 
he seemed to wish to do. 

Mr. Weber was urged-not to ask his wife to make a decision at 
this time about whether she would return to him. He was told that 
the Agency was taking for granted that she would return. In spite 
of urging, Mr. Weber left the office insisting that he must have an 
answer from her at once. 

December 4, 1923.—Mr. Weber in office in an entirely different 
frame of mind. He saw and talked with Dr. Quayle. He thinks him 


282 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


a very splendid doctor and a fine man and is willing to do anything 
that he advises. The doctor’s suggestion was that Mrs. Weber remain 
at Oakwood Home another two or three months; that Mr. Weber 
cease calling upon her until she asks that he come. Mr. Weber was 
apologetic for his brusqueness of yesterday. He agreed to place the 
children at the Home for the Friendless until permanent arrangements 
could be made or to do anything else suggested to him. 

It is very evident that Mr. Weber is swayed by the last person he 
talks with. He vacillates between a state of impatience and indigna- 
tion at imagined injury and a state of absolute compliance with sugges- 
tions made. 

December 31, 1923.—Mr. Weber in office wanting Grace placed. 
He does not anticipate that Mrs. Weber will come back to him. Is 
getting on better terms with his own family; thinks he has a good 
chance to work up in his present job; was altogether in a cheerful 
frame of mind as to the future, having decided to let Mrs. Weber go 
her own way. 

Later.—Telephoned Miss Lyons. She will arrange transfer to 
private home this week and notify Oakwood Home. (This was done, 
Grace going to Mrs. David Worthy, 1544 West Avenue, January 5, 
1924). 

January 10, 1924.—Mr. Weber telephoned office and came in, 
in a state of indignation because Mrs. Weber has left Oakwood Home 
to take a position at the Wayside Hospital. He blames the social 
agencies generally for breaking up his home and plans to take up detec- 
tive work away from Chicago. He was assured that Mrs. Weber had 
taken this step with no backing from the Welfare Agency. He was 
urged to let her try it out at least for a time. One moment he said 
he would send support for his children, no matter what, then again 
that if he left town he might never be heard from again. He brings up 
repeatedly the fact that he took his wife from a disreputable house in 
Birmingham and this is the appreciation she shows for his years of 
care. On leaving he added that probably in the future all matters 
should be taken up with his attorney, Mr. Brown, fourth floor, Rogers 
Building. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Burnett, Oakwood Home. Mrs. Weber 
found her position herself from an advertisement; in fact the doctor 
did not recommend her trying anything for two weeks yet, but she 
was very restless and they did not interfere with her taking this 
position. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 283 


January 11, 1924.—Mr. Weber telephoned that he had called on 
Mrs. Weber at the hospital, thinks she has a good job, and is satisfied 
with arrangements. Did not want visitor to “upset things,’’ when 
she called to see Mrs. Weber tomorrow, as he wishes her to do. 

-Later.—Called at the Wayside Hospital and talked with Mrs. 
Weber. She is employed fixing the trays for patients at meal times. 
Has time to herself between meals—a light schedule. She has a 
pleasant room with an older woman. Mrs. Weber does not wish 
Mr. Weber to call upon her—in fact wishes no more to do with him. 
She wants him to pay the board for the children, and she will buy 
clothing and schoolbooks. She speaks of her dislike of his atten- 
tions—he wants to kiss her when he calls—this she can’t stand; 
tells rather childishly how she either likes people a lot or dislikes them 
heartily. She was urged to let him call occasionally if he makes no 
disturbance, to go with him to see the children on Sundays, and to 
try to keep him interested in support for the children and in plans for 
their future. | 

January 14, 1924.—Mrs. Rainey, social service worker at Wayside 
Hospital, reports that Mrs. Weber was laid off January 12. The 
chef reports that she was forgetful, could not fill the patients’ orders, 
and was unequal to their work. They were unwilling to try her at 
any other type of service. Mrs. Weber telephoned from Mrs. Rainey’s 
office, asking that she be helped to get separate maintenance. It was 
pointed out that this would raise the question of custody of the 
children and that Mr. Weber would have a good chance to get them 
since he is supporting them and would undoubtedly make a strong 
fight to do so. Mrs. Weber is at Oakwood Home again. 

In spite of her failure at the hospital she speaks of wanting to go 
on to night school so she can complete the grades and take nurse’s 
training. She does not want to have to work in a kitchen all 
her life. 

January 25, 1924.—Mrs. Weber in the office to complain about 
the home Grace is in. They serve wine there, and she says that they 
offered it to her last Sunday. Mr. Weber goes there three times a 
week to see Grace, and she wishes this stopped. He has given up his 
job and is selling insurance. He has been keeping up his payments 
for the children. Mrs. Weber says she lost her job at the Wayside 
Hospital because Mr. Weber and visitor came out to see her. She 
asked out there if this were not true, and they told her no—but she 
knows it is—as she was let out the following day. She expects to 


284 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


take the matter to court—possibly Court of Domestic Relations— 
before taking another job, as she does not wish Mr. Weber to bother 
her. Mrs. Weber said that “they” were just trying to make her go 
back to Mr. Weber. She seemed to realize that she could not support 
the children and agreed that they were better in the homes they are in. 
She did not have any very clear idea what she was going to do after 
she went to court, that is, whether or not she was going to ask for the 
custody of the children. Mrs. Weber says that Mr. Weber will win 
Grace’s affection, and she will forget her, if he is permitted to. continue 
going there three times a week and taking her things. 

Mrs. Weber was advised to take up the matter of the home with 
Miss Lyons of the Joint Children’s Bureau. 

January 29, 1924.—Mr. Weber in office with note from the Court 
of Domestic Relations, asking him to come in for conference on Janu- 
ary 31. He was very friendly. He repeated the statement that he 
had always co-operated with us. He said that he would take his 
receipts down and show he had paid for the children—and what more 
could he do. 

The following day he telephoned the office saying he consulted 
Miss Lyons about notice to come to court, and she advised him to have 
the visitor there and to take his receipts. He also went to see the 
social worker at the Court. He has given up his job at the Alpha 
Machine Works, is selling automobile insurance at the present time 
and does not make very much at it, but he expects to get work as 
janitor soon. Thinks he will give visitor’s name as reference as to 
his good character. 

January 31, 1924.—Conference at Court of Domestic Relations. 
Mrs. Weber did not appear until 10:15 although the conference was 
at 9:30. Mrs. Burnett accompanied her, but she refused to have 
anything to say regarding the case, as she felt Mr. Weber would only 
make trouble for her. Mrs. Weber called at the court and complained 
that she was ill and unable to pay for the board of the children. She 
had nothing further to state against Mr. Weber or why she had him 
called into court. Said she did not want to go back to him, and Mr. 
Weber begged her to come, threatening her with getting a housekeeper 
and taking the children if she did not. The social worker at the 
Court talked pretty plainly to them; told Mrs. Weber she had no 
business coming down there implying that her husband was not paying 
for the children when that was not a fact. To Mr. Weber she said 
Mrs. Weber did not have to return to him unless she wanted to. She 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 285 


also advised Mr. Weber to;let Mrs. Weber alone and give her a chance 
to get well. She also told him she did not have to make any statement 
as to how long she wanted to stay away—or whether she ever wanted 
to come back. Mrs. Weber spoke about going to work, and Mr. Weber 
immediately said she would have to pay part on the children. The 
social worker then informed him that that was his exclusive responsi- 
bility. Mr. Weber threatened to get an attorney and take it to a 
higher court. The social worker advised him to leave matters as 
they were, and said that if he did that it seemed to her best to have the 
case taken to the Juvenile Court and have a guardian appointed for 
the children. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Weber made any complaints 
about the homes the children were in. Mrs. Weber did say she 
would like to have them all together. Mrs. Burnett seemed to think 
that that should be arranged. Mrs. Weber refused to go with Mr. 
Weber out to see Grace, although it was Grace’s birthday. 

February 8, 1924.—Mrs. Weber in office. She is getting her 
personal belongings from the flat today, and Mr. Weber is giving up 
the rooms. She wishes to get work and help pay for the children. 
She is looking better and seemed more cheerful, but still determined 
to avoid Mr. Weber. She has been working for four days with a 
family in Ravensdale, but does not know enough about cooking to 
suit them. She will stay at Oakwood Home until she finds something 
suitable. She was referred to some possible employers and to the 
Illinois Free Employment Bureau. 

February 29, 1924.—Mr. Weber has telephoned the office several 
times and called on February 14 “to talk things over.” He has 
decided to wait three months to see if Mrs. Weber will come back to 
him. Then he will proceed with a divorce. He vacillates between 
being mad at her for her indifference and impatient with the agencies 
for not persuading her to come back to him. He feels that he has 
put the matter in too many hands. He expects to see Dr. Quayle 
again and is confident that if necessary he can get a medical statement 
proving his wife’s incompetence. 

Mr. Weber told of seeing a moving picture—‘ Foolish Parents’””— 
and he wishes his wife could also see and profit by it. 

March 5, 1924.—Mr. Weber telephoned. Mrs. Weber has been 
to see him, and together they went to see Joseph. Mrs. Weber is 
employed at the Lincoln Foundlings Home. Mr. Weber told her to 
hunt for a flat and he would get new furniture. They had a pleasant 
visit together—no disagreements. 


286 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Weber has asked several times that messages for him be left 
with his father. He is seeing more of him and of his sister since Mrs. 
Weber left. He speaks of going with his father to the latter’s watch- 
man job just to keep him company. He has given up his detective 
work because of the irregularity, but has missed a great many days 
at work because of the upset condition of his affairs. He is attending 
lodge meetings, going to the movies once in a while, and says he will 
never let affairs get into the condition they were before. He has no 
desire for liquor but feels he must have some recreation. He states 
that he has wasted a good share of his life to date and that he, as well 
as his wife, was to blame for their way of living. 


11. The Family of Jacob Lieberwich 


(A Shoe-Repair Worker Who Had Been Mentally Ill and in a State 
Hospital but Is Now at Home)! 


[This family was first known to the Jewish Welfare Bureau on 
March 10, 1916, when Mrs. Lieberwich called at the office because 
of difficulty her husband was having with a man from whom he had 
bought a machine on the instalment plan. He had a shoe-repair shop 
in the heart of the Jewish quarter and had until a short time before 
kept up the payments. Then business fell behind, he was unable 
to keep up the payments, and the dealer was threatening to take the 
machine. The Bureau telephoned the dealer, who said that he did 
not mind the delayed payments so much as the man’s insulting manner; 
Mr. Lieberwich agreed to make every effort to pay and the contact 
ceased. At that time the family consisted only of Mr. Lieberwich, 
a Russian immigrant, thirty-two years old, and his wife, born in 
1891 in London. Her father, a tailor, and her sister lived in the 
same general neighborhood as did his parents and two married 
sisters. 

On December 22, 1919, the family again came to the attention 
of the agency when the Psychopathic Hospital notified the Bureau 
that Mr. Lieberwich had become greatly depressed over his business; 
that he could not meet the bills connected with the conduct of his 
shop, had come for diagnosis, and been found to be of the manic 
depressive type. Further treatment in the hospital was recommended, 
but his wife and his father both objected, as he was a good worker, had 
helped his family to immigrate and cared well for his wife and two 


™ See below, pp. 872-83. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 287 


little girls, Dorothy (born August 10, 1916) and Elizabeth (born 
June 1, 1918). He was therefore released to his wife on December 
27, 1919. On January 20, 1920, however, he attempted to commit 
suicide, and two days later was committed to the hospital for the 
insane. He improved under the care of the institution and, August 25, 
1920, was paroled to his family. The Bureau did not follow up this 
release, and the family was not known to the agency again until 
February 24, 1921, when he appealed for a loan of $300. He gave an 
account of his work history since leaving the institution. He had been 
in a number of places and had worked irregularly and desired once 
more to be set up in business. He felt sure that he was sufficiently 
restored to stand the strain. The Mental Hygiene Clinic of the 
Bureau investigated the family situation, visiting Mr. Lieberwich’s 
father, who said he could do nothing for his son, and Mrs. Lieberwich, 
who described the family—a third little daughter had been born 
April 4, 1920—as in great want and the man as deteriorating through 
discouragement at his inability to provide for his family. The Mental 
Hygiene Clinic was in contact with the family until April 16, 1921, 
when the specialist declared the man entirely recovered from his 
breakdown. In March the Relief Department assumed responsibility 
for the support of the family. The following record traces the care 
given.| | 

March 2, 1921.—Called at 1563 Maplewood Avenue, where the 
Lieberwichs live, and found the door locked. 

Later.—Visited 1334 California Avenue, where Mrs. Lieberwich’s 
parents are living. Found Mrs. Lieberwich there. Mrs. Lieberwich 
stated that in September, 1919, Mr. Lieberwich became sick and was 
taken to the Psychopathic Hospital and later sent to State Hospital 
for the Insane. Since he was paroled from the Asylum, he worked 
in a shoe-repair shop at Pullman, Illinois, and earned $35 a week. 
He worked there several months and was laid off on account of lack 
of work. After that, he worked several days a week at odd jobs, 
but for the last four months, he has not had regular employment. 

The Lieberwichs were married on June 27, 1915, in Chicago. 
Mrs. Lieberwich came from England to Canada, where she worked in 
a tailoring concern, and seven years ago she came to Chicago to visit 
a brother and met Mr. Lieberwich and then married. 

Five years ago, Mr. Lieberwich established himself in a shoe- 
repair shop, at 14 Kolmar Avenue. He made a very comfortable 
living until he became sick. Mrs. Lieberwich kept up the business 


288 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


for several months, and in March of 1920, two months after Mr. 
Lieberwich’s admittance to Asylum, she sold the store for $500. 
Since that date, she and her children have been living on that money. 
She claims that she has nothing left. 

Mrs. Lieberwich pays $25 rent for five rooms. A brother, his 
wife, and child share the flat with her family. Mrs. Lieberwich has 
three other brothers besides the one living with her. They are all 
tailors and have been out of work for the last five months. One 
brother is a widower, who lives with his parents and has two children 
to support. Another is single, aged nineteen, and has been out of 
work all winter. A fourth brother, Morris Levy, lives on Wood and 
Polk streets with his wife’s parents. He is also a tailor and has been 
out of work. 

Mrs. Lieberwich stated that she gets about $5.00 a month from 
her father and mother, who are the only ones who can assist her. 
Her father has a little business in the front part of his house, where he 
takes in clothing which is to be cleaned and repaired. ‘Told Mrs. 
Lieberwich to send her husband to our office Friday, March 4. 

March 4, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that he 
does not wish to receive any aid from our organization but wants us 
to establish him in a business, preferably a paper stand. He states 
that he has a very good business record and that we can inquire 
at the Robey Leather Supply Company and the O.K. Leather and 
Finding Company, 920 Liberty Street. When he was in the shoe- 
repair business he used to buy leather at the above concerns. Mr. 
Lieberwich stated that if we establish other men in business, he sees 
no reason why we should not help him. Told Mr. Lieberwich that due 
to the straitened circumstances of the organization we would have 
to consider this thoroughly before giving him an answer. Advised 
Mr. Lieberwich in the meantime to find work at his trade. He stated 
that his father, Jacob Lieberwich, has a stand on Island and Ogden 
Avenue. Mr. Lieberwich expects to be notified to come wi his 
second citizenship papers within the next month. 

Mr. Lieberwich appeared to be quite mentally distressed. His 
attitude toward our office was that we should not expect him to go 
to work, but since he was always in business we should help him 
re-establish himself in another. 

March 25, 1921.—Conference on the above case held with super- 
visor and social worker from the Dispensary. It was decided that 
before taking up with the superintendent the matter of establishing 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 289 


Mr. Lieberwich in business, a report on his mental condition be 
obtained and that an examination by Dr. Henry be arranged for. It 
was also decided that a work history be also obtained. 

April 4, 1921.—Spoke to Miss Berg, social worker at the Dis- 
pensary, re Mr. Lieberwich. She stated that he had been to the 
Dispensary and was examined by Dr. Henry, who advised that he 
could conduct a business. A report on him will be sent to our office 
later. 

Later.—Interviewed Mr. Lieberwich. He stated that he was a 
shoemaker from the Old Country. He came to Toledo in May, 
1907, and stayed with some Landsleute in that city. He, however, 
could not find work and after remaining in Toledo a few months 
came to Chicago in 1907. He lived with an uncle in this city. He 
was expecting to go into business with this uncle, but, when he went 
to buy stock, the wholesale man advised him to go to work for a shoe- 
repair shop at South Eastern Avenue and Eighty-seventh Street, 
which he did. He received $10 a week, board, and room. He 
worked there only a few months as very little work came into the 
shop and he was laid off. He was idle a few days and went to work 
on Fortieth Street and Colorado Avenue. He does not remember the 
name of either of the above employers. He received $7.00 a week, 
room, and board. He was laid off after working there a few months 
on account of lack of work. He then found work in Oak Park, but 
remained there only three weeks when his employer went into bank- 
ruptcy. He then went to work for the Standard Shoe Repair Company 
and worked there only three weeks. He received $9.00 a week. 
He was laid off on account of slack season. Mr. Lieberwich up to 
this point attributed the slack season to the changing of the president. 
After leaving the Standard Shoe Company he went to work for Albert 
Greenberg, 12454 Michigan Avenue. He worked there on and off 
for nearly a year. He received $7.00 a week, board, and room, and 
oftentimes worked overtime. Mr. Lieberwich refers visitor to Mr. 
Greenberg for references. After working steadily for one year Mr. 
Lieberwich was able to save $150 and went into business at 671 North 
Avenue. He had a shoe-repair shop there for four months, but on 
account of some discrepancy in the lease he was forced to give up his 
business. After that he worked in several shoe-repair shops. He 
again went into business on California and Congress streets, at which 
place he remained for two years. During that time Mr. Lieberwich 
claims he lost considerable money because of the following: 


290 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Lieberwich was first married in Europe, and shortly after 
his marriage he came to America, expecting to send for his wife 
immediately after he arrived in this country. However, he was never 
able to save enough money for transportation, although two and 
one-half years later he sent for his wife. She came here, remained 
with Mr. Lieberwich for three weeks, and then ran away with a 
cousin. Mr. Lieberwich claims that this experience with his first 
wife discouraged him, and he claims that at that time he felt he 
was mentally deranged but he was never committed to an insti- 
tution. 3 

After he gave up his business on California and Congress streets 
he went to work for several small shops, and shortly after he secured 
a divorce from his first wife, he married the present Mrs. Lieberwich. 

He conducted a shoe-repair shop at 14 Howard Avenue for five 
years. He did very well, supporting his family, who lived in a flat 
on Maplewood Avenue, and paying all his debts and rent for both 
his flat and shop. Business went along apparently well, until about 
one and one-half years ago when the people in the neighborhood 
signed a petition not to patronize any Jewish shopkeeper. Because 
business became very poor and because he felt that the people in the 
neighborhood hated him because he was a Jew, his mental condition 
became acute. He was then committed to the Insane Asylum. 
After Mr. Lieberwich was released from the State Hospital, he went to 
work for Frederic Grammarosa, 328 Seventy-sixth Street. He worked 
there for five months and earned $40 a week. He was laid off because 
of some misunderstanding with his employer. However, he claims 
that if visitor speaks to Mr. Grammarosa, he will give very good 
references for Mr. Lieberwich. 

Mr. Lieberwich is very anxious to go into business, either a small 
shoe-repair shop or a newspaper stand. He stated, however, that 
he realizes that we cannot establish him in business on his previous 
record because of his insanity. He stated that he will be very happy 
if we can find steady employment for him. Mr. Lieberwich claims 
that the union man from whom he gets his employment tells him that 
he cannot place him very easily because he at one time was an inmate 
of an insane asylum. Mr. Lieberwich stated that he earned $6.00 
last week. He dislikes very much to have to take assistance from our 
office and he asked that we do not give him any relief until it is abso- 
lutely necessary. However, Mr. Lieberwich apparently is very much 
worried over his financial circumstances. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 291 


Mr. Lieberwich states that while he was in business he bought 
leather from the Robey Leather Supply Company and also the O.K. 
Leather and Finding Company. 

Later.—Spoke to Miss Berg re Mr. Lieberwich. She stated that 
she intends to go down to the union and speak to the officials there 
and explain to them that Mr. Lieberwich is entirely cured. 

Report on Mr. Lieberwich received from Dr. Sawyer [specialist 
at Mental Hygiene Clinic] stating that the attack of depression from 
which Mr. Lieberwich suffered was brought on by financial difficulties 
due to circumstances over which the patient had no control. Dr. 
Sawyer states that there had been a previous attack much milder in 
character and not necessitating commitment at the time when his 
first wife deserted him. It would thus seem that the patient is not 
very resistant to difficulties, and hence one cannot assert very strongly 
that he will not break down again. Nevertheless both previous 
attacks have been on occasions of serious difficulty and have been 
widely separated in time. Dr. Sawyer believes that we would be 
justified in starting Mr. Lieberwich in business. Mr. Lieberwich 
was asked to return for further examination because a doubtful 
Wassermann reaction had been obtained at the State Hospital. 
The test has been repeated and was found to be negative. 

Later.—Miss Berg advised that Mr. Lieberwich had been suffering 
from manic depressive form of insanity. 

April 19, 1921.—Called at the store owned by Frederic Gram- 
marosa, 328 Seventy-sixth Street, where Mr. Lieberwich worked after 
he was discharged from the State Hospital. Mr. Grammarosa can speak 
very little English. He stated that Mr. Lieberwich worked for him 
for about five months and did very fine work. He was very quiet 
and attended to his business. Mr. Lieberwich was the only man that 
worked for him at the time. His hours were from 8:00 A.M. until 
6:00 P.M. He paid Mr. Lieberwich $40 a week. However, he had to 
lay him off because of lack of work. 

Later.—Called at 12454 Michigan Avenue where Mr. Greenberg 
conducts a shoe-repair shop. Mr. Lieberwich worked for this man 
off and on for several years. Mr. Greenberg spoke very well of Mr. 
Lieberwich’s work and also of his character. He stated that in all 
the time he has known Mr. Lieberwich he has found him to be honest 
and often would leave him in the shop alone. He stated that he 
found Mr. Lieberwich to be a very quiet man who was never very 
talkative. At times he found him to be exceedingly despondent. 


292 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Greenberg stated that work in his shop was never steady and 
this was the reason he had to lay off Mr. Lieberwich so often. 

April 20, 1921.—Mrs. Lieberwich in office. She stated that her 
husband made about $6.00 last week and they have very little money 
for the holidays. Sent grocery order to Mrs. Lieberwich. 

April 27, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that he 
hasn’t been working. Asked for grocery order. 

May 2, 1921.—Mrs. Lieberwich stated that her husband went 
to look for a job this morning but has not returned as yet. She 
thinks that he is probably working. She stated that last week a 
friend of Mr. Lieberwich’s told him about this job and he felt very 
happy. She fears something might happen to Mr. Lieberwich if he 
does not get this job. Told Mrs. Lieberwich to telephone visitor 
tomorrow and inform her whether Mr. Lieberwich is working. Asked 
her to get the name and address of Mr. Lieberwich’s union. 

May 3, 1921.—Mrs. Lieberwich in office. She stated that her 
husband started to work yesterday for a shoe-repair shop at 757 
Fifty-first Street. He is earning $35 a week. She asked that we 
pay half of her rent. 

May 14, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that he 
worked for a shoe-repair shop on Sixty-seventh and Dorchester from 
May 2 to May 12 and earned $35 a week. He stated that working 
conditions there were very bad and he had very long hours. He tried 
to remain as long ashe could. Mr. Lieberwich stated that the business 
manager of the union is trying his best for him, since he complained 
about him to the other officials of the union. The officials then 
instructed this business manager to give Mr. Lieberwich work when- 
ever there is any. Mr. Lieberwich does not want us to speak to the 
business manager. He again asked that we establish him in business. 

May 31, 1921.—Visited. Found Mrs. Lieberwich and the children 
at home. Mrs. Lieberwich stated that her husband went out looking 
for a job today. He has not been working for several weeks. How- 
ever, he has been able to get odd jobs and in this way they managed 
to get along. Mrs. Lieberwich stated that two of her children need 
tonsillectomies and they are on the list for the hospital. Mrs. Lieber- 
wich stated that her husband has hardly any money for carfare, nor 
have they any money for food. Left $3.00. 

Later.—Report received from the Dispensary as follows: 

Dorothy—Height 41, weight 40.7. Should weigh 39.2 normal. 
Urinalysis, culture and smear neg. T & A advised; Pt. is on our waiting 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 293 


list. Ref. to Dental Clinic; to report for same June 1 p.m. Tooth 
powder and brush given. 

Helen—Weight 22. Infant. Culture and smear neg. Urinalysis, 
unable to obtain specimen of urine. Phy. exam. neg. 

Elizabeth—Height 36.5, weight 33.2. Should weigh 30.6 overweight. 
Culture, smear and urinalysis neg. T & A recommended; ref. to eye clinic 
May 26 P.M. Eyes—patient’s pupils seem irregular. 


June 15, 1921.—Visited. Found Mrs. Lieberwich at home. 
Stated that her husband has been working a few days each week 
and earned about $14 to $15 a week. However, she claims that she 
will not be able to pay her rent. Asked her to send Mr. Lieberwich 
to our office. 

June 25, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that he 
worked only two days this week and made about $7.00. He stated 
that he is down at the union every day asking for work. However, 
this is the slack season, and he fears he will soon not be given work 
for even one or two days a week. Mr. Lieberwich again asked that 
we establish him in some sort of business. 

June 27, 1921.—Visited at 429 Adams Street at the Robey 
Leather Supply Company where Mr. Lieberwich used to buy material. 
Mr. Robey was not in but bookkeeper promised that as soon as he 
returned on Wednesday, they will notify us concerning Mr. 
Lieberwich. 

Later —Called at 914 Fourteenth Street and spoke to Mr. Wolf, 
who also used to do business with Mr. Lieberwich. Mr. Wolf con- 
siders him a very honest man and thinks highly of him. He is willing 
to. give him credit at any time for any amount. As for Mr. 
Lieberwich’s business ability, Mr. Wolf stated that he is as good as 
any in the shoe-repair business. 

Later.—Could not locate 820 Anna Street, where Mrs. Lieberwich 
claims her brother Mathew Levy is living. 

Called at Island and Ogden avenues where Mr. Lieberwich’s 
father has a news stand. He stated that he cannot assist his son 
financially as he has all he can do to make a living for himself. When 
questioned as to his son’s ability to conduct a shoe-repair shop or a 
news stand, stated that he could do either easily since he is well now. 

July 1, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. Said he found it difficult 
to get a job because when he applied for same he was told that he 
wasinsane. It was agreed that he be given an extract of recent medical 
report received from Dr. Sawyer’s clinic which he could show to 


204 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


employers. This extract contained the information that his mental 
breakdown had been due to business worries over which he had no 
control, and that he was now entirely recovered. He asked for 
grocery order, which was promised him. 

July 6, 1921.—Mrs. Lieberwich in office. States that she received 
check for $13, which only paid for the rent, and asked for money for 
living expenses as Mr. Lieberwich is not working yet. 

Later —Mr. Lieberwich came in with the same request. Grocery 
order granted. 

July 11, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. Requested that we 
speak to the business agent of the Shoemakers’ Union in an effort to 
influence him to give him work. He states that he is continually 
told that he is nervous and he also feels that he is being discriminated 
against. ‘The business agent is Mr. Sam Meyer, 121 Island Avenue. 
Mr. Lieberwich recently joined the union and thinks this may have 
some bearing on why he is not given work. 

July 13, 1921.—Called on Mr. Meyer of the Shoemakers’ Union, 
who explained that Mr. Lieberwich is very nervous and talks more 
than is necessary. He is an honest and straight-forward man and 
apparently cannot stand to see his fellow-workers dishonest. When 
he hears them say things that are open to question, he interferes, 
getting himself on unfriendly terms with other fellowworkers, which 
results in difficulty for himself. Visitor explained to Mr. Meyer that 
we had been helping out the family for some time past and that it is 
very essential for Mr. Lieberwich to get a job in order to support 
himself and family. Mr. Meyer said he did not know that such was 
the case and that with this knowledge he would try his best to get 
him a job as soon as possible. He is under obligations to other mem- 
bers of the union and cannot show any partiality. He will take Mr. 
Lieberwich in his turn. 

Later —While visitor was in the office of the Shoemakers’ Union, 
Mr. Lieberwich came in. Worker took him aside. Explained to 
him what had been said and pointed out to him the folly of his inter- 
fering with affairs of his fellow-workmen; that he was hindering his 
chances of employment and he was urged to discontinue this practice. 
Mr. Lieberwich understood the situation and promised to make a 
great effort at control. He was advised that pending the time he 
should get employment he would be given assistance from this 
organization. 

Sent family ice tickets upon request. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 205 


July 15, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office stating that the children 
have had their tonsils removed and they came home Wednesday 
from the hospital. He also thanked us for the help given him through 
these hard times. 

July 18, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office asking that we help him 
just a little more until he finds work. It hurts him, he states, to 
come to our office for help, but he cannot help himself. He states 
he is willing to do any sort of labor available in order that he may 
make living expenses. 

July 23, 1921.—Mrs. Lieberwich in office asking for a few dollars 
until Mr. Lieberwich is able to find work. It was promised. 

August 2, 1921.—Mrs. Lieberwich again in office asking for some 
help until her husband is able to find work. She states she is behind 
in the rent and that she will be forced to move as she cannot pay same. 

August 3, 1921.—Called. Mr. Lieberwich is still not working. 
He had worked two days a week before and that was all for the last 
three weeks. They are still behind in the rent and fear they will be 
forced to move on account of it. Worker promised to send groceries. 

Mrs. Lieberwich was washing. The house was neat and clean. 
The children were neatly dressed. Mrs. Lieberwich gives an appear- 
ance of a very good housekeeper. . 

August 4, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He wishes to know 
if grocery order had been sent. He assured office that as soon as he 
is able he will pay back every cent that was loaned him. 

August 9, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich again in office. Groceries had 
been sent the day before and Mr. Lieberwich wishes to thank the office 
for all it is doing for him during these hard times. He will not call 
again as worker promised to see to his family until he is able to find 
work. 

August 12, 1921.—Letter received from Mrs. Lieberwich stating 
that, although her husband is trying his best to find a job, he is unable 
to do so and that they have not enough money to live on. She asked 
that we assist them until we are able to buy a shoe-repair shop for 
Mr. Leiberwich. 

August 15, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that he 
has not had any work this week and does not expect to have any work - 
for the next two or three weeks. He claims that he is sent out only 
as a substitute, and although there are a few steady jobs other men 
are sent out on those. He claims that the business agent is prejudiced, 
and for that reason does not do the right thing by him. Mr. Lieber- 


2096 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


wich is feeling very badly and is in great fear that he will become 
insane again over his troubles. Asks for groceries. 

Later.—Groceries sent. . 

August 17, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office asking that we do 
something to make his lot easier at home, both financially and socially.. 
He has not been working for the last few weeks, and at home his wife 
and his relatives nag at him all the time. He further states that if he is 
ever to get a job from the secretary of the Shoemakers’ Union it will 
be in years to come only, as Mr. Meyer has a personal grudge against 
him; first, because Mr. Lieberwich is a new member in the union and 
second, because Mr. Meyer being a new secretary must cater to the 
older members of the union. He further states that the only way he 
will ever get anywhere is by having his own shop, and when that is 
arranged for, he will pay back every cent loaned him by the office. 
Worker promised to call on Mrs. Lieberwich. 

August 18, 1921.—Called at 2110 Robey Street, on Mr. Levy, 
father of Mrs. Lieberwich. Both Mr. and Mrs. Levy stated they are 
unable to help the Lieberwich family financially, but they have been 
helping them in making clothing for the children and sending over 
foodstuff quite often. Explained to them it was their duty to help 
their daughter, that they must not rely on outside agencies, and that 
relatives are the first ones to come to one’s aid. Upon pressing this 
point still further, Mr. Levy became violent, threw things about, and 
used profane language at worker. Worker thereupon informed them 
that if they shove all responsibility, the office too will do the same 
thing; that after all they have no share whatever in office and we 
help only when people are willing to help themselves. 

After worker had left, Mrs. Levy caught up with her and apologized 
for Mr. Levy’s rudeness. She stated that he is a sick man and very 
nervous, and hopes that he will be forgiven. 

Later.—Called on Mrs. Lieberwich. When suite what could be 
the matter that Mr. Lieberwich feels so downhearted, she stated 
that she did not know, unless it was because he is out of work. 
Mr. Lieberwich, she says, has been acting queerly for the last few 
weeks, and now she is not on speaking terms with him. Explained 
to Mrs. Lieberwich that if she does not handle conditions more 
sympathetically and more tactfully, she will bring about another 
depression in Mr. Lieberwich. To be sure, conditions are very 
strenuous, but it is her duty to see to it that things are made as easy 
as possible for both persons concerned. That after all, both she and 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 207 


Mr. Lieberwich are socially ill and must be handled carefully if any 
results are to be obtained. 

Mrs. Lieberwich resents the fact that they must accept charity 
and wants Mr. Lieberwich to go to work so that there may be no 
necessity of their accepting same, but work cannot be had just now 
and so Mrs. Lieberwich’s nagging is misplaced. She, herself, admits 
that Mr. Lieberwich is not lazy, is a willing and hard worker, but again 
does not want to be supported by charity, but by Mr. Lieberwich. 
Explained to her that such being the case, both her people and his 
people can easily make Mr. Lieberwich a self-supporting man, namely, 
by a loan and thus setting up Mr. Lieberwich in a shop of his own. 
To this proposition there was no response. Worker then explained 
that after each member of both families had given as much as they 
possibly could, should Mr. Lieberwich still be short in cash, the office 
would loan him some of the balance, but, of course, the amount 
of the loan would be entirely dependent upon the amount given by 
relatives. That is, should office find that relatives are not giving 
enough to start with, office will not back the proposition, but should 
relatives be found to be taking a really sincere interest, the office 
would see to it that Mr. Lieberwich is established in a good location 
and have its business worker look to all matters that may involve 
business difficulties until Mr. Lieberwich is capable of handling 
everything himself; and furthermore, worker having spoken to Mr. 
Wolf and Mr. Robey, business people with whom Mr. Lieberwich has 
had dealings and who are willing to give Mr. Lieberwich credit for 
any amount of stock, it would be a shame, indeed, if his relatives 
would not take advantage of this double opportunity, office and 
credit, of making Mr. Lieberwich a self-supporting man. 

Mrs. Levy, with whom the Lieberwichs are staying, then promised 
whenever office would take this subject up, Mr. Levy would loan $100, 
and as she is quite sure that the other brother would be willing to 
give about $50, while Mr. Lieberwich’s relatives could also be influenced 
toward giving $100 loan, thus a total of some $250, more or less, could 
be made up among relatives, and if office were to supply a $75 or 
$100 loan and supervision, there would be sufficient to get the 
essential furnishings in the store and the stock Mr. Lieberwich will 
get on credit. 

Later —When Mrs. Levy, Mrs. Lieberwich’s mother came in, 
and the matter was again talked over, all concerned were convinced 
that if office took over the supervision of the shop, and will co-operate 


298 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


in seeing the Lieberwich family become self-supporting, all will go well 
with Mr. Lieberwich. Left word that Mr. Lieberwich call at the 
office the next day. 

August 19, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. Explained to him 
that Mrs. Lieberwich’s people will work with office toward making 
him self-supporting and then his people, too, will be interviewed 
concerning the matter. However, no definite steps will be taken 
until about September 15, when business worker returns from her 
vacation. Mr. Lieberwich was very grateful. He acted like a man 
who has regained something lost. In the meantime Mr. Lieberwich 
will send in a written statement every week as to his earnings, so 
that in case he is short, office may assist. 

Spoke to Mr. Lieberwich regarding the strained relations in his 
home among the members of the family. Mr. Lieberwich regretted 
that such was the case, and stated that it was no fault of his, and that 
his relatives had been asking the impossible of him. They tell him 
to get work, and this he states, is a thing over which he has no control, 
try as hard as he may to look for work. Explained to him that his 
wife is really under very great strain and he must try his best in reliev- 
ing it as much as possible by being more friendly and sympathetic. 
Explained to him further that Mrs. Lieberwich was willing to go out 
to work provided she could leave the children somewhere, and the 
fact that she is willing to do so, shows that she is doing a great deal 
in appreciating Mr. Lieberwich’s situation, and she has informed 
worker that she will make things easy at home for all concerned as 
far as she is able, and that it is up to Mr. Lieberwich to try to do the 
same. 

Mr. Lieberwich seemed to comprehend what was being driven at 
and stated that perhaps he has acted in a manner that he should not 
. have done, but things had been going very hard with him and he begged 
to be pardoned, and in the future will look out more for just such 
things. 

August 24, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He asked for groceries 
since he has not had any work. Affairs at home, he states, have been 
going much easier with everybody excepting his wife, who still keeps 
on nagging at him and states that if he cannot make a living for his 
family, she does not need him. However, Mr. Lieberwich was 
quite hopeful now since he had been promised arrangements for a shop 
of hisown. He will prove, he assures office, that he is a willing worker 
and sincere in his promise to pay back every cent loaned him. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 299 


August 26, r1921.—Mrs. Lieberwich’s former bitterness has 
somewhat subsided. She spoke more generously of Mr. Lieberwich 
stating that he has been behaving and acting toward everybody in a 
more friendly fashion, and that both she and Mr. Lieberwich are 
awaiting anxiously for the day when they will have a shop of their 
own. She thanked office for the interest taken in them and she thinks 
that they will prove themselves worthy of it. 

August 30, 1921.—Called. Mrs. Lieberwich had been quite 
sick with tonsillitis. Just before worker had called the doctor had 
been there and had advised Mrs. Lieberwich to stay in bed for a few 
days. When the inflammation goes down, which will perhaps take 
about two or three weeks, Mrs. Lieberwich will go to the Hospital 
to have her tonsils removed, and after that is done, she will go to the 
Dispensary to have her teeth fixed. Mrs. Levy, Mrs. Lieberwich’s 
sister-in-law, seems to be a very helpful woman. She takes care of 
the Lieberwich children and the house willingly. She takes a great 
interest in the Lieberwich family, and every time worker calls she 
has a good word to say for them and offers to help out in every way 
she can possibly do so. She hopes that when the Lieberwichs are 
established with their shop, they will still keep on staying with 
them. Mrs. Lieberwich further stated that Mr. Lieberwich has been 
behaving ideal-like. He has been very considerate during the time 
she had been ill by helping out in a great many little things. 

September 22, r921.—Letter received from Mrs. Lieberwich, 
stating that she is now ready to go to the hospital to have her tonsils 
removed. 

September 23, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He asked worker 
if he were to make a confession, whether or not office would drop his 
case entirely. It is a matter concerning his father and brother. He 
feels it is the only right thing to do by office since he has been helped 
in so many different ways. 

Mr. Lieberwich stated that his father is much better off than is 
generally known. ‘Though he has only a newspaper stand, his income 
averages from $40 to $50 a week. Of course, Mr. Lieberwich realizes 
that his father is in need of all the money he makes as he is an old man 
and getting older, and approaching a time when he will need all he 
makes; but on the other hand Mr. Lieberwich sees no reason why his 
father is unwilling to help him out with a loan, at least until he is 
able to stand on his feet. ‘Furthermore, if his father is in a position 
to make a larger loan, there is no reason why office should do so, as 


300 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


that would keep office back from helping others who may be just as 
much in need as he is himself. Mr. Lieberwich further stated that 
his father had promised to loan him $200, but Mr. Lieberwich knows 
and feels quite certain that his father is in a position to loan him at 
least $400 or $500. If his father can be brought to that point of view, | 
Mr. Lieberwich will not have to rely so much on his wife’s family, 
who, he thinks, are much harder up than his own. He asked that 
worker speak to his father concerning the matter and tell him exactly 
what has been told to worker. Mr. Lieberwich thinks that his 
father can be prevailed upon to make the $400 or $500 loan. 

October 5, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office to inquire how far the 
matter of a shop for him has been gone into. Explained to Mr. 
Lieberwich that at the next meeting of the Board the matter of making 
him self-supporting will be taken up. In the meantime Mr. Lieber- 
wich is not working. It may be well that he look around, inquire, 
and obtain some information regarding a shop; such as for instance, 
locate one so that when the matter of self-support came up no time 
would be lost. Mr. Lieberwich stated that he would do this. 

Mr. Lieberwich asked that since the matter of a*shop has not as yet 
been gone into, perhaps it could be so arranged that he get a newspaper 
stand instead. When asked what his reasons were in having a stand 
rather than a shoe-repair shop, the latter being his trade, Mr. Lieber- 
wich stated that he is doubtful and somewhat afraid of a shop. He 
seemed hesitant to give reasons for his feeling the way he does, but 
when told he would have to be more or less definite as to why and when 
he prefers one thing to another before it is granted, he stated that he 
would become too much involved financially to be able to cope with 
the situation. In other words, a shoe-repair shop would mean that 
he would be involved between $800 and $1,000, all money in which he 
would not have a cent he could call his own, and being other people’s 
money he fears, now that prices are dropping and the shoe-repair 
business is not as good as it had been, that he will not be able to pay 
it all back. This in turn would cause him to worry greatly and, as 
formerly on two occasions he suffered from depression, he may have 
to go through the very same thing again. A newspaper stand, on 
the other hand, is easier work. It would not involve so much finan- 
cially, and hence there would not be the responsibility there is in a 
shop. He would not have the enormous debts, and not having these 
he would live more quietly. His father, he further stated, makes a 
fine living from his stand; and if one is granted him, he sees no reason 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 301 


why he should not do the same thing. He assures worker that he 
honestly is not shirking responsibility, nor is he unwilling to work hard, 
but that he simply fears consequences, should he be in any way 
heavily involved, which would cause him worry. Still, this is only 
his own opinion, and he is always ready to abide by whatever office 
may have to offer him. If office deems it necessary that he have a 
shop, he will not for one moment back out of the proposition and will 
try his best in all that is in his power to do. 

Pointed out to Mr. Lieberwich that perhaps he had been brooding 
too much on what had been; what is gone, is gone, and the thing that is 
left for him to do is to face the new problems that come up. Reports 
from the doctor state that he is mentally and physically in a condition 
to assume a business of his own. In proof, worker read the report 
to him from the doctor. Explained to him also that perhaps he was 
taking too much at heart the fact that the Shoemakers’ Union does 
not give him a job and reminds him occasionally that he has been in an 
institution for the insane, and it may also be that he has told people 
occasionally, as he had told worker on former occasions, that he cannot 
undertake anything of importance because of his lack of education 
and also because of his former mental state, and people have naturally 
taken him at his word, not realizing that it may be modesty on his part 
in the statements he has made. People always believe more readily 
ill things about others rather than their virtues, and if he, Mr. Lieber- 
wich, is to go about and advertise them he will not gain anything 
_ whatever to his credit, nor will he be able to hold his dignity with 
them. Mr. Lieberwich agreed with worker that there may be some- 
thing in the points made. When asked directly whether he himself 
feels that he is incapable of managing a repair shop of his own, he 
stated that he could do so, but that the only thing that troubled him 
was the enormous debt that it would involve. Pointed out to Mr. 
Lieberwich that practically more than 50 per cent of business done 
anywhere is done on money loaned from other sources; that very 
few people ever get or make enough to go into business from their own 
savings. Manual labor very seldom is so high priced as to enable 
one to go into business, for if it would be people would not go into it, 
but stay at manual labor; and that whoever goes into it, that is 
business, takes a risk and most everything is a risk, and if people are 
afraid of risks, there must be something radically wrong with them 
to have such abnormal fears for what people do day in and day out. 
Mr. Lieberwich seemed. to understand the situation thoroughly and 


302 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


said that he would do whatever office might suggest and that he will 
do his best not to stand in his own way. He realizes and admits 
that what is being told him is really what is at the bottom of his 
condition. He also stated that his wife thinks that a shop would be 
best for them and that she had told him that she would do all she 
could to help him out with it, but he thinks his wife has all she can 
do with the three small children, and does not expect her to do the 
work that he has to do. Explained to Mr. Lieberwich that his wife 
is a very sensible and capable woman, who could really be a great help 
in a business. She is one who would attract customers rather than 
drive them away. She speaks English well and is very neat and trim 
about everything she does. Then too, she impresses one as being 
something of a business woman and, with her, directly or indirectly, 
they really could make the shoe-repair shop pay well in the end. 
However, if Mr. Lieberwich still thinks that he would rather have the 
newspaper stand, worker will look into the matter and perhaps the 
substitution would be possible. In the meanwhile he should think 
the matter over and let worker know what decision he has come to, 
and which he prefers. Mr. Lieberwich thanked worker for interest 
taken in him. 

October 6, r921.—Called. Mrs. Lieberwich had not been feeling 
well the last few days. Asked her to go to the Dispensary for a 
medical examination, which she promised to do on the fifteenth. 

Mrs. Lieberwich thanked worker for having explained things to her 
husband in such a way that he had been acting and behaving so nicely | 
at home. He has been more hopeful for the last few weeks than she 
had ever seen him before, and that made their holidays a very pleasant 
time. He is becoming more social daily and a really pleasant person 
to have about the house. Even her brother, she stated, had remarked 
about this fact. 

Mrs. Lieberwich is not so strict and severe as she had impressed 
worker on former occasions. She said that now that her children are 
growing older and are more able to take care of themselves, she thinks 
that she and Mr. Lieberwich will be able to manage the shop beauti- 
fully. She stated that she knows quite a bit about the shoe-repair 
work and will try to relieve him as much as she possibly can, both 
from the financial worries and the work. She feels quite sure that 
with the proper encouragement Mr. Lieberwich will within a very short 
time be able to look after all details himself; but the trouble with him 
now is that he lacks self-confidence and is still under the impression 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 303 


that he is sick, and the only remedy she could suggest is to prove to 
himself that such is not the case. 

October 10, 1921.—Case was discussed by the Board of Directors 
of the Jewish Welfare Bureau with a view to establishing Mr. Lieber- 
wich in business. It was decided that Mr. Lieberwich will be estab- 
lished in business provided his relatives supply the $500 or $600, 
which they promised to give. 

October 19, 1921.—Called at 1810 Island Avenue, where Mr. 
Lieberwich’s father has a news stand. Spoke to Mr. Lieberwich, Sr., 
regarding the self-support plan offered by office to his son. He refused 
to listen to anything and insisted that he would not give his son another 
cent. He stated that he was getting old and had to make some 
provision for the time when he becomes still older. Reminded him 
that he has promised his son $200 when the time came for him to be 
put into business. At first he backed out of the proposition, but when 
told that Mrs. Lieberwich’s parents will give between $150 and $200, 
he stated that he too would give $150 and thus close all subjects con- 
cerning his son. 

Just at this point his younger son came up, and after a great deal 
of talking and haggling, Mr. Lieberwich and his younger son agreed 
to give $300 toward the enterprise. 

October 20, 1921.—Called. Gave Mrs. Lieberwich and Mrs. Levy 
result of the interview with Mr. Lieberwich, Sr.—$300 to be given by 
Mr. Lieberwich, Sr., toward making Mr. Lieberwich self-supporting. 
Both women were astonished that Mr. Lieberwich, Sr., should have 
agreed to give that sum and now they will make arrangements for 
raising the $200 promised by Mrs. Lieberwich’s family. As soon as 
they have got the amount, they will inform the office. 

Mr. Lieberwich has been working for the past week in some shoe- 
repair shop and has been making sufficient to cover expenses in the 
home. He has also been making efforts at locating some shoe- 
repair shop for himself, and again has been unsuccessful. Mrs. 
Lieberwich stated that she too has been looking out for one while 
Mr. Lieberwich has been working, and as soon as either one of 
them finds anything they will come to the office and talk the matter 
over. 

Mrs. Lieberwich has been to the Dispensary for examination, and 
they are making arrangements for her to have her tonsils removed. 

October 24, 1921.—History of the Lieberwich family submitted to 
the Self-Support Committee. 


304 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


October 26, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office by appointment. He 
gives the following estimate of the cost of establishing himself in a 
vacant store [the items in the estimate are omitted] making a total of 
$1,150. He agrees that, if a place could be found already established 
for about $1,200, it would be more advisable than to buy the 
new machinery and establish a new trade. If machinery is purchased 
on the instalment plan, the initial cost.of installing the machinery 
would be $485 including the rent, wiring, motor, and jack. The 
payments would be $29 per month. : 

Mr. Lieberwich agreed to answer several ads and report on any 
location he may find. 

October’ 27, 1921.—Inspected sacle locations, of which three 
presented possibilities: One at r3rr Austin Avenue, rental $50; 
income of $25 per month from shoe-shining stand. The shoe-repair 
business amounts to about $100 per week; machinery in good condi- 
tion. Price $2,000. No living quarters.. Another at 5965 Austin 
Avenue, a small store, rent $55, steam heated, two year lease; price 
asked for shop, $1,000; machinery not in very good condition; 
however, it would probably be good enough to last for two years. 
Shop has been open only three weeks.. Income last week was $85. 
Neighborhood is a congested one, six-flat building neighborhood and 
ought to be a good location. Vacant store at 6095 Clark Street, 
rent $35, neighborhood good business one. Left address with several 
real estate agents so that they may notify us when they find good stores. 

Mr. Lieberwich in office. Said that he had worked today and 
therefore was unable to look for a store. Gave him the addresses 
of the three locations visitor had considered. He will look these 
over and report. 

November 7, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office asking that we collect 
pay for a day’s work which he had done for a certain man at 530 
South Park Avenue. Mr. Lieberwich had been hired for the entire 
week because of the owner’s illness. However, the owner came back 
the next day well again and now refuses to pay Mr. Lieberwich for the 
day’s work he had done there. The work would amount to about 
$6.00 or $7.00. When asked why the union does not do this for him, 
Mr. Lieberwich stated that Mr. Meyer, the secretary, has refused 
to do that. 

November 14, 1921.—Letter received from Mrs. Lieberwich 
thanking office for the attention she had received at the hospital. 
Mrs. Lieberwich has had her tonsils and adenoids removed. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 305 


November 21, 1921.—Called at Island and Ogden avenues on Mr. 
Lieberwich’s father in order to receive the $300, which he had promised 
to give in order to enable Mr. Lieberwich to go into business. Mr. 
Lieberwich, Sr., at first ignored worker and would not say a word. 
After that he stated that he is no longer in a position to keep his 
promise, and if worker desires to do so she may take the matter into 
court so far as he is concerned. He further stated that his younger 
son had married the week before and had taken over the entire stand 
and a great deal of money that had been collected between the two. 
No amount of persuasion would change Mr. Lieberwich’s mind. 
He insisted that he is not in a position to offer any sum of money. 
Aside from that, he stated that even if he were in a position to offer 
assistance to his son, he would never do so. When asked why, Mr. 
Lieberwich said that no father is supposed to help any children and 
that he had done all that he is ever going to do for his son and lastly 
that no amount of assistance would help Mr. Lieberwich, Jr. Then 
Mr. Lieberwich would not say another word. He stated that he was 
through with it all. 

December 6, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. Again the same 
story of a newspaper stand vs. a shop was discussed. He still insisted 
that a newspaper stand was by far the best thing for him. Pointed 
out to him that he is a strong healthy man and therefore should not 
object to any manual labor. To get a newspaper stand for him means 
taking it away from someone who is in need of that and who cannot 
do any other type of work, and that if he, Mr. Lieberwich, feels that 
he honestly cares to take such an opportunity away from someone 
who needs it more than he, then arrangements will be made that he 
receive same. To this Mr. Lieberwich stated that if such is the 
case he will abide by any decision office may make for him. 

During the conversation Mr. Lieberwich mentioned several times 
the fact that he was sick. When questioned what his sickness consists 
of, he merely stated that ‘‘you know my history.”” When questioned 
as to whether people have been reminding him of his former state of 
mind, he seemed hesitant to give any information. Again warned 
Mr. Lieberwich the serious results that may occur if he works himself 
into some imaginary disease. 

Décember 13, 1921.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that 
it was greatly discouraging that it takes so long to be able to find a 
shop. The family is in great need of a great many things, absolute 
essentials, which he is unable to provide. Every one of them is in 


306 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


need of shoes, the children are in need of other clothing too. He 
states that he has been making every effort possible, not only in locat- 
ing a shop, but also in securing employment, but is unsuccessful. 

December 27, 1921.—Requisition for clothing for the Lieberwich 
children put in. 

December 30, 1921.—Superintendent of the Self-Support Depart- 
ment and worker called at Island and Ogden in order to interview 
Mr. Lieberwich, Sr., regarding a loan to be made for the shop for Mr. 
Lieberwich. Mr. Lieberwich, Sr., was not there. His younger son, 
who was attending to the stand, could not be brought to the point 
to loan any money to Mr. Lieberwich. He insisted that he is con- 
vinced that it will prove to be a flat failure; that Mr. Lieberwich 
has not the ability nor the strength of mind to conduct a business of 
his own. The best thing for him would be a newspaper stand, where 
no complications are involved. No amount of explaining could. 
change his mind. He insisted that he knew his brother better than 
anyone else. 

Will call when Mr. Lieberwich, Sr., is present. 

January 3, 1922.—Called again at Island and Ogden. Mr. 
Lieberwich, Sr., was not there. The younger son said that he and his 
father had talked the matter over and had come to the conclusion 
that under no circumstances will they loan any money toward the 
shop for Mr. Lieberwich, but would be willing to give a little toward 
a newspaper stand. 

Later.—Called at 1135 Jefferson Street at the home of Mr. Lieber- 
wich, Sr. At first the old man would not listen to anything that 
concerned a shop for his son. He insisted that he knows his son but 
too well and he will not give the money for the simple reason that he 
is the best friend his son has. That once the shop is set up, not only 
will the money be lost, but Mr. Lieberwich will again suffer what he 
had suffered formerly, especially from mental depression. Then too, 
the shop will prove a failure because of Mrs. Lieberwich. In the old 
man’s opinion she strives too high; goes beyond the earning capacity 
of his son. After a great deal of persuasion and explaining, Mr. 
Lieberwich, Sr., agreed to give $300 as a loan for the establishing of a 
shop for his son. This money will be forwarded as soon as anything 
definite is found. He also signed his name to the agreement of giving 
the $300 as a loan. 

January 9, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that a store 
near Sixty-fifth and Halsted had been located. This would mean that 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 307 


the family would have to live in back of the shop, which Mrs. Lieber- 
wich is unwilling to do. He believes that there will be considerable 
difficulty if suitable quarters are not found for the family, as Mrs. 
Lieberwich is unwilling to come down in her standards. 

January 12, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. Stated that he has 
a cousin, a Mr. Bert Caplan, who has a shoe-repair shop at 498 
Thirty-sixth Street. This Mr. Caplan has promised Mr. Lieberwich 
work in his shop. This means that he will lay off the man who is at 
present working for him, and take on Mr. Lieberwich. However, 
Mr. Meyer of the Shoe Repairmen’s Union will not permit this thing 
to occur, the rule of the union being that no one can be taken on, so 
long as the other does good work. Consequently, Mr. Lieberwich 
is not certain as to whether or not he will receive the job. He will, 
however, go to see his cousin again and see what can be done. Results 
will be obtained by January 18. 

January 16, 1922.—Letter received from Mrs. Lieberwich thanking 
us for clothing she had received for herself and the children. 

January 17, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office to say that arrange- 
ments had been made so that he will start to work for his cousin, 
Mr. Caplan, in a few days. He expects to start on $20 per week and 
has been promised to be raised according to work done. 

Mr. Lieberwich requested that the idea of setting him up in a 
shop be not dropped now that he has secured employment. He stated 
that it is very difficult to work for someone else and that he feels 
capable of managing a shop. By having one of his own, he further 
went on, he will be able to pay back all that office had done for him 
and make a much better living for his family. His last reason for 
wishing to have the shop is to prove to office that he is capable of 
handling anything that was expected of him. 

January 26, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that he 
is now working three days a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and 
Saturdays at 498 Thirty-sixth Street. For these three days he is 
paid $10 weekly. Due to the fact that working conditions are poor, 
he is only able to work these three days. Should business pick up 
he believes that he will be able to do a full week’s work for the same 
man at the same address. Explained to Mr. Lieberwich that he 
should keep worker informed as to how much he is making weekly and 
that sum will be made up by office to the regular allowance that has 
been given him within the last few months. Mr. Lieberwich thanked 
office for this, and stated that as requested he will report same. 


308 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 30, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. States that he is 
working three days a week now. He has been out to see a shop 
which we were considering and reports that now this shop is doing 
almost no business. Another shop which we considered, 1344 Sixtieth 
Street, we will consider no further because satisfactory arrangements 
cannot be made with the landlord. We have investigated many other 
shops, but could not consider them because of lack of income or too 
high a price. Mr. Lieberwich is to continue with his work. Self- 
Support Department will continue to be on the lookout for a suitable 
location. 

February 9, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich. and his brother in office 
requesting assistance for the brother in his domestic difficulty. His 
wife had deserted him and was suing him in court. As the brother 
lives in another section of the city, the matter will be taken up in 
another district. 

Mr. Lieberwich informed worker that he has two married sisters 
in the city [he gave the names and addresses of both]. 

February 17, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Lieberwich and the children 
are getting along evidently quite comfortably. They have received 
clothing from the storeroom and seem to be pretty well outfitted for 
the remainder of the winter. Mrs. Lieberwich informed that her 
sister-in-law, Mrs. Levy, with whom they are rooming, is going to 
move the first of March to a flat of their own. This means that the 
Lieberwichs will have to pay the full rent of $27. In order to assist 
her in this matter, Mrs. Lieberwich requested that some couple or a 
woman with a child be recommended to her for rooming. 

March 14, 1922.—Called in order to give Mrs. Lieberwich instruc- 
tions that she take the children to the Dispensary March 16 to be 
examined. She promised fo do so. 

The house was being cleaned and decorated, and Mrs. Lieberwich 
said that when this is finished she hoped that she will be able to have 
someone to whom to rent out the room. However, before she does 
that she is in great need of a quilt and linen. Mr. Lieberwich has 
been working very irregularly and on the average makes about $10 
a week. 

March 20, 1922.—Clothing for the children and linen for the beds 
requisitioned for the Lieberwich family. 

March 22, 1922.—Visited. The house was spotlessly clean. Mr. 
Lieberwich is still working irregularly. Mrs. Lieberwich has been 
sufficiently obliging to take in a woman who had been in the hospital 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 309 


and was-not placed in the Convalescent Home until such time as she 
can be placed in the Convalescent Home. Mrs. Lieberwich further 
stated that at any time when worker should have any such people 
that she could in any way accommodate, she is perfectly willing to 
do so in order ‘to help repay the various kindnesses that have been 
shown her. 

. March 25; 1922.—Report on the Lieberwich children received from 
the Dispensary [omitted]. 

March 31, 1922.—Mt. Lieberwich in office. Gave him information 
obtained from the Self-Support Department that he is to go to Naper- 
ville, Illinois, to inquire regarding a position that is open there which 
will pay from $35 to$40a week. This position had been recommended 
to Self-Support Department and if Mr. Lieberwich will make the 
trip there he will obtain it. To this Mr. Lieberwich responded that 
beginning after the holidays he is to work regularly at the place where 
he is working now and it will pay him between $25 and $30 weekly, 
but the position in Naperville is unpractical as it would require double 
expense for his wife and children in Chicago and for him in Naperville. 
When questioned as to whether this was certain, Mr. Lieberwich 
stated that such was the promise made him by his employer and he 
feels that $25 made here in Chicago is more than equivalent to the 
$35 or $40 that he may make outside of Chicago, for it would dispense 
with the double expense for household. Mr. Lieberwich then- 
requested that assistance be given him until such time as he will 
secure steady employment, and he will try, out of the earnings that he 
is making, to save a few dollars to make up the $300 that his father 
had promised toward the loan in setting him up in a shop of his own. 
His father now is in no position to give the $300 as his brother had 
had some difficulty with his wife. ‘The matter was taken into court 
and the total expense involved was something like $500. The money 
which Mr. Lieberwich was to receive in setting him up in a shop 
had to be paid for his brother’s suit. Mr. Lieberwich left a neighbor’s 
telephone number, Black 1727, by which he can be reached at any 
time. 

April 17, 1922.—Visited. As yet Mr. Lieberwich is working 
irregularly. However, after the holidays Mrs. Lieberwich believes 
her husband will begin working daily, earning $25 per week. When 
questioned as to whether or not Mr. Lieberwich is a citizen, Mrs. 
Lieberwich stated that he had taken out his second papers of citizen- 
ship about a year ago. | 


310 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


She appears to be very nervous and overwrought. When ques- 
tioned regarding this, she stated that her father had been quite ill. 
He had been so sick with pneumonia that he had been unconscious 
for over a week. Now, however, he feels much better, but his mind 
still wanders and doctors are giving very little hope for his complete 
recovery. 

May 1, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Lieberwich stated that her husband 
has begun working full time last week and is making $25 per week. 
Mrs. Lieberwich seems very happy over this fact and stated that now 
at last they have come to the point where for over a year she had 
longed to be, namely, to be self-supporting. 

Mrs. Lieberwich stated that her husband is very anxious to learn 
how to read and write English and requests information as to whether 
he should go to night school or take a private teacher. Suggested to 
her that he should try going to evening school at the People’s Institute 
to see for himself whether or not he would get sufficient out of it to 
pay for the time he would put in. In case he would not, then the only 
alternative would be to have a private teacher. He speaks English 
fairly well, but does not know how to read or write. 

May 11, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Lieberwich stated that her husband 
has been working regularly now and earning $25 per week. They are 
getting along very nicely on this sum. They will be able to meet 
all their various expenses without any further assistance from the 
Welfare Bureau, excepting when a suitable shop is to be had for Mr. 
Lieberwich to go into business. She thanked worker for all assistance 
rendered them in the past. 

May 23, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office asking what he should 
do in regard to his eyes, which have been bothering him a great deal, 
and he feels that his glasses should be changed as he suffers severe 
headaches whenever he wears them and yet cannot see without them. 
Advised him to go to the Dispensary, have the doctor examine his 
eyes, and ascertain whether or not he is in need of other glasses. 
He promised to do this. 

He stated that he has been going to evening school at the People’s 
Institute every evening and is getting along fairly well. He had been 
placed in an advanced class in English and is learning quite rapidly. 

June 15, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that again 
the slack season has come in his line and that he has been put on 
half-time employment. Hence he is making only $12.50 per week. 
He was unable to say how long this would last. However, as soon 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 311 


as this slack season is over, he will inform worker. He further said 
that he had been trying to get employment in some other line during the 
time he is not working at his trade, but it is very difficult to get this. 

June 23, 1922.—Called at Illinois Machinery Company re several 
shops that are for sale. Was advised that Mr. Lieberwich is known 
to them for many years; that in their opinion he is much better off 
employed than in a shop of his own because he is so easily upset by 
competition. 

_ June 27, 1922.—Called at home and left word for Mr. Lieberwich 
to be at the office this evening. 

Later.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He looked very much depressed 
and downhearted. When questioned the reason for this, he expressed 
himself somewhat in this wise: ‘That it is a shame for a great big 
strong fellow like myself to come to the Welfare Bureau to ask for 
relief.” Beyond that he said nothing more. He repeated this several 
times. Worker tried to encourage him and pointed out to him that 
if he goes about worrying over the situation he may suffer a breakdown. 
To this he responded that he is not worrying at all but simply that he 
is not feeling fit as he might. When worker assured him that the 
full rent will be sent for July, he merely nodded and then left the office. 

June 30, 1922.—Report received from Self-Support Department 
as follows: 

June 16. Called at 2058 Nineteenth Street re vacant store. Location is 
fairly good, but rent without rooms is $65. Do not believe neighborhood will 
pay sufficient to warrant this rental. Investigated the neighborhood along 
Nineteenth Street toSouth Avenue. There were no vacant stores. Askeda 
tailor at 2220 Nineteenth Street if he would consider renting out half of his 
store. Said he would think it over and let us know. Notified Mr. Lieber- 
wich to call at this store later to get answer but have not heard from him. 


July 16, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. Has been discharged. 
He has called on Illinois Shoe-Repair Machinery Company re locations. 
Mr. Peters of this firm suggested to him that he get another job and 
gave him an address of a repairer in La Grange, Illinois, who needs a 
man. Wrote a letter for Mr. Lieberwich asking wages paid and 
possibility of living in Chicago while working out there. Mr. Lieber- 
wich was also referred to a store at Buena and North avenues. Gave 
him car tickets to inspect this place. 

July 18, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office reporting that store at 
Buena and North avenues will not be finished for two months. Rent 
is to be $100. Neighborhood is probably a good one for shoe-repairing 


312 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


if it is possible to get this at a lower rental. Tried to reach Mr. 
Mason, owner, at Central g211, but he could not be reached. Gave 
Mr. Lieberwich car tickets to inspect place and report. 

August 3, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that now 
he is entirely out of work and does not know when he will again be 
taken on at this latter place where he has been employed. It means 
that he has been out of work for the past two weeks, and he requested 
that some assistance be granted them until such time as he is able to 
secure employment again. 

August 7, 1922.—It has been deemed advisable to consider Mr. 
Lieberwich for a shop in partnership with Morris Bergstein. (See 
Morris and Sara Bergstein record.) 

Later.—Mr. Lieberwich and Mr. Bergstein in office. Interviewed 
by director of the Self-Support Department and worker. Both men 
were very anxious and were willing to agree to any terms whatever 
in order that they may have a shop whereby both will become self- 
supporting. The shop in consideration is one located at 605 California 
Avenue. Both men knew of the shop in question, and both considered 
it a splendid location. Explained to both Mr. Lieberwich and Mr, 
Bergstein that it may be advisable for Mr..Lieberwich to do the 
heavier work until such time as the doctor recommends full work for 
Mr. Bergstein. Mr. Lieberwich agreed to this and stated that he 
would do all in his power, not only to be agreeable, but to get along 
smoothly. After both men had given their opinions on the various 
expenses and as to the method of conducting the shop and after both 
men had spoken to one another regarding their differences and agree- 
ments on the subject, both workers were impressed with the fact that 
the extremely varying personalities and characteristics of the men 
would tend to disagreements and perhaps conflicts between the two 
men once they are established and that in order to avoid this, should 
the shop finally be bought, strict and constant supervision would be 
necessary. ‘The matter will be further gone into, rato eli as to the 
advisability of the partnership. 

August 9, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He. seemed iti 
depressed over something. He said that he came to office to inquire 
what disposal had been made with the shop located at 605 California 
Avenue. He also said that he had been trying all along to look for 
employment as well as looking for a shop, but unsuccessfully. It is 
now three weeks that he has not earned anything. Aside from this 
worry there is the trouble he is having in the home... Mrs. Lieberwich 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS ers 


had frightened him so that he is unable to pull himself together. When 
questioned as to what had happened, Mr. Lieberwich stated that his 
wife had become pregnant and she had attempted to bring about an 
abortion. 

Just before leaving, Mr. Lieberwich again assured worker that 
so far as he is concerned things will go smoothly in the partnership 
with Mr. Bergstein. 

August 10, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office with his brother David, 
who deposited $300 to be loaned to his brother for business, with the 
understanding that if he is not established within ten days he shall 
have the privilege of withdrawing this. 

Later.—Consulted general superintendent. Went over possibilities 
of business for Bergstein and Lieberwich, considering the purchase 
price a maximum of $3,000. He will ask for further report on the 
financial ability of the Bureau to go through with this loan. 

Later.—Notified Mr. Lieberwich of delay in decision and reason 
for delay. He seemed skeptical. Asked him in the meantime to 
call again on the owner at 605 California Avenue to learn the very. 
lowest possible price. 

In the evening Mr. Lieberwich returned. States that the very 
best price he can get is $2,800 for the fixtures and $200 for the stock. 
He is particularly anxious to get this place because it will not require 
his moving and because having someone to help him will enable him 
to continue his English course at the People’s Institute, in which he is 
extremely interested. Learned that it was because of his unwillingness 
to forego this course that he preferred to hold a job, which would 
give him his evenings free, rather than have a shop which would 
require his full time. He insists that he is willing to do the greater 
part of the hard work if Mr. Bergstein is his partner. However, he 
plans as soon as possible to buy out Mr. Bergstein and retain the 
business for himself. 

August 12, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich and Mr. Bergstein in office. 
Interviewed by director of the Self-Support Department and worker. 
Mr. Bergstein had a very independent air. He was self-confident 
and gave the impression that he was coming down a great deal when 
he consented to Welfare Bureau’s proposal that he go in partnership 
with Mr. Lieberwich. When reprimanded for his attitude, Mr. 
Bergstein stated that under no circumstances would he go in partner- 
ship with Mr. Lieberwich. That he would be willing to promise the 
Bureau to work for the latter for six months when the shop is obtained, 


314 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


but, as for partnership, that he would never consider. It was pointed 
out to him that, if his attitude on the subject was such and he wished 
only to work for Mr. Lieberwich, such employment could be obtained 
at any place from any shoe-repair man in the city. 

Later—Conference with general superintendent, supervisor, 
director of Self-Support Department, and worker. It was decided 
that Mr. Lieberwich and Mr. Bergstein would make very poor partners 
due to their different personalities and temperaments—there would be 
no harmony between them. And since there would be no partnership, 
the shop in consideration, located at 605 California Avenue, cannot 
be bought for Mr. Lieberwich alone; for $3000 is far too enormous a 
sum to spend on one individual. The best that can be allowed Mr. 
Lieberwich is from $1,800 to $2,000. | 

August 14, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He was bitterly 
disappointed at the decision with regard to the shop. It was explained 
to him that perhaps this disappointment is for the best for, should the 
partnership have gone through, it might have caused more pain and 
annoyance than would ever be compensated for by the few hundred 
dollars that he might make during the time until he had gotten another 
shop. Mr. Lieberwich, though crestfallen, took this in a sportsman- 
like manner. He stated that he would bide his time. 

August 16, 1922.—Visited. The house was neat and orderly. 
Mrs. Lieberwich was neatly dressed. She too’was disappointed 
that the matter of the shop located at 605 California Avenue had not 
gone through, and she asked worker as to how long this whole thing 
will last. Last spring when Mr. Lieberwich had worked for about 
six weeks, they had just finished paying off various small debts that 
they had incurred, when he again lost his job; and now debts are 
again accumulating—not large ones, but still big enough to be a 
handicap. The holidays are fast approaching, and how she will 
meet the various things she was at a loss to understand. Worker 
promised that clothing would be sent for the children in time for the 
holidays. | 

August 17, 1922.—Called at the People’s Institute in the evening 
and spoke to Mr. Lieberwich’s teacher in English. She reports that 
he is very earnest and sincere in his attempt to learn English and is 
making quite good progress. Still he is learning slowly as he was 
entirely illiterate; could neither read nor write English. He reads 
English quite well but is still backward in writing. He makes very 
good progress in class. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 315 


August 24, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He is to begin work 
on August 27 at 435 California Avenue in a shoe-repair shop. He was 
unable to say how much the pay would be. He will inform worker 
later on. 

October 3, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He stated that he 
has been now working for over a month quite regularly earning 
between $12 and $18 weekly. This sum does not permit him to pay 
rent, and he requests that same be granted him. 

Mr. Lieberwich further stated that during the holidays their home 
had been broken into and robbed and that his clothing was stolen 
as well as some of the things belonging to his wife. 

October 27, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Lieberwich stated that her 
husband is feeling fairly well and is working at 435 California Avenue. 
As they are not very busy at the trade, he is not working full time and 
therefore earns only from $15 to $20 a week. If he would work full 
time, he would be earning $25 a week. Her husband is not sorry 
that he was not established in business, as at the present time it is 
doubtful as to whether he would make a success. Mrs. Lieberwich 
informed worker that one of her brothers, a widower with two children, 
is living at her house. He pays $8.00 a week for food for the two 
children. He does not eat at her house. He is also paying half of 
the rent, which is $27.50. 

Mrs. Lieberwich is feeling fairly well but, as she is susceptible 
to fainting spells, has to be very careful not to be left in the house 
alone. She is in her fifth month of pregnancy, and during this period 
she suffers from fainting spells more frequently than otherwise. 
About two weeks ago while at a store on Twelfth Street she fainted. 
She explained that she is unconscious at the time when these attacks 
occur but is easily revived. This is the first attack she had during 
her present pregnancy period; but, when in the same condition before 
Helen’s birth, she had these attacks as frequently as two and three 
times a week. At that time she was greatly worried because her 
husband was at the State Hospital. These attacks, however, are 
not brought on by worry but by remaining on her feet too long. 
Her mother, who came in during the interview, stated that Mrs. 
Lieberwich does not foam at the mouth when she gets these attacks, 
nor does she become rigid. Mrs. Lieberwich was asked to go to 
the Dispensary for examination and was told that we would send them 
a history of her complaint. She broke her leg when about eleven 
years old and was quite sick for about a year. Since that time she has 


316 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


suffered from these attacks. Also advised Mrs. Lieberwich to register 
at Pre-Natal Clinic of the hospital, but she stated that she did not 
wish to go there for confinement. She is a strict observer of the 
Orthodox Dietary Laws and would not eat any food prepared at 
the Zion Hospital. She is anxious to go to the Orthodox Hospital 
and will ascertain whether they will admit her gratis. 

November 10, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office asking for rent. 
Explained to him that with the income received from his brother and 
with his own wages they are only about $4.50 below budget and we 
could therefore not grant the rent. However, we were willing to assist 
with part of it and also to supply coal. He was satisfied with these 
arrangements. . 

He stated, however, that he was having a great deal of difficulty 
with his wife over the fact that she keeps her brother and his 
children; and, when he discusses the matter with her, she taunts him 
by telling him that he does not provide adequately for his family 
and she therefore does not have to take his advice in this matter. 
However, he believes that nothing should be said to her regarding 
this matter as the brother and his children will be obliged to leave 
when she is confined as after her confinement they will need the 
extra room. 

December 2, 1922.—Mr. Lieberwich in office asking for coal, which 
was granted. 

January 13, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office asking for coal and 
for aid in paying the rent. He stated that he is not making so much 
as formerly and business is very poor. However, he cannot leave this 
position since he can find nothing better in his trade. He does not 
wish to take a job outside of his trade as he will then have to change 
again in the spring when the shoe-repair business picks up. 

February 15, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Lieberwich expects to be 
confined within two weeks. She has made arrangements to go to the 
Orthodox Hospital. Her sister-in-law will care for one of the children 
while she is at the hospital, and her mother will take care of the other 
two. Mr. Lieberwich will sleep at home and will have his meals at 
the restaurant or with his relatives. 

Mrs. Lieberwich has four sisters and four brothers. Her brothers 
are all in fairly good circumstances, but they will have nothing to do 
with her and give her no assistance whatsoever. The only one of the 
relatives from whom she receives any assistance is from her sister’s 
husband, Jacob Levitz. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 317 


April 7, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. His wife has given 
birth to a baby boy. He is very happy as he had always wished to 
have a boy in the family to carry on the name and, according to the 
old Hebrew custom, to say the Kaddish for him after he is gone. 

Mrs. Lieberwich is now at home. During her absence the children 
stayed with her mother, and Mr. Lieberwich helped in caring for them. 
Mrs. Lieberwich’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Levy, with whom she expected 
one of the children to stay, is confined to her bed with a broken leg; 
therefore the whole burden was put on Mrs. Levy, Mrs. Lieberwich’s 
mother, as Mr. Lieberwich was unwilling to burden the Bureau with 
the problem of having his children placed. Work is still very slack 
in the shoe-repairing trade. . He said that he had taken up the question 
of the shoe-repair business with the Free Employment Bureau but 
was informed that it was difficult to get anything in his line of work 
which would be profitable. 

He is a member of the Workman’s Circle. The dues are $1.60 
a month, but he is in arrears about six months. This does not bother 
him. States that the organization is able to do nothing at the present 
time and he has never received any assistance from them. He 
protested against the suggestion that worker from the Bureau speak 
to the lodge official. He has not a very good reputation there now 
as they know he has applied to the Bureau for assistance. They have 
told him that it is not necessary for them to get him a better job since he 
is being helped by an organization and he is very sensitive on this point. 

When praised for the good work he is doing at the People’s Institute 
he was pleased. He said that he had no opportunity when he was 
young to get an education and he is therefore trying to make up for 
it now. For some time he attended the Institute when he was working 
and self-supporting. Later he was forced to stop, because he did not 
have sufficient money to pay for his lessons and did not wish to inform 
the superintendent there of his circumstances. For a while he took 
private lessons, but the fee was too high and he therefore discontinued 
altogether, until the scholarship was obtained for him. Although 
he is doing good work he is not at all confident of his ability. He 
stated that he had been asked to enter a higher class, but he refused 
to do so, preferring rather to stay in the grade where he was and to 
review what he had already learned. 

April 12, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Lieberwich is still weak. She 
stated that as soon as she was stronger she would take the baby to 
the Infant Welfare Station. 


318 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


She stated that Mr. Lieberwich is very much happier than he 
has been in a long time. He takes great pride in the baby and he is 
extremely happy that he now has a son. 

May 16, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. On May 7 he applied 
to Free Employment Bureau but could get no work. Not only the 
shoe-repair business is full but also the other leather trades at which 
he might work. Told him to look at the shoe-repair shop of Mr. 
Schwerdlott at 612 Eighty-ninth Street and afterward come to see 
director of Self-Support Department regarding it. . 

He states that his wife will not be able to go to the country now 
as her mother could not be expected to care for Dorothy who is the 
only child attending school. Mr. Levy, Mrs. Lieberwich’s father, 
was taken to the Psychopathic Hospital on May 11. When he gave 
this information Mr. Lieberwich’s eyes filled with tears. It was 
hard for him to talk. : 

He has paid $5.00 of his back dues to the secretary of the union. 
At that time the secretary promised him that he would try to procure 
work for him. At the union meeting, however, a few days later he 
said that it was doubtful whether there would be any work. Mr. 
Lieberwich feels that the secretary is very antagonistic toward him 
for two reasons: first, because he had been in an institution, and, 
second, because he received assistance from the Bureau. Mr. Lieber- 
wich states that the secretary works with Progress, a Jewish news- 
paper, and this partly explains his attitude. 

May 31, 1923.—Mrs. Lieberwich would like to go to the country 
with thechildren, but feels that she ought not to leave her husband alone. 
His mother is too old and “nervous” to care for him, and during her 
confinement he went from his mother’s home to her mother’s home, 
She feels, however, that for the children’s sake she ought to go away. 
She will talk the matter over with her husband to see if some arrange- 
ment cannot be made. 

Her father, who was taken to the State Hospital for the Insane, 
formerly worked at the tailoring trade asa “bushelman.” In England 
the family was well situated financially. Mr. Levy had his own tailor- 
ing shop where he employed about thirty people. During the time 
that she lived in England, Mrs. Lieberwich worked for her father. 
Mr. Levy suffered from a mental illness about fifteen years ago and 
was for about eighteen months in an institution in England. Since 
that time he has never been in an institution, but several times has 
had recurrent symptoms of his old illness, a religious mania. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS —§ 319 


June 1, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He is willing that his 
wife and children go to the country primarily for the benefit of the 
children. Mrs. Lieberwich will register for camp immediately. 

He has been suffering from a toothache for the last few days and 
was referred to the Dispensary. 

June 5, 1923.—Letter from the Dispensary referring Mr. Lieber- 
wich to Dental College for treatment. | 

June 26, 1923.—Called to ask Mrs. Lieberwich to report to office 
so that she may be taken to Dispensary. 

Mrs. Lieberwich states that she has always enjoyed good health 
with the exception of the time when she has had “‘spells.”” She could 
tell little about these spells except that they occurred first when she 
was about thirteen years of age. She attributes them to an accident 
which she had at the age of ten when she was scalded by hot soup. 
Both legs were badly burned from the knees downward, and she was 
forced to stay in bed for a few months. It was thought for a while 
that amputation would be necessary. Mrs. Lieberwich states that 
she did not feel the effect of this until about three years later when her 
“spells” began. She states that they did not occur periodically but 
only when she received a fright of some kind. Since her marriage 
she has had these only during pregnancy. She does not know any 
of the symptoms that occur at this time except that she is unconscious. 

Mrs. Lieberwich states that the children all appear to be well and 
healthy. | 

June 29, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He was questioned 
with regard to some of the facts of his early childhood, but immediately 
upon beginning to talk his eyes filled with tears and he was not urged 
to go further. 

June 30, 1923.—Diagnostic letter to the Dispensary. 

[Between June 30 and July 26, Mr. and Mrs. Lieberwich undergo 
careful medical examination, and it is decided to apply for Mr. 
Lieberwich’s admission to the Industrial Workshops. | 

July 26, 1923.—Application for admission of Mr. Lieberwich to 
Industrial Workshops sent to the director. 

August 7, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He states he has been 
unable to find any employment, although he has been promised a job 
for next week by a shoemaker on the north side. He was advised that 
rent and allowance for the week would be sent him. This was later done. 

August 15, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich called on the general superin- 
tendent. He was very vague about the reason for his visit. He 


320 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


stated that he had “no complaints to make.”’ Explained that he was 
unemployed and looking for work; that in his trade there was little 
to be found. He receives no assistance from the union. He discussed 
the possibility of purchasing a news stand. Stated that his father will 
probably be willing to give more than $300 for this purpose, but he 
realizes that the organization cannot at this time supply the additional 
amount, which would probably be about $1,000 for a stand which would 
enable him to become self-supporting. 

Later.—Mr. Lieberwich, accompanied by worker, was interviewed 
by agent at employment office and sent out on a job as night watchman. 

August 16, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He was anxious to 
advise worker why he did not accept the job on which he had been sent 
out the day before. The hours were from 9:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. 
and on Sundays to 10:00 A.M. On Sundays Mr. Lieberwich would be 
obliged to return at about 3:00 P.M. and work until 8:00 the following 
morning again. ‘The work too is rather heavy and difficult. 

August 17, 1923.—Was informed by Free Employment worker 
that Mr. Lieberwich had been sent out on another job yesterday. 
Later, however, he learned that he could have the shoe-repair job 
which had been promised him. Although the work would only last 
about two weeks he will receive about $35 or $40 instead of $18, 
which he was offered at the job received through the Employment 
Bureau. He was advised to accept the job at his own trade 
temporarily. oo Ge 

August 28, 1923.—Called. Mrs. Lieberwich stated that her 
husband has been working at the shoe-repair shop since August 17. 
He will probably continue until the end of the week. The work is 
very difficult as he is forced to leave the house early in the morning 
and does not return usually until 10:00 in the evening. Mrs. Lieber- 
wich does not know what he will earn as he will be paid when he is 
through working. 

Mrs. Lieberwich advised worker that her mother would like to 
come to live with her, as the latter is now alone since her husband is 
in the State Hospital and the son who lives with her is about to be 
married. She assured worker that her mother would not be dependent 
as the sons would be more than willing to support her. In fact, they 
have been doing so since Mr. Levy was committed. However, no 
one of them has the room to take her into their home. Mrs. Lieber- 
wich feels that she will get along better with her mother than any of 
the other children would. Furthermore, it will be a help to her to 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 321 


have her mother in the home as she will not have to take the four 
children with her when she goes shopping or any other place. She 
states that her mother would be willing to pay half the rent in a larger 
flat, as five rooms will not accommodate them all. Her mother 
will also pay one-half of the light and gas bills. The Lieberwich 
family, however, is not in a position to pay moving expenses at the 
present time as the flat which they have is adequate for their needs 
and most reasonable in rental. Mrs. Levy is planning to discuss the 
matter with her sons, and Mrs. Lieberwich will inform us as to the 
decision made by them. 

September 4, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He is not working 
this week and will reapply to the Free Employment Bureau. 

September 8, 1923.—Letter to the director of Industrial Workshops. 

[From this date until September 28, 1923, the necessary preliminary 
correspondence between the Relief Department and the Workshop 
takes place. The Relief Department supplies the necessary diagnosis 
obtained from the Dispensary and the Diagnostic Clinic.] 

September 13, 1923.—Called. Mrs. Lieberwich states that the 
baby has not been so well recently but the other members of the family 
are all in good health. Mr. Lieberwich started work at-the Western 
Shoe-Repair Company at $22 weekly and is satisfied now that he is 
working; but he is very anxious to get into the Industrial Workshops, 
where he will have the assurance that he will be steadily employed. 

A suit has been requisitioned for Mr. Lieberwich. 

September 24, 1923.—Mrs. Lieberwich in office. Asked that the 
rent be granted this month as, although her husband has been working, 
he has not received the $22 weekly for he has been out of work on 
account of the holidays. He received $7.00 the first week and $14 
the second week. ‘Tomorrow he will receive his pay again. 

September 28, 1923.—Conference with director of the Industrial 
Workshops and supervisor. It was decided that Mr. Lieberwich 
begin work in the shop on October 1. He is to receive $22 weekly, 
an amount equal to that which he is earning now. If he qualifies 
for the position as foreman his wages will be increased gradually to 
accord with the wages earned in the trade outside of the shop. ‘The 
question of beginning Mr. Lieberwich at a wage sufficient to cover 
budget requirements and slightly higher than what he is earning now, 
was considered, but thought inadvisable as it would not be well to 
disappoint the man should he not be able to quality for position as 
foreman and have to return to some other work. 


322 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


October 1, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich informed of the decision made. 
He will begin work in the shops immediately. 

October 4, 1923.—Letter received from Mrs. Lieberwich asking 
for clothes for her husband and children. 

October 8, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. States he is again 
having trouble with his teeth. Gave an estimate from the College 
of Dentistry for work, the cost of which is $20. Advised him that 
this matter would be taken up, and we will tell him when to have 
this done. 

October to, 1923.—Letter to the Dispensary. 

October 15, 1923.—Called at the Industrial Workshops at the 
request of Mr. Lieberwich. Spoke to director. Mr. Lieberwich is 
doing satisfactory work in the shops. He is very conscientious, 
willing to work, takes a pride and interest in what is going on. How- 
ever, the director does not believe that the man will be able to assume 
the position of foreman of the shop, as he is illiterate. He cannot 
make out the required reports nor figure the length of time and cost 
of jobs, and it is necessary for the director himself to do this work at 
the present time. Neither is Mr. Lieberwich a man from whom others 
will take orders. Other men in the shops are as capable as Mr. 
Lieberwich. 

Mr. Lieberwich confided in the director that it is impossible for 
him to get along and maintain his family independently with his 
present earnings. His wife is nagging him again on this account. 
The man is depressed, and the director has found him on several 
occasions sitting with his face downward resting on his arms in a 
dejected attitude. He sometimes seems tired. 

Talked with Mr. Lieberwich, who was anxious to discuss financial 
matters with worker. He was told not to worry about this as the 
amount of money which he is earning at present is not so significant 
as the important task of re-educating himself to the point where he 
can assume a position of independence. This will not take a long 
time. He was urged not to worry about the present situation as we 
will assist him in caring for his family until he is able to do so by 
himself. Mr. Lieberwich complained that last month he received 
full pay only for the last week he worked. There were four pay days 
on which he received $7.00, $14, $18, and $22 respectively. When he 
began work in the shops he did not receive pay after the first week as 
the workers are paid only every two weeks. As a consequence of 
his meager earnings during the month of September and the delayed 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 323 


payment in October, his wife was obliged to borrow quite a bit of 
money. She bothered him with this information, and he in turn 
worried over it. He confided in worker that his wife frequently 
suspects him of thinking too much of his first wife. This, however, 
was more true before there were children. He states that his wife 
has no cause for worry on this score. He was advised that worker 
would speak to Mrs. Lieberwich the following day. 

October 16, 1923.—Called. Mrs. Lieberwich states that she is 
now happy that her husband at least has steady work. During the 
past few months it was difficult for her to get along, and she realized 
that she was burdening her husband with her own worries and this 
was bad for him. Mrs. Lieberwich states that during the past month 
she borrowed about $15. Even then she was not able to buy the 
necessary clothing for the children, nor has Mr. Lieberwich any winter 
underwear. Mrs. Lieberwich does some sewing for the children, 
remodeling the clothes of the older for the younger girls. The youngest 
girl was given a coat by Mrs. Lieberwich’s brother. Mrs. Lieberwich’s 
brothers do not give her very much assistance on the plea that they 
must contribute to the support of their mother. Mrs. Lieberwich’s 
brothers are fond of her husband, but she feels that they do not under- 
stand him. He is much older than they and much more serious. 
Mrs. Lieberwich will try to encourage her husband in his work and 
to be.as cheerful as she can, although she too is tired of the state of 
dependency in which they have been now for several years and some- 
what discouraged. She is anxiously waiting for the time when Mr. 
Lieberwich can support his family without outside assistance. 

October 24, 1923.—Background for Mrs. Lieberwich sent to the 
Dispensary. [Between this date and November 2, 1923, Mrs. Lieber- 
wich is given a thorough medical examination. | 

October 27, 1923.—A check of $15 was sent this week to Mrs. 
Lieberwich. Clothes for the entire family were requisitioned so that 
each member will be completely outfitted with whatever is needed. 
It was explained to Mr. Lieberwich, who was in the office this date, 
that this will give the family a good start. With Mr. Lieberwich’s 
regular earnings his wife will be able to manage better in the future 
and to buy clothes for the family hereafter, as well as taking care of 
the other household expenses. For the present Mr. Lieberwich was 
very grateful and seemed content with this arrangement. 

November 2, 1923.—Mrs. Lieberwich in office. She was grateful 
for the clothes that she had received. 


324 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


November to, 1923.—Mrs. Lieberwich in office. She stated that 
her girl, Elizabeth, fell and injured her chin. An infection set in, 
and it was necessary to call a private physician one evening. Her 
mother, however, promised to take care of this expense and will take 
the child to the Dispensary for further medical treatment. The 
coal that had been ordered for her had not arrived immediately, 
and she was forced to borrow some from a neighbor in the meantime. 

November 13, 1923.—Called on Mr. Lieberwich at the shops. 
He was much discouraged and dissatisfied because the full amount 
of the rent had not been sent him as usual. Only the additional 
amount which was necessary according to his present budget. He 
had looked forward to the shops as a means of becoming self-supporting 
and had hoped in a short time to earn a wage similar to that paid in 
his trade. He insists that full-time workers in the shoe-making trade 
are now paid about $40 and that this is the amount necessary for a 
man in order to enable him to support his family. Formerly he lived 
on a much smaller amount than he is now receiving from his earnings 
and the additional supplementation from the Bureau; but, though 
the family struggled along with exceeding difficulty, he was forced 
to be content because he could not find full-time work at his trade, 
thereby earning more. Now since he is working full time he feels 
that he is entitled to more than $22 weekly. He states that he is 
trying to make himself as useful as he can in the shops, that in addition 
to work in his own trade he acts as janitor and delivery man, sweeping 
out the shops and calling for and delivering goods. 

Advised Mr. Lieberwich that the additional amount necessary 
for the rent would be sent this month, but requested that he try to 
manage according to the budget in the future. 

Spoke to the director, who states that Mr. Lieberwich is at times 
almost useless for work. His mind seems to be on his domestic 
difficulty, the injury of his child, his inability to get along on the 
Bureau budget, and numerous other things, For this reason he 
cannot concentrate on his work. His attention seems scattered. 
Then, too, he is not neat nor orderly in his work. 

November 19, 1923.—Was informed by director of Industrial 
Workshops that Mr. Lieberwich is not working. Although he is 
supposed to work full time, he is turning out the same amount of 
work as other men in the shops who are working only a few hours a day. 

November 26, 1923.—Director of the Industrial Shops telephoned 
stating that Mr. Lieberwich came an hour late this morning on the 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 325 


excuse that he had had to get coal, although this had been ordered 
for him by the Bureau last week. 

Later.—Called. Mrs. Lieberwich states that her husband usually 
leaves home about 7:30 in order to be at the shops at 8:00. This 
morning he was somewhat delayed as he went to get a washtub full 
of coal from a neighbor. Mrs. Lieberwich received coal from the 
Bureau this afternoon. 

Mrs. Lieberwich is attending the various clinics at the Dispensary 
as she was instructed. She has been placed on a diet for epilepsy. 
Mr. Lieberwich is not in full accordance with his wife’s adhering to 
this diet and has told her that it is not necessary; that she could 
keep just as well eating the same food.as the other members of the 
family. However, she intends to follow the instructions as she feels 
it may benefit her fainting spells. Her father returned from the State 
Hospital last week. 

November 30, 1923.—Letter to Mr. Lieberwich, inclosing letter 
to the College of Dentistry, and advising him that he may proceed 
to have his dental work completed. 

December 1, 1923.—Director of the Workshops telephoned that 
Mr. Lieberwich is not doing as much work as he can. He does not 
work except when he is watched. He turns out on an average of six 
pairs of shoes daily, although eight pairs is an average amount. 
For a time when extra men were taken on at the shops to do work and 
these men turned out about ten pairs of shoes daily, Mr. Lieberwich 
also, in order to keep up with them, turned out the same amount. 
The director thinks it is advisable to place the man on piece-work 
and will take up this matter with him. 

December 4, 1923.—Report received from Industrial Shops that 
Mr. Lieberwich received in wages the sum of $92 for the period of 
November 1—December 1. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Lieberwich states that her husband has been 
very depressed recently. On December 2 he had gone to his father’s 
home and had been much ridiculed because he was still accepting 
assistance from the Bureau. His brothers had fought with him and 
tried to throw him down the stairs. As a result he has been feeling 
very badly since he returned from his parents’ home. She says that 
her relatives treat him with much more consideration than his own 
family does. 

December 5, 1923.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He was very much 
excited. He resented the fact that he had been called to account for 


326 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


his small output at the Industrial Shops. He stated that he could 
do as good work as any man and gave as the reason for the small 
amount he had accomplished that the shoes which had been brought 
to the shops for repair were so badly worn and difficult to work on. 
In the future it is expected that a better grade of work will be received 
by the shops, and it will then be possible to repair more shoes per 
day. He appears to be very much dissatisfied with his position in 
the shops. He saw no reason why he was not made foreman as he 
_ felt that he was capable of holding such a position and cited as illustra- 
tion that he has given the director valuable advice in buying material, 
etc. He was told that he was not capable of holding the position as 
foreman, but he would be retained in the shops as a regular shoe- 
repair man, if he would do the work of which he was capable. He 
complained also that the wages that he was receiving were inadequate 
for the family to get along, even with the additional supplementation 
from the Bureau. He felt at least that the whole rent should be 
granted. Although he previously had always expressed a desire to 
become independent, it seemed that he now wished as much assistance 
as possible. It was pointed out to him that, when he had worked 
intermittently last spring and summer and his earnings were supple- 
mented by the Bureau, the income was much smaller than now and 
that as his earnings increase the Bureau supplementation will decrease, 
as our aim was not to assist the family only financially but to help 
them become independent as well. Since Mr. Lieberwich is dis- 
satisfied with his earnings and believes that he can better himself 
outside of the shops, he was requested to find a position for himself 
in industry. He, however, did not greet this suggestion very favorably 
and seemed inclined to hold the position which he now has. He 
stated, however, that there are other instances where men are working 
and their families are being assisted and gave the name of a man of 
one family which is known to him. It was proved beyond the question 
of a doubt, to Mr. Lieberwich, with the help of the supervisor of the 
district in which the man lives, that the man is receiving no assistance 
whatsoever at the present time from the Bureau and that the only 
time that the family did receive assistance was while the man was 
ill for a very short period. 

His feeling toward the director is very antagonistic and unfriendly. 
He was very sensitive because of the fact that the latter did not address 
him with the title “Mr.” calling him instead only ‘“Lieberwich” 
or “old man.” He felt that the superintendent did not respect him 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 327 


asaman. It was explained to Mr. Lieberwich that unless he changes 
his attitude toward the superintendent, toward the shops, and toward 
his work, it will be impossible to allow him to work in the shops any 
longer and he will have to look elsewhere for work. 

December 6, 1923.—Superintendent of the Workshops telephoned 
stating that Mr. Lieberwich’s attitude has changed entirely. He was 
working like a different man. 

December 12, 1923.—Called at the shops. Director stated that 
since Mr. Lieberwich has last been at the Bureau office his work had 
improved considerably. The day previously he had repaired eleven 
pairs of shoes. It has been decided that if he will continue to repair 
ten pairs of shoes daily he would receive $5.00 a day or about $30 a 
week. It was felt that he can do this without great difficulty as he 
has shown in the past few days. 

December 19, 1923.—Director of Workshops telephoned that since 
the additional men who have been employed temporarily in the 
shops (who had been sent to the shops by the Bureau) had been laid 
off, Mr. Lieberwich was again working much more slowly, repairing 
only about four or five pairs of shoes a day. It was planned that a 
conference would be had by the district and the shops very soon. 

Later.—Called on Mrs. Lieberwich. She states that Mr. Lieber- 
wich is very sullen and depressed at home. He says nothing whatso- 
ever about his work, but appears to be dissatisfied and allows his 
dissatisfaction and discontent to express itself in the home and at the 
expense of Mrs. Lieberwich and children. He had upbraided her 
because she had informed worker that she would be able to manage 
on what Mr. Lieberwich could earn, provided he worked regularly. 
He has been disagreeable to the children. When they wish to play 
with him, he pushes them away. He has very little to say at home, 
but his manner is very unpleasant. 

December 26, 1923.—Called at the shops. Spoke to director, 
who called attention to the fact that when Workshop supervisor 
attempted to point out that Mr. Lieberwich was malingering on the 
job and the man was called to account for this, he speeded up his 
work slightly. When there was a competition between the normal 
men who had been employed through the Bureau and Mr. Lieberwich, 
he speeded more just to show that he could do as much as anyone else. 
Immediately after the man from the Bureau was laid off, he again 
slackened his pace. It was believed that the constant pressure under 
which the man was working was bad for him. He has begun to act 


328 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


in an abnormal way. He cannot be talked to and reasoned with, 
When once told to stop working at the shops and find himself another 
job if he could not turn out eight pairs of shoes daily, he began to 
cry like a baby. 

The director believes that Mr. Lieberwich would be a failure in 
business as he would be under constant pressure and would: worry 
about every minor detail as he does now, when materials are bought 
at a slightly higher price than he believes should be paid for them or 
when they are bought in a different place from which he used to buy 
his materials, etc. It is felt that he does not react to the situation 
as a normal man would. However, it was suggested at this time that 
a trial in the industrial field with an interested employer should if 
possible be given him and it then could be ascertained how he worked 
in the company of normal men. It was also suggested that more 
authentic information regarding his past employment record be 
ascertained through his former employers and through the union, 
and after this is done he be examined again by Dr. Henry before a 
definite policy is decided upon. 

January 2, 1924.—Called on California near Fourteenth, but 
found that the man for whom Mr. Lieberwich formerly worked has 
moved. 

January 4, 1924.—Statement received from Industrial Workshops 
that Mr. Lieberwich received the sum of $91 in wages for the period 
of December 1-December 31. 

January 8, 1924.—Called at the shops. Was informed by 
director that Mr. Lieberwich is a disorganizing factor in the shops 
because he discourages new men, telling them that they will never 
make good shoemakers. He tells them also that they should not 
work quickly, otherwise he and the others employed there will also 
have to work more quickly. 

Called at the Shoemakers’ Union. Was informed by secretary 
that it is extremely difficult to place shoe-repair men at the present 
time. ‘There are a number of union members who are unemployed. 
He stated that he had no grudge against Mr. Lieberwich and had 
always done his best to place him, but finds the man difficult to place 
because of his ‘‘nervousness.”? He could give no other information 
regarding this than that Mr. Lieberwich talked too much, and fre- 
quently his talk is incoherent and illogical. He later added that Mr. 
Lieberwich often suffered from headaches and for this reason, even 
though he is willing to work, he cannot put in a full day’s work. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 320 


January 14, 1924.—Mr. Lieberwich in office. He was much 
upset. He had received a check of $22.44 from the Bureau. The 
previous month when he received this same amount he borrowed 
$6.00 from the shops in order to complete the amount necessary for 
his rent. This month a loan was refused him, and he came to request 
the Bureau to grant him more money so that it should not be necessary 
for him to borrow any. When his request was refused, Mr. Lieber- 
wich became very excited, began to tell about other men in the shops 
whose families were being supported by the Bureau. He knows 
this is so because they are not starving. Was advised that all families 
are being assisted on exactly the same basis as his. He was not 
satisfied and walked out of the office leaving the check. He returned 
a few minutes later, however, to take it back. Mr. Lieberwich was 
later seen on the street by another worker. He seemed very angry 
and kept muttering and speaking to himself. 


12. The Family of Isadore Katz 
(Whose Wife Is Epileptic) 


[This family was known to the Jewish Welfare Bureau first in 1908 
when Mr. Katz was ill with rheumatism and out of work and Mrs. 
Katz was also ill. They had spent two weeks in the Almshouse and 
had then come in to Mrs. Katz’s parents, who asked help for them. 
Small amounts of relief were given, but because the man refused 
employment and insisted on trying to carry ona business of his own, 
further aid was refused. 

In December, 1910, during a clothing strike, Mrs. Katz again 
asked help. His relatives were interviewed. It was agreed that he 
was neurasthenic and a “poor provider.” Emergency relief was 
given, and the contact of the agency with the family ceased. 

In January, 1912, Mr. Katz asked help in the form of a loan. He 
did home tailoring and did not have the money to purchase the neces- 
sary supplies for a job he was doing. In April of that year, too, one 
of the children had diphtheria just at the time of Mrs. Katz’s confine- 
ment, and medical help was secured. 

Similarly, through the following decade, services were asked and 
rendered, until in 1922 the Bureau felt the need of more specialized 
and constructive advice from the medical and psychiatric expert, and 
such help was sought from the Dispensary and especially the 
Diagnostic Clinic. The following letters illustrate the relationships 


330 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


among these various divisions of the philanthropic organization and 
between several of these divisions and the patient.] 

1. Letter, dated January 6, 1922, from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago, to Dr. Harry J. Hellman, 52 Washington Street, Chicago, 
a member of the Diagnostic Group: 


Re Rachel Katz 
1228 Independence Avenue 
No. 48152 

Jewish Welfare Bureau problem.—The Katz family has been known to 
our organization since 1908, the longest period during that time in which 
we were not active on the case being one and one half years. During these 
fourteen years we have endeavored in every way to induce and to assist 
Mr. Katz to support his family adequately but to no avail. They have 
been evicted times without number, have lived in basement rooms hardly 
habitable, and have moved countless times. Mrs. Katz has epilepsy and 
is said by her husband to have frequent and very violent attacks during 
which she cannot be left alone as she throws knives and other articles and 
is a menace to the children. There are four children, Rebecca, fifteen, 
in high school; Ruth, eleven; Sam, nine; and Mildred, six, 11 per cent 
underweight, who has been diagnosed as having epilepsy. Sam and Ruth 
are 8 and g per cent underweight respectively. The Katz family are well 
connected, but the relatives having assisted them for fifteen years refuse 
to do anything further until some constructive plan is made for the family. 
They feel that both Mr. and Mrs. Katz are unfitted to care for the children 
and that the children should be removed to proper homes. ‘The relatives 
are willing to pay for the children’s support should this action be taken. 
At the present time we have a visiting housekeeper who visits daily, pur- 
chases, and supervises preparation of food, and we are paying the landlord 
directly, sending coal and clothing; and, until a decision is reached by the 
Diagnostic Clinic, the relatives are willing to help bear the expense of the 
family. 

Parental history.—Mrs. Katz was born in Hungary. We have learned 
through relatives here that she comes of very good family. She has a 
prosperous brother in Budapest, and her connections there are people of 
splendid standing. Her father, eighty, and mother, seventy, recently 
celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Her father, she Says, 
has had diabetes for a number of years. Mrs. Katz has four brothers and 
one sister. 

Background history.—Mrs. Katz went to school for eight years, the 
first four years to the Burger Schule. She could do excellent needlework 
in the past, but has given it up. She states that she was engaged to marry 
a man to whom her parents emphatically objected, and for this reason they 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 331 


sent her with her sister to America. Mrs. Katz seems really to care for 
her husband and shields him and sympathizes with him. She is thoroughly 
accustomed to the idea of accepting relief from charitable organizations, 
and is incensed with her wealthy relatives for not supporting her family 
entirely. The home is not a pleasant one. It is extremely untidy, and Mr. 
Katz’s brother who is mentally unbalanced stays there, sleeping during 
the day and working as a dishwasher at night. Several years ago Mrs. 
Katz kept a roomer who was a habitual drunkard at her home, evidently 
without thought of the effect upon the children. We feel that she is entirely 
untruthful with us. At present the wife of Mr. Katz’s brother is in the 
hospital, and Mrs. Katz is caring for her one-year-old baby. 

Occupational history—When Mrs. Katz first came to this country she 
did housework. She claims to have taken in washings at various times to 
supplement her husband’s earnings. At present she is making a very poor 
success of keeping her own home. 

Medical history.—Mrs. Katz states that she first suffered from epileptic 
seizures about three weeks before her first child was born (1906). She 
states that she has grown steadily worse and that often when she is worried 
about financial matters she has as many as two or three spells a day. The 
family state that she grows violent during her spells and throws knives and 
other articles, but we are inclined to believe that this serves as an excellent 
excuse for Mr. Katz to stay at home and away from work. Our reason 
for doubting this statement is that Mrs. Katz has undertaken the care of 
an infant niece, which she would hardly do if the danger were very great. 

In 1913 she was diagnosed as having hysteria and inguinal hernia. 
In 1921 the diagnosis was bronchitis, tonsillitis, and inflammation of the 
skin. 

Social condition—The Katz family have so long been dependent on 
outside aid that as far as we can determine they have accepted this as 
their social state for the rest of their lives. The oldest girl is in high school, 
and recently the mother went to the school and complained of having no 
food; and Rebecca’s friends brought baskets of food to the house, but the 
family evidently felt no qualms in the matter. The Katz family have been 
wholly untruthful with us. We have never been able to determine exactly 
what Mr. Katz’s earnings were, nor what outside aid they were receiving. 
At one time when asked concerning these matters they stated that a pocket 
book was found; at another time that a woman whose name they have 
forgotten paid the rent. It is usually, however, Mrs. Katz who explains 
these rather intricate matters, while Mr. Katz merely corroborates when 
asked to. They had at one time a $22 gas bill and another time a gas bill 
of $81.87, and they now have gas opened up in their landlord’s name. 

Jewish Welfare Bureau experience—The family, known to us since 
1908, have gone through such unpleasant experiences as being taken to the 
Poor House by the County Agent, of having been evicted a number of times, 


332 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


still they show no sign of making any adjustment for the future. Until 
now, their rents have been $5.00, $8.00, $9.00, $12, but recently without 
our advice they moved into a $28 flat, but have never been able to pay one 
month’s rent. They have claimed on numerous occasions to have been 
without food for several days at a time. Although Mrs. Katz was sent to 
Europe after the first child was born she returned. They claim to get on 
very well with each other and the family seems harmonious. The Jewish 
Welfare Bureau suggested that Mrs. Katz in compliance with the recom- 
mendation of the Dispensary go into the County Hospital for observation 
and that the children be placed at a convalescent home until they are of 
normal weight; and in the meantime Mr. Katz be assisted in obtaining work. 
At such a time as he would be able to care for them the family would be 
reunited. To this they strenuously objected, refusing to have the home 
broken up. At present Mr. Katz is making no effort to find work. Their 
food, clothing, coal, and rent are being paid for; and a visiting housekeeper 
will visit daily observing Mrs. Katz especially until a decision in the case is 
reached by the Diagnostic Clinic. Should the home be broken up, the 
relatives will adequately care for the children. 


2. Letter, dated January 7, 1922, to Dr. Harry J. Hellman, 52 
Washington Street, Chicago, from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 


Re Isadore Katz 
1228 Independence Avenue 
No. 39001 


Jewish Welfare Bureau problem.—{This paragraph is identical with the 
first paragraph in the letter about Mrs. Katz. See above, p. 330.] 

Parental history.—Mr. Katz, who is forty-three years old, was born in 
Hungary, the third of six children. His father, a shoemaker, is living in 
Chicago with his recently married third wife. He is sixty-eight years old 
and self-supporting. Mr. Katz tells us that as far back as he can remember 
his mother suffered from severe headaches and stomach disorders. He 
knows of no illness of his father, and states that he is at present in fairly 
good health. Mr. Katz has a brother Alexander, who is mentally unbal- 
anced. When asked for the history of his brother’s mental disorder, Mr. 
Katz states that until the boy was ten or twelve years old, he seemed normal 
but when he grew old enough to attend sheep and goats in the fields, the 
family noticed a rather queer change which grew steadily worse. The 
brother is at present living with the Katz family and when interviewed seems 
unable to talk coherently or logically or to answer the most simple questions. 
Other brothers of Mr. Katz are fairly prosperous, two of them owning a 
six-apartment building. They have never, however, been _ particularly 
interested in our patient. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 333 


Background history.—Mr. Katz states that he went to school in Hungary 
for four years, and claims to be able to read and write Hungarian. On 
leaving school he learned the tailoring trade and practiced this until he came 
to this country. His father’ was a shoemaker and never very prosperous. 
He was brought over by a brother and met his wife in New York. Mr. 
Katz seems to show little, if any, initiative. He has come to our office 
in the morning for an afternoon appointment, and has sat the entire day 
waiting for an interview without the slightest protest. He shows no evidence 
of feeling at all humiliated by his position and, when confronted with the 
fact that at one time for a period of three months he was supposed to have 
deserted his family and was really in hiding at his own home, he stated 
that a man would go to any ends to secure necessary food, obviously con- 
sidering the rather usual means of working to gain his food entirely out of 
the question. Mrs. Katz’s relatives consider him an utterly worthless, 
lazy malingerer, and immediately after the birth of his first child he sent 
his wife back to her people in Europe. She, however, returned to him 
after a year, and they have been dependent on every type of organization, 
such as organized charities, private charities, girls’ clubs, schools, county 
agents, individuals, and even the County Infirmary. 

Occupational history—Mr. Katz apprenticed himself as a tailor in 
Hungary before coming to this country. On coming here, however, he 
engaged himself as a porter at a summer resort. He went from there 
with his wife to Oklahoma to join a brother and worked with the railroad 
although he does not give a very clear account of his type of work with the 
railroad. He claims to have done work on repairing locomotives, uphol- 
stering of chairs, etc. From Oklahoma he removed to Nebraska, where his 
eldest child was born, and still did odd jobs on railroads. He has been at 
various times porter, tailor, upholsterer, painter, peddler, and in 1918 had 
a camera and went about making the sort of pictures known as ‘“‘tintypes.” 
He has never in our knowledge of him worked steadily, and of late uses 
his wife’s epileptic spells, during which he claims she grows violent, as an 
excuse to stay home. Although, according to our latest report from the 
Dispensary, he can do light work, he is not making the slightest effort to 
find work. He has procured and has been given horses any number of 
times but he either finds peddling unsuccessful, the horse unfit to work, 
or makes some other excuse. At one time when our organization bought 
a good horse for him it became very sick, and on examination it was found 
that he had shamefully mistreated the horse, having beaten it and failed 
to water it. It was necessary to take the horse from him and give it veteri- 
nary care. Mr. Katz’s earning capacity, when he has worked, has varied 
from $1.00 to $2.00 a week, stayed rather constantly at $5.00 or $6.00 a 
week, and at times reached $30 and $35 for very short periods. 

Medical history—Mr. Katz has always greatly emphasized his physical 
inability to work. 


334 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


In 1913 he was diagnosed as having chronic articular rheumatism, and 
light work was recommended. In 1918 he was at Zion Hospital and dis- 
charged with a diagnosis of chronic rheumatism. In 1920 he claimed to be 
unable to work on account of an injury to a finger which he kept bound up, 
and when sent to the Dispensary he was found to have a perfectly healed 
and very normal finger. In December, 1921, the diagnosis was: ‘‘Trau- 
matic Neurosis. Cause—Trauma. Wassermann negative. Remarks—Pa- 
tient’s complaint followed directly upon an unusual strain of the muscles of 
the back. Any work such as heavy lifting will, of course, tend to protract 
this. Any light full-time employment is recommended.”’ Mr. Katz claims 
to have lifted a very heavy barn door and to have suffered a severe muscular 
strain. He claims to be unable to sleep at night, to be extremely nervous, 
and in such pain during the day that he can do no work whatever. 

Social condition.—[This paragraph is identical with the corresponding 
paragraph in the letter about Mrs. Katz. See above, p. 331.] 

Jewish Welfare Bureau experience-—{This paragraph is identical with 
corresponding paragraph in letter about Mrs. Katz. See above, p. 331.] 


[Incident to the diagnosis, Mrs. Katz was prevailed on to go to 
the County Hospital for observation. After her return the visiting 
housekeeper was called on to assist in imaproving the standards of 
housekeeping. Her reports for a portion of the period are as follows.] 


Visiting Housekeeper, 1922, April and May.—Since Mrs. Katz’s return 
from the hospital she has been keeping her house in immaculate order. 
Upon visits made as early as ten o’clock in the morning this state of orderli- 
ness and cleanliness prevails, including pantry and bathroom. An antique 
cabinet was given by a relative. She readily accepted the suggestion that 
it be used for the books which she has mentioned having no place for, and 
were piled up in the hall. 

At eleven o’clock Mrs. Katz has been found resting, her lunch prepared 
and in the oven. She herself dresses neatly in light dresses or aprons, 
well ironed. She is also dressing the children neatly in white clothes. 

Mr. and Mrs. Katz raved at the improvement in Mildred, whose desire 
for food has developed under supervision. Her capacity for food is almost 
equal to Ruth’s: whereas before she merely pecked here and there at food 
before her. 

Mrs. Katz asked permission to attend cooking classes. She was not 
absent from one class, and her immaculate dress was a good example for the 
others. Since she had received so much instruction in her home, her assis- 
tance in class was very valuable. She very aptly explained to the mothers 
what she had gained. Worker heard her relating to a new mother how she 
had cut down the amount of meat and fish used at a meal by initiating a 
variety of foods to make a balanced meal. The children of various mothers 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 335 


coming into the class occasionally irritated her very much, especially if 
they were near the food; at such times she threatened not to return. 

Mrs. Katz is very proud of her housekeeping and told the other women 
how pleased all members of the family were with her change. 


3. Letter, dated July 8, 1922, from Social Service Department of 
Zion Dispensary, to the superintendent of the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Katz, Isadore—Rachel 
1228 Independence Avenue 
No. 4261B—4262A 

The following is the report of the Diagnostic Clinic on the above-named 
patients: 

[The medical diagnosis is omitted.] 

Recommendations.—The Diagnostic Group stated that Mr. Katz was 
able to do any kind of full-time work. As he was eager to peddle fruit, 
it was suggested that he be allowed, if possible, to do that. He is to work 
irrespective of whether Mrs. Katz claims to be feeling ill or not. We will 
ask the Visiting Nurse to go in daily for a while to observe and reassure her 
as soon as you notify us that Mr. Katz is working, so that he will not have 
any cause for worry in that respect. 

Mrs. Katz is to report to the Wednesday or Saturday Neurological Clinic 
which meets at 1:00 P.M. May we ask you to urge her to come? 

An abdominal support has been recommended and ordered for her. 


July 12, 1922.—Mr. and Mrs. Katz again in office. She stated 
that she had come along as she felt much better and wished to hear 
what we were going to tell Mr. Katz. Mr. Katz was informed of the 
doctor’s findings, which infuriated both Mr. and Mrs. Katz. Mrs. 
Katz threatened to go to the doctors and tell them exactly what she 
thinks of them. Mr. Katz states that before him the doctor stated 
that he really should have hospital care and that he wished the doctors 
might come to his home at night to hear how he suffered. He states 
that he does not sleep at all. He insists that we give him a horse. 
It was explained to him that many of our people wished to be estab- 
lished in business, such as moving picture business, drygoods business, 
and so on, but that we could do this only when no other course could 
be followed. With him, since the doctor stated that he could work 
full time, and since he already had had a horse when they recommended 
his peddling we thought that he should accept a job. ‘This he refused 
to do, and they were told that, unless Mr. Katz would co-operate, 
it would be impossible for us to go on further as we are at present 
doing. They left highly indignant, stating that Mr. Katz by no means 


336 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


would accept a job, that they knew where they were going, although 
they refused to tell visitor. 

Visitor spoke about the matter with supervisor and superintendent, 
who both concurred in the plan that we would send the family one 
more week’s groceries together with a registered letter stating that 
we were giving Mr. Katz a week to think the matter over and that 
unless he would endeavor to get work or accept work which we can 
get for him could go no further in financial assistance. 

4. Letter, dated August 10, 1922, to the Superintendent of Zion 
Dispensary from the District Supervisor of the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Rachel Katz 
No 48152 

May we call your attention to the following situation which has just 
arisen: On January 6, seven months ago, we referred both Mr. and Mrs. 
Katz to the Diagnostic Clinic, and on July 8, we received the final recom- 
mendation of that Group. Recommendations as to the treatment of Mrs. 
Katz were as follows: 

“Mrs. Katz is to report to the Wednesday or Saturday Neurological 
Clinic which meets at 1:00 P.M. May we ask you to urge her to come.” 

On July 24, you notified us that Mrs. Katz failed to keep the appoint- 
ment in the clinic which was made for her. We spoke to her in regard to 
this and received her promise to report on the twenty-ninth which she did. 
On August 3, we received the following report: 

“The above-named patient attended the Neurological Clinic Saturday, 
July 29. As she would not co-operate to the extent of keeping a list of her 
epileptic seizures which she was requested to do by the doctor, he has 
refused to treat her further. We regret that there has been any difficulty.” 

We will not at this time go into detail as to the difficulty the situation 
in the Katz home presented as that was very carefully explained in our 
letter to the Diagnostic Group written January 6, to which we now refer 
you for full particulars so that you may have a clear understanding of the 
problems which confront us. We had great difficulty in getting Mr. and 
Mrs. Katz through the clinic, their co-operation never coming easily. Mrs. 
Katz after much work on our part was persuaded to enter Cook County 
Hospital for observation January 12. This was recommended by Dr. 
Hellman of the Group, who wanted to observe her there. She was later 
asked to return for further observation, which she flatly refused to do. 
We finally had to force this issue by withdrawing all relief, this only after 
weeks of patient urging. . 

Mr. Katz’s examination was completed months before his wife’s, but 
the Group did not want to discuss his case until Mrs. Katz’s examination 
was completed. This necessarily meant a great delay. For six months 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 337 


while the cases were being considered our organization with the help of rela- 
tives assumed financial responsibility. We are at a loss to understand how 
the Neurological Clinic can take the attitude they do when the patient was 
referred for treatment by the Diagnostic Group after a definite diagnosis of 
“epilepsy” was made. Mrs. Katz isa difficult patient we know, but, with ner- 
vousness which is a natural result of her disease, it seems to us more patience 
and understanding than was displayed in the clinic will have to be used. 

Will you kindly look into the matter and let us know whether Mrs. 
Katz is to receive the treatment recommended so strongly by the Diagnostic 
Group, or is there to be no further co-operation from the Dispensary in 
helping us to improve her physical condition ? 


5. Letter, dated August 15, 1922, from Dr. Harry J. Hellman to 
the director of the Social Service Department of Zion Dispensary: 


Replying to your letter calling my attention to the memorandum from 
the Jewish Welfare Bureau concerning Rachel Katz, I beg to report that any- 
one familiar with the treatment of epilepsy would be at no loss to understand 
how the Neurological Clinic should assume the attitude they did relative 
to the above-mentioned patient. Inasmuch as I dealt with this situation 
personally, I may state that the refusal of the patient to co-operate with the 
physician’s request was not due to any nervousness. I do not feel that her 
conduct is a natural result of her epilepsy. I am unable to understand how 
the Jewish Welfare Bureau can infer that insufficient patience or understand- 
ing was displayed. 

Mrs. Katz should receive treatment for her epilepsy. The treatment 
for this disease requires great co-operation between the physician and the 
patient. There is no one medication nor specified amount of any drug 
which will suffice to cure the disease. Both the type of medication and its 
dosage must be ascertained by observation. Among the things to be 
observed are: the number and type of attacks. The patient’s memory 
is very defective and unless these observations be written down they are 
worthless. Mrs. Katz was instructed to keep such a record; she categori- 
cally refused and became rather argumentative. Although as a member of 
the Diagnostic Clinic, I feel that Mrs. Katz should receive treatment, just 
as with Pooh Bah in the ‘‘ Mikado,” in my capacity as a member of the 
Neurological Clinic I should say that the patient must thoroughly understand 
that she is to co-operate with the physicians as fully as she can. Further- 
more, in her particular case, I think it would be distinctly advantageous to 
her regeneration if instead of feeling that any organization is making con- 
cessions to her, she develop the idea that it is necessary for her to make 
concessions. Of course, the Neurological Clinic is very pleased to treat her, 
providing she accepts this treatment in the proper spirit. Under other 
conditions it would impress me that institutional care, where she can be 
properly controlled, would be the only way out. 


338 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


6. Letter, dated November 15, 1922, to the director of the Social 
Service Department of Zion Dispensary from the District Supervisor 
of the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Isadore and Rachel Katz 
1228 Independence Avenue 

Since last seen by the Diagnostic Clinic Mr. Katz refused to do any work 
other than peddling; obtained a horse on credit for which he paid $50, 
paying this amount out at the rate of 50 cents a day. He claims to have 
cleared sums varying from $3 to $20 a week. During this time we have 
paid their rent regularly and have also given small amounts irregularly. 
At present Mr. Katz claims to have a gas bill of three months amounting 
to $15 and the gas has been turned off. |. However, since they have electric 
lights and we furnish coal, they are not suffering from this. He is in debt 
to the grocer to the amount of $12 and still owes $7.00 for the horse. 

Mrs. Katz has been having a number of seizures lately. On November 
13 while in our office she had two seizures and was sent home in a cab. 
She called later stating that she had had another seizuce. According to 
Mr. Katz she had one on November 11, two November 12, three November 
13, two November 14, and two November 15. The oldest daughter, 
Rebecca, has been so humiliated by receiving clothing and food from the 
high school which she attends that she has stopped school and is awaiting 
a certificate so that she may go to work. 

We have endeavored to impress upon Mr. Katz that he is not giving the 
children a fair chance, and that by relieving Mrs. Katz of the obligation 
and aggravation of caring for the house with insufficient funds, her condition 
might be improved. However, he refuses to hear of breaking up the home 
or of taking a steady job where his weekly income would be assured. 

We shall gladly furnish any further information which you may desire. 


7. Letter, dated December 9, 1922, from the director of the Social 
Service Department of Zion Dispensary to the superintendent of 
the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Rachel Katz 
1228 Independence Avenue 
No. 4262A 


The above patient was reconsidered by the Diagnostic Clinic on Novem- 
ber 29. . | 
The Group recommended that the patient be put under intensive medical 
treatment for epilepsy for one month, during which period she is to report 
to the Neurological Clinic weekly. At the end of this time she is again to 
come before the clinic. In case the patient fails to co-operate, all financial 
assistance is to be withdrawn and the children removed from the home. 

We are enclosing a special diet order for the patient. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 339 


8. Letter received January 20, 1923, from the Dispensary stating 
that Mrs. Katz had been reconsidered by the Diagnostic Clinic on 
January 4, 1923. The Group recommended that patient be treated 
for hysteria in addition to epilepsy and referred her to the Psychiatric 
Clinic, to which she reported for the first time on January 16. Inas- 
much as the hysteria is due to the condition in the home, it will be 
essential to make such social adjustments as are necessary in order 
‘to assist in the treatment given at the Dispensary. 

g. Letter, dated August 17, 1923, to Miss Elizabeth Myers, 
Mental Hygiene Clinic of Zion Dispensary, from district supervisor 
of the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Mrs. Rachel Katz 
1228 S. Independence Avenue 
No. 4262A 


May we ask if Dr. Rusk is now ready for a conference on Mrs. Katz? 
We find that the situation in the home is unaltered, although every effort 
has been made to help Mr. Katz become self-supporting. In the early 
part of June against our better judgment, we paid $15 for a peddler’s 
license for Mr. Katz, who assured us that with this assistance he could 
and would make a living for his family. Two weeks ago Mr. Katz sold 
his horse and wagon for $40 and is again without means for obtaining 
a living. 

We have been advised that constant worry over their financial distress 
is detrimental to Mrs. Katz’s condition, and we are at a loss to know what 
steps to take in the future. 

May we hope to hear from you at an early date? 


10. Letter, dated August 30, 1923, to the director of the Social 
Service Department of Zion Dispensary from the district supervisor 
of the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Mrs. Rachel Katz 
1228 Independence Avenue 
No. 4262A 

In a conference with Dr. Rusk on Mrs. Katz on August 28 he advised 
us that Mrs. Katz has been receiving treatment at the Dispensary for the 
past year and there is no apparent change in her condition. He, therefore, 
suggested that we refer the patient to the Diagnostic Clinic for recon- 
sideration. 

As we are at a loss to know what plans to make for the family for the 
future, we again wish to ask the advice of the Diagnostic Group. May 
we hope to hear from you at an early date. 


340 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


11. Letter, dated September 7, 1923, to the director of the Social 
Service Department of Zion Dispensary from the district supervisor 
of the Jewish Welfare Bureau: | 


Re Rachel Katz 
1228 Independence Avenue 
No. 4262A 

Your letter of September 4 regarding Mrs. Rachel Katz at hand, and 
in compliance with your request we are sending the following additional 
social history: 

The Katz family has not received any assistance from our organization 
since June 8. At that time Dr. Rusk of your Dispensary recommended 
that the Katz’s gas bill of $20 be paid and Mr. Katz be provided with the 
necessary funds to get a vehicle license as Mrs. Katz was greatly worried 
about the family’s finances, which resulted in a greater number of seizures. 
We complied with this request and received a promise from Mr. Katz 
that he would provide for his family in the future. He failed to do this, 
and about six weeks later sold his horse and wagon for $40. Two weeks 
ago, Mrs. Katz tells us, her husband obtained a job as janitor in a Catholic 
school and church and is to receive $100 per month. Rebecca, the oldest 
girl, is also working and is earning $16 a week as an operator at the telephone 
company. 

Although the financial situation of the family has improved, Dr. Rusk 
advises that Mrs. Katz’s condition remains the same. ‘The home conditions 
are also much better. Mrs. Katz keeps the home neat and clean and is 
following the diet instructions given her by our visiting housekeeper. 


13. The Family of Lewis Morozoff 


(A Mental Defective and His Wife, Esther, Who Is 
Diagnosed as Constitutionally Inferior) 


[This family was first known to the Jewish Welfare Bureau in 
September, 1913, when there was only one child, Harry, born in 
London in 1910. Mr. Morozoff was born in Russia in 1883; Mrs. 
Morozoff in 1889. They had been married in London and later in 
1912 migrated to the United States and came to Chicago. He applied 
to the Bureau for help in finding work. She complained of ill-health 
and was referred to a hospital for care. 

Eight months later, April 24, 1914, he applied for aid in finding 
work, and she was ill with appendicitis. There was now a baby 
daughter, Rosa, and during this year Mrs. Morozoff underwent an 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 341 


operation for appendicitis, and Mr. Morozoff was assisted in finding 
employment. He seemed quite unable to find jobs for himself or 
to hold jobs that were got for him. Both he and she behaved in an 
excited manner in the office of the Bureau. There is a record of their 
having lived in a disreputable rooming-house where she supported the 
family by scrubbing and washing. 

Throughout the year 1915 the Bureau was in contact with the 
family. Mr. Morozoff was out of work during the clothing strike of 
that year, there was anxiety about the baby, but he went back to 
work and for two years the family was again lost sight of. 

In January, 1918, the police reported the family to the Protective 
Association as neglecting the children—there was by that time a third 
child, Anna, born in 1916—and the Protective Association referred the 
case to the Bureau. At this time there was a real “‘first interview,’ 
in which the story of their various journeyings was brought out as 
well as the fact that Mrs. Morozoff had at one time left her husband 
and children and stayed away for several days without letting them 
know where she was. She was found to be in poor health, and 
Mr. Morozoff was again having trouble in finding and keeping work. 

On July 25, 1919, he asked help in a quarrel with a neighbor, and 
then again for ten months there was no contact. 

The following year, however, April 17, 1920, Mr. Morozoff again 
applied for aid because of an alleged claim against a former employer 
for unpaid wages, and in August of 1921 Mrs. Morozoff appealed for help 
in disciplining Harry, who was eleven years old and becoming incor- 
rigible. ‘The record of this contact contains interesting evidence of 
sympathy for the boy, for whom reading-matter was supplied and kind 
personal service provided. Mrs. Morozoff was still in very poor 
health, and Mr. Morozoff in and out of work. At this time Mrs. 
Morozoff talked of suicide and several times came to the office and 
dramatically attempted to swallow poison. She was highly excitable 
and during this period the story of her youth was elicited (see below, 
p. 345) in connection with the evident talent for dancing of the little 
daughters. At this time too, the condition of the home was described 
at. some length. It was then a three-room rear flat, very poorly 
furnished and badly ventilated, looking over an alley and close to a 
stable. In the summer, Harry and his father slept on a cot on the 
back porch but in the winter the two slept in the same bed with Rosa, 
the older little girl. 


342 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


There was again the story of Mr. Morozoff’s unemployment and low 
pay, of debts, of Mrs. Morozoff’s poor health. Again and again she 
threatened suicide, saying that if she died the children would receive 
proper care. A boy, Joseph, was born in January, 1921. 

During this entire period many forms of service were rendered the 
family—services connected with their health, the children’s school- 
ing, protection from loan sharks and instalment-house abuses, and 
at the beginning of the year 1922, the family was transferred from 
the Child-caring to the General Family Welfare Division of the 
Bureau. 

The year 1922, like the preceding years, meant continuous or 
recurring unemployment for Mr. Morozoff, constant ill-health for 
Mrs. Morozoff, and for the children all the exigencies of childhood, 
such as the children’s diseases, necessitating hospitalization, etc. 
In March, it became necessary for Mrs. Morozoff to undergo an 
operation, and plans were made to place the children; but one was 
ill with measles and, as the others had been exposed, the plan of placing 
was abandoned, and a practical nurse from the Health Department 
was brought to the home by the Home-Finding Bureau. There 
were serious difficulties in this plan. The nurse could not be allowed 
to cook the children’s food, because of Mr. Morozoff’s religious views. 
Later, when the mother returned to the hospital for an operation and 
was sent to a convalescent home for recovery, the children were placed 
by the Home-Finding Bureau. At this time, Mrs. Morozoff, who 
was diagnosed as “hysterical,” without special treatment for this 
special malady being provided, proved herself an unendurable person 
at the convalescent home and tried life at the County Infirmary, where 
the food seemed to her so impossible that, although rest had been 
imperatively prescribed for her, she returned home. | 

The year passed in this unhappy and unpromising manner. The 
older little girl had to be sent to the hospital for treatment of gonorrhea, 
the family suffered eviction, and finally, hopeless of Mr. Morozoff’s 
keeping any job, the family was moved and given equipment for a 
cleaning, pressing, and repair shop. 

The following year, 1923, was largely a repetition of ie experience 
of 1922. Mr. Morozoff was in and out of work, and also in and out 
of the Bureau; Mrs. Morozoff continued excited, ill, and unhappy. 
Finally in See reniiee 1923, it was decided that both Mr. and Mrs. 
Morozoff should be examined by the Diagnostic Clinic. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 343 


On October 11, 1923, the following letter was written to the 
Dispensary with reference to Mrs. Morozoff:] 


Re Esther Morozoff 
No. 93804 


Reasons for referring to Diagnostic Clinic—We are referring Mrs. 
Esther Morozoff to the Diagnostic Clinic in order to be advised whether she 
is physically and mentally capable of supervising her home. 

Problem of the Bureau.—During the nine years in which we have known 
Mrs. Morozoff we have tried to form effective plans whereby she would be 
able to cope with the ordinary everyday conditions connected with her 
household and also to bring about an adjustment in the domestic difficulty 
existing between her and her husband. In neither of these things have we 
been successful. We can probably attribute this result to the fact that 
Mrs. Morozoff herself, although willing to take care of her home and children, 
is handicapped by her mental attitude toward the problems she must 
meet. She is constantly threatening suicide, and this idea coupled with 
nervousness and irritability make it practically impossible for us to help 
Mrs. Morozoff adjust herself in her home so that she can properly manage it. 

Parental history—We have been told that our client’s father died at 
the age of seventy-three after having been ill with tuberculosis for a period 
of three years. The mother lived to be sixty-seven years old. Mrs. 
Morozoff relates that her mother had been ill the greater part of her life. 
Very often and without any warning, she would begin to talk irrelevantly. 
While in this state she would tear her clothes off, dance around the room, 
and strike anything or anybody within reach. Mrs. Morozoff also said 
that her mother suffered with a peculiar formation in her throat which 
constantly choked her and prevented her from eating spiced foods. She 
does not know the exact nature of this growth. 

The family were in good financial circumstances, and the mother was 
able to get to Nauheim yearly to see whether she could not be cured. No 
change in her condition was brought about. Some months prior to her 
death she had long periods of insanity alternating with periods of normalcy. 
One sister was an inmate of an insane asylum in Warsaw. She was subject 
to spells of behavior during which she would throw furniture around, tear 
clothes, and at times would become so violent that it was necessary to strap 
her on a bed. This sister is still living in Europe, although Mrs. Morozoff 
does not know whether those attacks continue through later life. Another 
sister, still living, was in a tuberculosis sanitarium for a considerable length 
of time. A third sister has been ill practically all her life due to several 
operations on her legs. Our client does not know the cause of these opera- 
tions. A fourth sister, Mrs. Berg, was examined by the Diagnostic Group, 
who recommended that her children be taken away lest they grow up as 


344 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


irresponsible and neurotic as the mother, for the latter was a chronic com- 
plainer. She was very hysterical and constantly exaggerated her illness. 
The patient was found physically fit to take care of her children, but mentally 
she was found incapable of doing this. When she was suffering from a 
spell she would often attack her husband. Harry, the oldest child of Mrs. 
Berg, had glandular tuberculosis. It seems that he, like his mother, had 
spells of hysteria. A fifth sister, married and living in Russia, suffered with 
violent headaches which left her in a very nervous and irritable state. 
There are three brothers, all of whom are living, and, according to Mrs. 
Morozoff, did not suffer from any illnesses with the exception of one who 
always had terrific nose bleeds. 

Mrs. Morozoff’s family consisted of a father, mother, and fifteen chil- 
dren. Five of these children died in infancy. We were unable to ascertain 
the cause of their death. The financial condition of the family was good 
and permitted them to live in a large, well-furnished home. Our client 
states that even though they were able to employ servants, both she and 
her sisters were given daily household tasks to attend to. According to 
information we have received the relationship between the father and mother 
was a very congenial one. The father was considered a good singer and 
often acted as Kantor in the Temple. He was a successful business man; 
he was interested in a wholesale fruit and fish concern. The community 
considered him a Hebrew scholar. He was also able to read and write 
German, Russian, and Polish. The mother could only read Hebrew, but 
without any knowledge of the context. Mrs. Morozoff’s sisters attended 
school longer than she herself did. The oldest sister completed a course 
equivalent to our general high-school curriculum. She is able to read and 
write English, French, and German flue Al girls were taught 
to play on the piano. This Se emiched Sole ex botdinary accom- 
plishment at that time, as very few homes had pianos and few parents 
thought it advisable for girls to be given such an intensive education. 
The father attempted to train his sons to enter his own business, but he 
was successful with only two of them. The third had always expressed a 
desire to leave home but had been urged to remain at his studies. The 
family expected him to take up the higher branches of learning. Suddenly, 
however, he disappeared. The parents had feared this, for at various 
times he seemed to be dissatisfied and begged to be permitted to discontinue 
his studies and seek work elsewhere. He went to London, where after 
trying to earn a living at various trades without success, he joined a vaude- 
ville troupe. He had always had a desire to sing and dance on the stage. 
He toured the principal cities of Europe for many years with different com- 
panies. He now has in Paris a company of his own which includes his wife 
and six children. Mrs. Morozoff showed us pictures to substantiate these 
facts. All the other sisters and brothers are married. The neighbors 
considered the family honest and self-respecting. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 345 


Background history—Mrs. Morozoff was born in Warsaw, Poland, 
in 1889. She was the youngest child in the family. She attended school 
between the ages of six and twelve. It seems that the father assumed a 
very domineering attitude in the home to such an extent that the children 
feared his presence. In order to make his wishes understood, he would 
often resort to beating them. He was especially stern about the conduct 
of his daughters. The client related that on one occasion she had returned 
home from a visit a trifle later than she should have returned and was not 
admitted to the house. It was this restraint that had induced the brother 
to leave the home. Mrs. Morozoff told us that many visitors called on 
the family, and she would often sing and dance for them. She always 
cherished an ambition to go on the stage, and a few of her father’s friends, 
actors by profession, would often coach and teach her. She would try to 
qualify for minor parts in the smaller theaters, but her parents always 
objected strenuously. 

After Mrs. Morozoff stopped school at the age of twelve, she remained 
at home and simply assisted with the housework. When about fifteen 
years old, she became interested in and joined the Socialist-Revolutionary 
party in Warsaw. In view of the fact that one of her sisters had married 
a soldier she had an opportunity to meet many others in her sister’s home. 
She took advantage of this and distributed the party’s literature secretly. 
She related that whenever there was a rumor of a possible pogrom, she 
would manage to go to the contingents of soldiers stationed in the city, 
spread the literature among them and try to induce them not to shoot the 
Jewish inhabitants. At the age of sixteen, news was brought to the family 
that the police authorities were eager to arrest the person who had been 
instrumental in spreading the propaganda of the Socialist party. Her 
parents, fearing that she would be discovered and sent to Siberia, arranged 
for her departure in the company of an aunt and uncle who were en route 
to London. These relatives opened a grocery store in London, and Mrs. 
Morozoff helped them manage the business. She contended that she was 
particularly valuable to them because she was able to compute figures very 
rapidly. While in London she met her brother and through his influence 
joined his company at various times. 

One evening while visiting friends she was introduced to Mr. Morozoff. 
He fell in love with her and after a very brief courtship persuaded her to 
marry him. She said that she did not wish to get married, but was forced 
to do so because of her husband’s threats on her life. Very soon after her 
marriage she became pregnant, and, acting upon the advice of a neighbor, 
sought medical aid in order to have an abortion performed. Mrs. Morozoff 
said she decided to do this because she did not want to have a child while 
she was still so very young. After this operation she became seriously 
ill for many months. She does not know the exact nature of this illness, 
but remembers that it was necessary to have ice packs placed over her body. 


346 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Two years after her marriage she began to find it difficult to see out of 
her right eye. She went to a hospital in London where her blood was 
tested and was told that there were impurities in her system. She was 
given some medicine, and after having taken it found that the condition 
of her eye was improving but her teeth began to fall out. She then decided 
not to go for any more treatments. There was a gradual loss of vision, 
and she is now totally blind in the right eye. 

Soon after this Mr. Morozoff became ill. His wife is positive that the 
disease was an infectious one, although she could not give the exact name. 

Mrs. Morozoff was diagnosed as having tuberculosis. And when she 
wrote of her condition to her mother in Russia, her mother urged her to 
go back to Russia to try to regain her health. She did this, and while she 
was away, Mr. Morozoff consorted with other women. Friends of the 
family advised her of the condition of affairs, and also urged her to return 
to London as it was rumored that her husband intended to leave the city 
for South America in company with another woman. Mrs. Morozoff 
came back immediately for the purpose of securing a divorce. Her husband 
refused to consider this, contending that he still loved her and promising 
that he would be faithful. She decided to give him another chance. Three 
years after this, Harry, the eldest child, was born. There was constant 
domestic friction in the home due mainly to the fact that Mr. Morozoff 
continued to be unfaithful. At one time he left his wife and went to Paris. 
He visited a sister-in-law in that city and due to her persuasions returned to 
London. Mrs. Morozoff again demanded a divorce but could not obtain it. 

Mr. Morozoff finally left for America nine months prior to his wife’s 
arrival here. During this interval he sent her money regularly. When 
she finally came to the United States with Harry, she found that her husband 
had lost his position and no home awaited her. It became necessary for 
the family to stay with the sister, Mrs. Berg. This arrangement existed 
for about a week when due to the incessant quarreling of the children, Mrs. 
Morozoff was forced to leave. Her husband apparently made no effort 
to alleviate the situation. The three were obliged to pass the night in 
Douglas Park. Mrs. Morozoff went to a friend of her mother’s and begged 
that she be permitted to stay there with Harry until her husband would be 
able to find some work. She sold all her possessions in an effort to pay 
for the board of the family. While boarding here, she met some visitors 
who told her that if she would come and take care of their household she 
could have a room and food in return for her work. She immediately took 
advantage of this proposition. In fact, she was very glad of the opportunity 
as Mr. Morozoff had not yet secured any work. ‘The family moved to the 
flat, and Mrs. Morozoff fulfilled her obligations as care-taker. She had 
no idea of the nature of the place, but soon learned that the people who had 
engaged her services were immoral and had rented the flat for immoral 
purposes. Although her husband recognized the character of the place, 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 347 


he made no effort to remove his family. She performed her task, but 
one afternoon one of the visitors demanded an introduction to her, and she 
became so frightened that she took the baby and ran away. She was then 
introduced to a woman interested in a small charitable organization and 
related her story with the result that the flat was raided. Mrs. Morozoff 
emphatically contends that her husband would have offered no objection 
if she had resorted to immoral practices herself. 

From this time she was known to the Jewish Welfare Bureau. 

Occupational history —During her girlhood while living in her father’s 
house, Mrs. Morozoff had merely the daily household duties to attend to. 
After she went to London she assisted her uncle in managing his grocery 
store. Since her marriage she has been a housewife. | 

Medical history —Mrs. Morozoff relates that her health declined since 
the birth of her first child. Prior to her marriage she had had an illness, 
the name of which she does not know, that necessitated operations on various 
parts of her head. 

In March, 1922, she entered the hospital and a diagnosis of cholecystitis 
and post-operative adhesions was made. She was to return for an operation 
in April. Upon her return on that date she was again discharged with the 
same diagnosis and sent to a convalescent home. She refused to stay there, 
and left of her own accord. In July, 1922, she was again examined at the 
Dispensary and rest at the County Infirmary was recommended. She 
went there on August 7 and returned August 8, contending that she could 
not get well there. (For further medical history kindly consult Dispensary 
summary.) 

Social history.—The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Morozoff and four 
children. Although Mrs. Morozoff does try her utmost to make the home 
life a congenial one, she cannot doso. This is probably due to the incompati- 
bility existing between her and her husband, and also to the economic 
situation in the home. She feels, too, that her husband’s demands upon 
her are excessive. [Certain entries recording conferences between the 
visitor and Mrs. Morozoff showing the visitor’s ability to secure Mrs. Moro- 
zoft’s confidence and giving evidence of a highly excited state of mind on 
the part of Mrs. Morozoff, especially regarding her relations to Mr. Moro- 
zoff, are omitted from the record.] On several occasions she has expressed 
a desire that she might be so operated on that child-bearing would be impos- 
sible. Mr. Morozoff uses vile language not only in his general conversations 
but in addressing his wife. As a result the children do likewise whenever 
their wishes are not granted. 

Mrs. Morozoff finds it practically impossible to supervise the children 
and attend to their needs. Although she has every wish to be a devoted 
mother, the smallest task is described in a most exaggerated form. 

In 10922 the children were boarded by the Home-Finding Bureau. 
After the physical examinations were completed, it was found that Rosa 


348 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


was infected with gonorrhea and she was sent to the Juvenile Sanatorium. 
Esther, a short time later, was taken to the Dispensary after her mother had 
discovered evidence that the child had been tampered with by her older 
brother, Harry, with whom she had been sleeping. 

Recent tests at the Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau have brought out the 
following facts: 

Esther, seven years of age, has an intelligence quotient of 89, which 
places her in the dull and backward class. She was found to be pleasant 
and co-operative in everything, except questions as to her sexual experiences. 
It was possible that she had been mistreated by her brother Harry and by 
another boy in the neighborhood. Unusually close supervision was advised 
in a foster home which should be chosen with particular reference to the 
character of children in the neighborhood, and in the home itself. Harry, 
thirteen years of age, has an intelligence quotient of 87. He was considered 
dull and slow of comprehension. He was inclined to be suspicious and most 
unco-operative. He denied having mistreated his sister Esther, in spite of 
the fact that evidence of such behavior was offered by Rosa and partially 
admitted by Esther. He shows some signs of a neurotic disposition which 
may develop into a real handicap. His dreams are vivid and disturbing, 
and he is inclined to ask for things which he does not show the mental 
ability or aggressiveness to obtain for himself. It was further recommended 
that if the family should be broken up he be placed in a home away from his 
sisters toward whom he acts tyrannically at every opportunity.’ Rosa, 
eight years of age, was classified in the dull and backward group with a 
mental rating of 80. She talked freely of Esther’s experiences, but denied 
any similar experience on her own part. She probably has many duties 
around the home which have not given her the opportunity for delinquency 
that the other children have. It was felt that with her defective intelligence 
she will need very close supervision. 

Joseph, aged two, was found to have adequate intelligence. He is 
very egocentric in his actions. His mother is very fond of him and by 
her failure to understand his reactions is strengthening him in his behavior. 
It is very likely that he will become a real behavior problem as he grows 
older. The mother does not-seem to be able to grasp the necessity for the 
kind of supervision the children need. In fact they seem to dominate her. 
She complains she receives no help from the father in disciplining the chil- 
dren. Naturally the entire burden falls upon her and she is not capable 
of handling it. Very often she becomes so nervous, irritated, and excited 
that she can think of no other measures than beating them. | 

Mrs. Morozoff herself has told us that she frequently pinches and abuses 
the children when they exasperate her. Later, of course, she is sorry for 
her actions but on the spur of the moment seems unable to resort to any 
other form of punishment. We do not mean to convey the impression 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS = 349 


that this can be attributed to ignorance but rather to her poor physical 
condition, which in turn, is probably aggravated by her mental state. 

During our contact with Mrs. Morozoff she has many times wished to 
commit suicide. On one occasion she ran into the office wildly hysterical, 
pulled a bottle out of her pocket, and attempted to drink it. When the 
liquid was taken away it was found to be Sloan’s Liniment. It was later 
discovered that the disturbed state of her mind was due to a quarrel she 
had had with Harry. In order to meet the situation she had beaten him 
and he in turn struck her. During another visit to the office she 
threatened to take her life and later a bottle of oil of cloves was found in 
her bag. 

Mrs. Morozoff claims that she very often has sensations of dizziness 
and becomes irresponsible for her actions. It is during these periods that 
she is tempted to kill herself. At one time she opened a gas jet and was 
saved by the timely arrival of Harry. She also attempted to jump out of 
the window. She feels that the children would receive better care and 
attention if she were dead for then there would be no economic stress as 
they would undoubtedly be taken care of in some institution. 

She has often expressed a desire to be separated from her husband. 
While Mr. Morozoff is in the room, his wife will speak of him in most uncom- 
plimentary terms. He, however, never contradicts or replies. There is 
no doubt that she resents his presence in the home. She has told us that 
at times his conduct towards her aggravates her to such an extent that she 
becomes filled with a desire to kill him, and is sure that if she could lay her 
hand on some weapon she would take his life. She has threatened to leave 
the children and disappear unless arrangements were made whereby he 
could be prevented from living with the family. All the children, with 
the exception of Harry, are fond of him. MHarry’s dislike may probably 
be attributed to the frequent and severe beatings given him. 

On one occasion Mrs. Morozoff left her family and persuaded a friend 
to permit her to stay in her house. She threatened that unless this were 
done she would kill herself. This outburst was probably due to the fact 
that Mr. Morozoff was not working. He is a presser by trade, but does 
not work steadily and consequently has never been a large wage-earner. 
This is strongly resented by Mrs. Morozoff, who wishes to be financially 
independent. During the time when her husband is-working steadily she 
will never come to this organization for assistance, and is very proud of the 
fact that she does not have to do so. 

- From our observations of Mr. Morozoff, he appears to be of a rather low 
mental grade and incapable of doing any better than he has done. Mrs. 
Morozoff is often ashamed of his lack of manners and intelligence. She 
‘characterizes him as a “senseless mule.”” She talks incessantly, becomes 
extremely excited, and often very stubborn. In the latter state she some- 


350 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


what resembles a child who resorts to pouting. At times in the midst of 
her conversation, she will allude to a funny incident or describe a situation 
in a manner which indicates that she has a keen sense of humor. Regardless 
of how casually she may mention her husband she will always add a phrase 
tinged with sarcasm. She is extremely cynical in her attitude toward the 
present state of affairs and says she cannot count on a more hopeful future 
for she never will have the latter as long as her husband is with her. 
Although we have found it difficult to work with Mrs. Morozoff as she is 
constantly changing her plans, vacillating from one side to the other, she 
will ultimately agree to follow our plans as there is no doubt that she has the 
welfare of the children at heart. 

We wish to obtain the advice of the Diagnostic Group so that we may 
be guided in our future plans for the family. 


October 29, 1923.—Met Mrs. Morozoff and took her to the Dispen- 
sary to start her through the Diagnostic Clinic. She told worker 
that her husband had reported to the Dispensary and when he came 
home was very furious because he thinks that he is being troubled for 
no purpose whatsoever. ‘This is due to the fact that once when he kept 
a clinic appointment he was told by one of the physicians that he was 
in perfect health and the physician did not know why the Bureau 
bothered to send him to the Dispensary. He further stated that he 
absolutely would not go through the Diagnostic Clinic. First of all, 
because he is in good physical condition, secondly, because he refuses 
_ to leave his position as often as will be necessary. Mrs. Morozoff 

herself seemed very discouraged as although her husband follows out 
worker’s recommendations, when he comes home he is very angry, and 
scolds her, claiming that it is due to her illness, etc., that he is forced 
to go to the Dispensary. 

October 30, 1923.—Called Mr. Morozoff on the telephone and 
instructed him to come into the office on the evening of November 1. 

October 31, 1923.—Diagnostic Clinic appointments for Mrs. Moro- 
zoft received from the Dispensary. 

November 1, 1923 (evening).—Mr. Morozoff in office. He claimed 
that he cannot see the sense of going through the Diagnostic Clinic 
as he feels perfectly well as before stated, and the doctors, in Mr. 
Morozoff’s language, laughed when he came into the clinic and asked 
why he wasted his time coming there. At first asserted positively 
that he would not consider going through. Finally, however, after 
much persuasion and talk he promised that he would keep the neces- 
sary appointments. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 351 


November 3, 1923.—The following diagnostic letter was sent to 
the director of the Social Service Department of the Dispensary by 
the district supervisor of the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Lewis Morozoff 
42876—8706B 


Reasons for referring to Diagnostic Clinic——We are referring Mr. Lewis 
Morozoff to the Diagnostic Clinic in order to ascertain whether there is a 
reason for his wife’s assertions that he has no inclination to support his family 
properly and that he is largely responsible for the serious domestic friction 
and the disturbing undercurrent of unrest in the home. 

Problem of the Bureau.—In the time during which we have known the 

{amily we have never been able to determine why Mr. Morozoff has always 
given the impression of being such a negligible factor in the household. He 
does not seem to be able adequately to provide for his family nor to assume 
and fulfil the duties as its head. The problem is further complicated by 
the fact that there is a decided incompatibility between him and his wife. 
He has definitely told us that he feels the only solution les in the separation 
of the family as he is sure that neither he nor his wife is capable of giving the 
necessary guidance and care to the children. Mrs. Morozoff, who is also 
a diagnostic patient at present, is of the same opinion. _Mr. Morozoff seems 
unable to maintain a position of responsibility or dignity in the home. 
Whether this is due to an innate inability, or to a lack of interest brought 
about by the discouraging conditions in the home, we have not been able 
to fathom. 

Parental history—We have not been able to secure very many facts 
concerning Mr. Morozoff’s parental history. The family lived in the typical 
small Russian village consisting of about twelve houses. The father, a 
tailor by trade, could not read or write any language but Russian. . His 
knowledge of Hebrew was very meager. He was divorced at the time he 
married Mr. Morozoff’s mother, and the children of this first union were 
cared for by their own mother. Mr. Morozoff and his two sisters were the 
children of the second marriage. The mother was able to read Hebrew, 
but had no knowledge of the context. Mr. Morozoff is sure that his 
two sisters are living, but could give no definite information about his 
parents. He does not know how much schooling his sisters had as he left 
them when they were still very young children. He advised us that he 
cannot remember any member of his family suffering from any illness. They 
had always been in good physical condition. The family enjoyed no 
especial prestige in the village, but were known to be honest and self- 
respecting. 

Background history—Mr. Morozoff was born in Stozen, Russia. Due 
to the fact that the family was always in such poor financial straits, he was 


352 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


not able to receive any education other than a few lessons in Hebrew. He can 
read Yiddish but cannot writeit. During the time he has been in the United 
States he has never learned to write hisname. We gathered from him that 
in addition to the financial situation in the family, his parents did not con- 
sider it necessary for their children to receive even a fair amount of education. 
Judging from Mr. Morozofi’s information, the education given to the sisters 
was probably very meager. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to 
a tailor and a little later became a journeyman tailor, traveling from village 
to village. Apparently his experiences during this particular period were 
not unusual. At the age of twenty, he was forced to become a soldier. He 
soon decided he did not want to serve his full time, and on one occasion when 
his parents came to visit him at the barracks they managed to smuggle 
some clothes to him. With the use of a friend’s passport he ran away to 
England. He lived in London and earned his livelihood by becoming a 
pants operator. Soon after his arrival in London, he was introduced by 
mutual friends to Mrs. Morozoff, and three months after the meeting per- 
suaded her to marry him. After they were married a short while she had an 
operation from the effects of which she became very ill. From this time, 
he asserts, she has always been sick. We gathered that there was consider- 
able domestic difficulty at this time, which Mr. Morozoff explains by claim- 
ing that his wife’s continual illness made home life unbearable, and he was 
forced to resort to outside sources for whatever pleasure or amusement he 
could get. 

Mr. Morozoff came to the United States at the suggestion of his wife’s 
sister, who had preceded the family here. He received a letter from her 
in which she urged him to emigrate to America, assuring him that he would 
surely be able to earn a living here. He came to Chicago and lived with 
her family. He claims that he worked steadily as an overall operator and 
sent regular remittances to his wife. Nine months after his arrival here 
Mrs. Morozoff and the baby followed. 

Occupational history—Mr. Morozoff is a tailor by trade and followed 
this occupation in Russia. When he went to London be became a pants 
operator, and on his arrival in the United States found work as an overall 
operator. He has had various other jobs, such as distributing advertise- 
ments, carrying building materials while a house was under construction, 
and has also made awnings. He feels, however, that he is not able to 
attempt anything but tailoring. 

Medical history—Mr. Morozoff asserts that with the exception of a 
very few times when he suffered from “cramps” he has never been ill. He 
does not feel that he has any physical handicap. (For further medical 
-history kindly consult Dispensary: record.) 

Social history. {Identical with that of Mrs. Morozoff.] 

Experience of the Bureau.—During our nine years contact with the 
family we have found it necessary to assist them intermittently. This was 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 353 


probably due to the seasonal unemployment characteristic of Mr. Morozoff’s 
trade and to his inability to secure work in any other line during such periods. 
He seems to lack initiative and sufficient power to try a different line of work 
in order to meet the deficiency in wages. To our knowledge the highest 
amount he has ever earned was $35 a week. This occurred during the 
height of the season in his own trade. We were told by his employer that 
he is a very mediocre workman. He denied his wife’s assertion that his 
demands upon her are excessive. He refused to discuss the matter further 
and ended it by becoming very angry and displaying a temper that would 
surprise the casual observer, because of his apparently natural slowness 
and calmness. 

Mr. Morozoff says that although he is very fond of his children, he is 
often forced to think of leaving them as he can no longer tolerate his wife’s 
actions. He says that she has no respect for him, and often resorts to 
quarreling with him and insulting him in the presence of the children, who 
in turn do likewise. He has great admiration for his wife, because he feels 
that she is intellectually superior, and contends that if it were not for her 
“‘crazy nervousness,” the entire family would be in a much happier state. 
He does not think that her present mental and physical condition are due 
to any fault of his, but rather to the fact that practically every member of 
her family has been subject to physical disability or mental disturbance. 
He asserts that had he known this at the time he was about to marry her 
he would certainly have changed his mind. Life has been made intolerable 
for him because Mrs. Morozoff has been sick for so many years. He told us 
that if he only could have looked into the future, he would have thrown 
his wife into the “river” years ago and thus freed himself of what he calls 
“a rotten life.” : 

He is positive that neither he nor his wife is able to bring their children 
up properly. He admits that he is completely overpowered by the problem 
and thinks Mrs. Morozoff is in no physical condition to meet it. The 
explanation of his own inability is simply that he “doesn’t understand.” 
He has given the impression of being an easygoing, indifferent type of person. 
He largely attributes the present state of his affairs to the fact that he has 
“no luck in America,” and to his wife’s perpetual illness. He, however, 
seems unable to take the reins in his own hand or even meet or tide over 
the difficulties arising in the family. We, on the other hand, are unable to 
make any definite plans for the family because we are handicapped by not 
knowing how to treat this incompetence on the part of both father and 
the mother. 


Later —Received information that Mr. Morozoff is to be at the 
Dispensary on Monday morning, November 5. 

Later.—Telephoned Mr. Morozoff and notified him of appoint- 
ment, which he promised to keep. 


354 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Met Mrs. Morozoff and took her to Dr. Caplan’s office. On walk- 
ing through the downtown streets, worker could not help but observe 
how interested, alive, and alert she was in passing the different shops. 
She said that she wishes that some day she might go through White’s, 
as she has heard so much about the department store and has never 
been in there. Worker told her that, as soon as she was through 
with her doctors’ visits and felt better, we would surely plan an after- 
noon downtown. Mrs. Morozoff replied that it would be more worth 
while for her to go through the different shops now and not bother 
about going to the doctors as the latter could not be of any help to her 
anyhow. 

November 4, 1923.—Telephoned Mr. Morozoff again reminding 
him of appointment at Dispensary. ? 

November 5, 1923.—Met Mr. and Mrs. Morozoff at the Dispensary. 
Started Mr. Morozoff through and took Mrs. Morozoff to Tuberculosis 
Clinic. Also arranged for X-ray pictures required. 

Later.—Notified Mr. Morozoff of appointment for next day in 
the Eye Clinic. He again stated that he simply would not attend 
every day, but nevertheless promised to appear for the following 


appointment. 
Later.—Advised Mrs. Morozoff of the appointment for the follow- 
ing day. 


November 7, 1923.—Met Mrs. Morozoff at the Dispensary but 
examination could not be made that day. 

Later.+Called Mr. Morozoff and advised him of the appointment 
for the afternoon in the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic. 

Later —Gave Mrs. Morozoff a card with Mr. Morozoff’s appoint- 
ment for November 8, 1923. Mrs. Morozoff told worker that Harry 
refuses to return to the Ear Clinic and that his ears are in very bad 
condition. He is finished with visiting the Eye Dispensary and has 
had his glasses changed there. Mrs. Morozoff says that it is impossible 
for her to manage Harry and he has gotten into the habit of calling 
her names. He is simply beyond her control and beyond that of his 
father. He goes out whenever he pleases and returns whenever he 
wishes to. She said the children quarrel incessantly and she has no 
power over them. She said that in the morning by the time the chil- 
dren go to school she is so worn out trying to meet their wishes that 
she is absolutely exhausted. 

November 8, 1923.—Mrs. Morozoff telephoned that she had 
_ received the stove that the Bureau had ordered. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 355 


November 9, 1923.—Letter sent to Home-Finding Bureau to 
arrange for placing the children while Mrs. Morozoff went to the 
hospital. | | 

November 12, 1923.—Called Mr. Morozoff on the telephone and 
notified him of appointment for the following morning (November 13, 
1923) at the office of Dr. Henry, the neurologist. Mr. Morozoff said 
that he would not go. He did not feel that there was any use in his 
going and did not want to leave the shop. After much persuasion, 
however, he promised to meet worker. 

November 13, 1923.—Mr. Morozoff went to Dr. Henry’s office. 

Later.—Left appointment for Mr. Morozoff to be at the Dispen- 
sary on the afternoon of November 15. 

November 15, 1923.—Mr. Morozoff telephoned to say that he was 
keeping appointment, but this was absolutely the last one that he 
would keep. Worker advised him that he would not be called upon 
to attend any other clinics. Word received that Mrs. Morozoff was 
the first on the list and would probably be able to go to the hospital 
any day. 

November 16, 1923.—Letter sent to the Home-Finding Bureau 
asking that they be prepared to take the children. 

November 19, 1923.—Letter received from Home-Finding Bureau 
saying that they could care for the children. 

November 21, 1923.—Mrs. Morozoff telephoned that she was feel- 
ing very ill. 

Later —Telephoned Dispensary. Left doctor’s call. 

November 22, 1923.—Spoke to Head of Home-Finding Bureau and 
told her of conditions in the Morozoff family and that we may be 
able to get a bed shortly. She said that the Bureau will be able to 
board. the children the early part of the coming week so that we could 
accept, for Mrs. Morozoff, the next bed vacated at the hospital. 

Mr. Morozoff telephoned to say that Mrs. Morozoff was still 
feeling ill, that no doctor from the Dispensary had called and that it 
_ had been necessary for the family to call a private physician in the 
evening. Requested’ that worker come to see Mrs. Morozoff. 

November 23, 1923.—Called. Found Mr. Morozoff at home 
cleaning the house. He said that his wife had gone to the Dispensary 
that morning, and was very anxious to know whether there would 
be a bed vacant for her as she was feeling bad and wished to go to 
the hospital. He had not been able to go to work as he had to stay 
home with his wife. 


356 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Called worker at Dispensary and was told that she did not 
know definitely at that time whether or not there was an empty bed 
for Mrs. Morozoff. 

Later—Discussed with Mr. Morozoff the plan of having the furni- 
ture put into storage. He felt that this would be the best idea as no 
doubt Mrs. Morozoff would not be able to take care of the household 
and the children on her return from the hospital. Explained to him, 
however, that it would be necessary for him to contribute something 
toward the maintenance of the children and toward the warehouse 
expenses. He said that he realized this and would certainly do it, but 
he was afraid that he would not have any work at his own trade. Told 
him that during the slack season he must get work at any trade at all. 

Later.—Called at school and spoke to Harry’s teacher. Was 
told that Harry was extremely irritable in class. He quarrels inces- 
santly and complains that other boys are continually striking him or 
picking quarrels with him. The teacher did not think that he was 
inherently bad, but felt that he did not get the proper supervision at 
home and that he seems to be worried all of the time. She also feels 
that his physical condition is not up to par. Worker explained to her 
that the only findings were connected with his eyes. This defective 
vision has been attended to, and at present he is attending the Ear, 
Nose, and Throat Clinic of the Dispensary because his ears are in a 
very bad state. His work is fair. He might be able to do better 
work if he would concentrate. He is very headstrong and resents 
being corrected or spoken to. His attendance has been very irregular 
due to the fact that he has had to go to the Dispensary so often during 
school hours and also because the illness of his mother keeps him at 
home. His behavior in school is not good. The teacher felt that 
Harry is difficult to handle because of his nervousness and extreme 
irritability. 

Rosa does not seem to grasp work very quickly although she tries 
hard. She is clean and neat in school. She seems to be interested 
at all times, but is not strong in her work. Her conduct is good. 

Esther’s work is very good. She is a very lovable child. She is 
naturally bright and is fond of her school work. Her personal appear- 
ance is not at all times very neat. . 

While visiting the classes worker received a message stating that 
Home-Finding Bureau requested worker to call. 

Later.—Called Home-Finding Bureau and was told that the 
Morozoff children could be placed that day. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS — 357 


Later.—Called at the home. Mrs. Morozoff was told that she 
was to report at the hospital that afternoon. Brought the children 
to Home-Finding Bureau. 

December 4, 1923.—Called at the Empire Warehouse. Made 
arrangements to have the Morozoff furniture called for on the morning 
of December 5. 

Later—Telephone Mr. Morozoff and advised him of this. 

December 5, 1923.—Mr. Morozoff telephoned to say that the furni- 
ture had been called for. 

The following letter received from the Director of the Social Service 
Department of the Dispensary: 


Re Lewis Morozoff 
No. 8706B 

The above patient came before the Diagnostic Clinic November 22. 
Mr. Morozoff was found to be a mental defective. He cannot make an 
adequate living because he is mentally deficient, and being mentally deficient 
he also cannot cope with the situation of living with a hysterical wife, a 
psychopathic individual. 

The group recommends that a separation, a temporary one at least, 
be effected between Mr. and Mrs. Morozoff and that the children be taken 
care of elsewhere. Medically, Mr. Morozoff was found to be negative. 


Later.—Telephoned call from hospital stating that Mrs. Morozoff 
was going to be discharged that afternoon. 

Later —Mrs. Morozoff in office. Telephoned Mrs. Ratsky, friend 
of Mrs. Morozoff, who said that she would be willing to keep Mrs. 
Morozoff overnight or until a room could be found for her. Mrs. 
Ratsky herself cannot keep her indefinitely as she has no available 
space. 

December 6, 1923.—Called Mrs. Morozoff. She said Mrs. Ratsky 
is going out to look for a suitable room for her and would let worker 
know immediately. She is very anxious to live in the neighborhood 
where Mrs. Ratsky is as they are very good friends. 

December 7, 1923.—Called at Mrs. Ratsky’s home, 1500 Buffalo 
Avenue. It was evident to worker that Mrs. Ratsky is very fond of 
Mrs. Morozoff. Mrs. Ratsky isan elderly woman, and judging from the 
way in which she spoke of Mrs. Morozoff, advising her to take care of 
herself, etc., and seeing that she was properly clothed before going 
out, her affection for Mrs. Morozoff was quite plain. 

Later.—Went to see two of the rooms suggested by Mrs. Morozoff. 
One was entirely unsuitable. The other one was quite large, had good 


358 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


ventilation, and was very clean. It has a big well-equipped bed, 
dresser, chair,andarug. ‘The house itself was very warm. Although 
not steam heated it was furnished with furnace heat. Mrs. Morozoff 
was given the privilege of using the kitchen any time she wanted to, 
and also could bathe every day. The Bureau will pay $15 a month 
for the room. Mrs. Morozoff seemed very satisfied and happy. 
Advised her to come to the Dispensary the afternoon of December 13. 

December 11, 1923.—Letter received from Home-Finding Bureau. 

December 13, 1923—Met Mrs. Morozoff at a meeting of the 
Diagnostic Group, which recommended that Mrs. Morozoff live away 
from her family and receive treatment for hysteria. 

Later —Explained to Mrs. Morozoff that living away from her 
family as she was at present doing was part of the treatment recom- 
mended by the doctors; that we expected her to eat properly. 
Instructed her not to worry about anything nor to imagine that she 
had any ills, etc. 

December 14, 1923.—Learned from Free Employment Bureau 
that Mr. Morozoff was employed by Mr. Isaac Waldman, who runs 
a cleaning and dyeing establishment. When business is in full swing 
Mr. Morozoff should earn on the average of $30 a week. He is 
boarding at 4383 Fourteenth Street. 

December 19, 1923.—Letter sent to Home-Finding Bureau. 

Mrs. Morozoff in office. Stated she had just come on a friendly 
visit to see the worker. She looks very much better physically and 
claims that she is feeling very much better. She also said that her 
appetite is improving, and in fact hopes she will be able to manage on 
the money given her to buy the food which she feels she wants to 
eat now. ‘This is quite a difference as usually she was unable to eat 
any food whatsoever. She seems very much happier, and when worker 
told her that we had been told Mr. Morozoff moved near her boarding 
home, she said with her usual sarcasm that she knew no matter how 
hard she tried she couldn’t get rid of him, nor keep him away from 
her, but she wished worker to know that she did not instigate the 
present state of affairs—in fact she had advised him to move to a 
different neighborhood. ‘Told her that she would be invited to the 
mothers’ party. She is very anxious and eager to go and suggested 
that she would like to sing for the mothers. Also gave her a ticket 
for an entertainment given at the People’s Alliance. 

Later on when Mrs. Morozoff shows very definite signs of physical 
and mental improvement, steps will be taken to interest her in the 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 359 


Workshops, so that she may be partially self-supporting at least, 
together with the fact that working in the shops will open up another 
avenue of interest for her. 

December 28, 1923.—The following letter received from the director 
of the Social Service Department of the Dispensary: 


Re Esther Morozoff | 
No. 80493 

The above patient again came before the Diagnostic Clinic December 13. 
Upon previous recommendation Mrs. Morozoff had been sent into the 
hospital for a gall-bladder and genito-urinary survey. The result of the 
findings from this survey were negative. 

The group further recommends that the patient’s family be separated 
from her and that she be treated in the Mental Hygiene Clinic of the Dispen- 
sary for hysteria. An appointment for Mrs. Morozoff has been made for 
January 3, 1924. 

December 31, 1923.—Met Mrs. Morozoff in office. She had come 
to get clothes which had been ordered for her. She claims that she is 
very nervous and had been ill the past few days. Worker again 
spoke to her and explained that the manner in which she is now living 
is simply a form of medicine which we hope will cure her from whatever 
nervousness she may think she has, that she has been examined by 
many physicians who have not found any physical trouble that is 
alarming. She complained about the room in which she is living and 
said it is too cold for her and that she knows of another room in a 
steam-heated flat in the same house in which her friend, Mrs. Ratsky, 
is living. This room is $15 a month and Mrs. Morozoff is very anxious 
to take it. She said that it is a front bedroom with a large window. 
The house is warm all of the time. She will have kitchen privileges 
and can take a bath any time that she wants to. She will also be 
near Mrs. Ratsky, with whom she is always very happy. Advised 
her to make the change if she wished to. Worker asked Mrs. Morozoff 
how she spends her time during the day. She said that she goes 
visiting and is spending much of her time reading. She also told 
worker that she is reading English as much as she possibly can. It 
was apparent, however, that she was very much worried about the 
children and at times Mrs. Morozoff gave the impression that she 
wished she could have them back in her own household. She agreed, 
however, that she realizes her present mode of living is helping her as 
far as her health is concerned. She is going to try to interest herself 
in various things so that her mind will not dwell upon the children, etc. 


¢ 


360 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later —Mr. Morozoff in office at request of worker. He is still 
working at the same place but not regularly and is only employed about 
three hours a day. He stated that he would be more than willing to 
contribute toward the care of the children and give the sum stipulated 
by the Home-Finding Bureau if he were only earning enough. The 
highest wages he received were $12 one week, and he needs this to 
cover his own expenses. He feels that Mrs. Morozoff is looking very 
much better, but he despairs that she will ever change as far as her 
characteristics are concerned. He is of the opinion most emphatically 
that she will always worry, will always be nervous, and will never be 
satisfied. He agreed with worker, however, that our present plan 
should at least be tried out for some length of time until we could be 
assured of results. Mr. Morozoff has visited the children. He says 
they look very well and seem to be happy. He told worker that 
whenever he meets Mrs. Morozoff she has an English book with her and 
is constantly reading. When he asked her why she does not read 
Yiddish, she said that it was time that she knew some English and 
besides she did not want to break her promise to worker to try and 
read English. Worker will try and interest Mrs. Morozoff in going 
to the People’s Alliance for the English classes there. 

January 11, 1924.—The following letter sent to the director of 
the Social Service Department of the Dispensary: 


Re Esther Morozoft 
No. 80493 


May we ask you kindly to co-operate with us in the following: On 
December 28 the Diagnostic Group recommended that Mrs. Morozoff 
be separated from her family and that she be treated in your clinic. We 
have been wondering whether it would not be a good plan to work with Mrs. 
Morozoff along lines that would ultimately make it possible for us to induce 
her to go into Industrial Workshops for a few hours each day. It is very 
possible that at present she has too much time in which to think of her 
supposed illnesses and we find that she is indulging in these thoughts. There 
is also a danger that she will become pauperized if the Welfare Bureau con- 
tinues indefinitely to contribute. 

May we ask you, therefore, to kindly let us know whether or not you 
would consider treating Mrs. Morozoff with the above-mentioned object 
in view. 


January 14, 1924.—Met Mrs. Morozoff at the Storage Warehouse 
to see whether we could not get some of her clothes which Mr. 
Morozoff had stored. Was unable to do this as the clothing was 


. 


PROBLEMS OF INSANITY AND FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS 361 


packed and the keeper did not know the exact place. Suggested 
that Mr. Morozoff be asked to look for it. 

January 18, 1924.—Letter received from Dispensary, saying that 
worker’s plan had been referred to the Mental Hygiene Clinic. 

January 28, 1924.—Mrs. Morozoff at the Dispensary. She told 
worker that she is very happy in her new home as there is always 
plenty of heat. She said her only worry at present is the fact that she 
has such a very large appetite and the funds received from the Bureau 
hardly cover this. Worker could not help noticing the improvement 
in her physical condition. Worker went on to talk with Mrs. Moro- 
zoft about the possibility of going into the Industrial Shops and was 
told that she would be very glad to do this but was afraid that she 
would not be able to go into the Sewing Shop because of the fact that 
her eyes bothered her when she did any close work. Asked how she 
spent her spare time and was told that she is going to learn how to. 
read English, and when worker suggested going to the People’s Alliance 
she said she would gladly do so as soon as the weather was a little 
warmer. She goes to the movies once a week. She told worker 
that she sees Mr. Morozoff very infrequently. She seemed more 
calm than usual. | 

January 19, 1924.—Letter received from Mental Hygiene Clinic 
of Dispensary, approving the plan of having Mrs. Morozoff work in 
the Industrial Workshops, spending three hours a day there and report- 
ing for treatment at regular intervals to the Dispensary. 

February 12, 1924.—Letter written supervisor of Industrial Work- 
shops, making application for Mrs. Morozoff’s admission to the 
Industrial Workshops. 


SECTION III 


CASES IN WHICH THERE ARISES THE PROBLEM 
OF “NON-RESIDENCE” OR OF INADEQUATE 
ADJUSTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY 


14. The Family of Tito Lucca 


(An Italian Laborer Permanently Incapacitated by an 
Incurable Skin Disease) 


September 25, 1917.~—The House of Help [a Settlement in one 
of the crowded? Italian neighborhoods] reported the family and asked 
investigation. ‘The man is ill, and there are six children. No agency 
is registered on the case. 

September 26, 1917.—Visited. The family was found with some 
difficulty. In inquiring for the family, visitor was told by neighbors 
that a new family had moved to the first floor of the rear house on the 
lot about a week before, that the man had such an “awful-looking 
face’ that one tenant had moved away. Visitor finally found the 
landlord, who said that he knew nothing about the family except 
that a week ago they came from the country and that the man’s 
sister whose name the landlord does not know, although she lives on 
the second floor of the front house, has paid a month’s rent ($11). 
Landlord’s wife handles all the business. 

Visitor went to second floor front and found an old lady, Mr. 
Lucca’s.mother, who could speak no English. She called a neighbor to 
interpret and called Mr. Lucca, who was in the front room. Another 
neighbor went to ask the sister, Mrs. Pagini, and Mrs. Lucca, who 
had gone to the baker’s, to come home. 

Mr. Lucca’s face and forehead are terribly disfigured; it makes 
one fairly ill to look at him. The neighbor who interpreted cried 


*[There are in this record four episodes: (1) September 26, 1917—March 17, 
1919; (2) March 17, 1919—March 18, 1921; (3) March 18, 1921—July 15, 1922; 
(4) July 15, 1922 to present time. During the first the question of the legal 
residence of the family is important.] 


- 2[This is one of the older areas in which there are often two or even three 
buildings on a lot. See ‘‘Housing Conditions in Chicago, VII. Two Italian 
Districts,” American Journal of Sociology, XVIII, 509.] 


362 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 363 


most of the time while talking for him. Said it made her heart sick. 
The story he gave was as follows: 

He and his wife come from the same town in Italy, where they 
were married in r900. ‘They came to the United States in 1904 and 
have lived in Lewiston, Illinois, for the past thirteen years, and, up to 
the time of his accident, he was employed in a mine. Could not give 
the name of the mine. About five and a half years ago he was walking 
along the track in the mine when some men who were pushing a car 
behind him shoved him off the track; he fell and broke his arm. 
As nearly as he could explain, he felt that the doctor who attended 
him did not know what was the trouble and did not treat him properly. 
Blood poisoning resulted, and he had ten operations on his face. 
From the state he received $20 per month and, from what he called 
the ‘‘city,”’ $10 per month. A church society gave $6.00 a week for 
three weeks and $2.00 thereafter for six months. They lived on this 
amount for over five years, but it was such a meager amount for eight 
people that he went to the city and told them it was impossible to 
subsist on it any longer and that if they could not give him more he 
would have to go elsewhere with his family. Mr. Lucca said they 
told him to go. He wrote to his sister, Mrs. Pagini, telling her of the 
situation, and she sent him $30. A week ago he and his family came 
to Chicago and moved into the first floor, rear house, the sister having 
paid the rent for one month. She nowsays that she can do nothing 
further for them. Mr. Pagini, his sister’s husband, is a laborer, who 
does not work regularly, and they have five children. She will also 
be confined very soon. His mother, sixty years old, lives with Mr. and 
Mrs. Pagini. He has no other brothers or sisters, and Mrs. Lucca has 
no relatives in the United States. Mr. Lucca isa citizen; he has no 
insurance. There are six children living: Angelina (born June 26, 
1902), Palma (born March 13, 1906), Lucy (born January 20, 1908), 
Joseph (born October 30, 1911), Mary (born February 1, 1913), Frank 
(born Feburary 15, 1915); and two dead. Mrs. Lucca says she is 
willing to work but could find no employment in Lewiston. Mr. 
Lucca says that he feels well and is strong, but no one will employ 
him in his condition. 

Told Mr. and Mrs. Lucca and his sister that the County Agent 
would undoubtedly give them transportation to Lewiston if they 
were willing to return and that if they refuse they would have to be 
responsible for their own support. Advised them to go to the Deporta- 
tion Agent in the County Agent’s office and talk with him about the 


364 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


matter. ‘They seemed unwilling to consider this, insisting that they 
could not live in Lewiston on $30 a month. Mrs. Pagini knows Mrs. 
Besorgno! (she is godmother to one of her children), and it was she 
who reported the family to the House of Help. 

Talked with Mrs. Besorgno, 2110 East Street, explaining to her 
the situation given above. 

October 8, 1917.—Miss Cutler, House of Help, telephoned that 
Mrs. Besorgno was there yesterday with Mrs. Lucca, asking what 
could be done for them. Miss Cutler said she went over the matter 
very carefully, telling them about the County Agent and that he 
would have to handle the situation. ‘The assistance they were getting 
from what they call the ‘‘city” in Lewiston was from the Mothers’ 
Aid. Miss Cutler told them that if they did not decide to return 
very soon she feared that they would lose it. She also told them that 
if they refused the transportation of the County Agent they would 
have to look out for themselves while they stayed in Chicago. ‘They 
agreed to think the matter over and let Miss Cutler know their 
decision. 

October 9, 1917.—Telephoned Miss Cutler; she has heard nothing 
further from Mrs. Lucca or from Mrs. Besorgno. 

October 20, 1917.—Miss Reber, Visiting Nurse, called, asking if 
we knew family. When she called yesterday they seemed in need. 
Gave her report. 

November 12, 1917.—Miss Stearns, Juvenile Court officer, in 
office. The County Deportation Agent has referred the family to 
Juvenile Court for returning to Lewiston. He has learned from there 
that they were Lewiston residents and had received $10 a month from 
the Overseer of the Poor. 


[The following correspondence is of interest at this point:] 
Letter from the County Deportation Agent, Charity Service, to 
the Chief Probation Officer, Juvenile Court, dated November 8, 1917: 


I wish to report the non-resident case of Mr. Tito Lucca, his wife, and 
six children, who came to Chicago about five weeks ago from Lewiston, 
Illinois, where they have lived for fourteen years prior to coming to Chicago. 

The family have applied to this office for relief. We communicated 
with the authorities of Lewiston, Illinois, and have now received a reply 
in which it is stated that the family belong in Lewiston and were receiving 
$10 per month from the Overseer of the Poor. 


«(She was a well-known member of the Italian community.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 365 


Mr. Lucca is unable to work on account of injuries received in the mines 
at Lewiston, and the family will, no doubt, be permanently dependent 
unless returned. 

They have refused to return to Lewiston at the expense of this County, 
and I would, therefore, request that you kindly have a petition filed, and 
the family brought into court, with a view to having an order issued by 
the Court, compelling them to return to Lewiston, where they legally 
belong, if necessary in charge of an officer. 

I trust you will give this matter your earliest attention, advising me 
of the date of hearing. 


Letter to the Lewiston Associated Charities from the Chief 
Probation Officer, Juvenile Court of Cook County, Chicago, dated 
November 26, 1917: 


I am writing you for information regarding the family of Tito and Car- 
lotta Lucca, who moved from Lewiston to Chicago some time in September 
of this year. 

Shortly after coming to Chicago the family applied to the County Agent 
and the Welfare Agency for aid. 

An investigation on the part of the County Agent shows that the family 
does not belong to this county, but to Lewiston County. The Deportation 
Agent is at present considering deporting them. 

We should like to know what contact you have had with été Lucca 
family. Can you give us any information regarding the injury that Mr. 
Lucca states he received in some mine several years ago? Can you give 
us any information regarding the condition of his face ? 

At present Mr. Lucca states that the family is self-supporting. As he 
refuses to see a doctor, we cannot determine whether or not his physical 
condition will permit him to do any work. 

Can you also give us any information regarding a minister calling him- 
self the Rev. B. A. Leopardi, who tells us that he lived in Lewiston for eight 
years and that it was through his efforts the Lucca family moved to Chicago. 

We shall be grateful for any other information you can give us that 
will be helpful in making a plan for this family. 


Letter from the Lewiston Associated Charities to the Chief 
Probation Officer, Juvenile Court of Cook County, Chicago, dated 
November 27, 1917: 


The family of Tito and Carlotta Lucca have been known to the Society 
since its inception in March, 1913. During all this time Mr. Lucca has 
been suffering from Lupus, or tuberculosis of the skin of the face, and the 
disease has been steadily progressing, although during the entire time he 
was constantly under the care of the best surgeons in the community. He 


366 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


has been treated many times in one of our hospitals and every local means 
used to make his condition as tolerable as possible. The attending physician 
has always informed us that the disease is non-infectious, and there is no 
permanent cure. The general health of Mr. Lucca has been apparently 
good, but no outside work has been possible by reason of his hideous dis- 
figurement. The only record which we have of an injury in a mine is that 
of a broken arm sustained in r911. This injury seems to have left no per- 
manent effect. 

The family received constant aid from public and private sources, 
until the departure of the family for Chicago in September of this year. 
Mr. Lucca was a member of an Italian fraternal organization and received 
a sick benefit from them during 1913 and 1914. In 1914 the family were 
found to be receiving much disorganized assistance, and the children were 
sent out to beg in this and neighboring communities. After a great deal 
of effort the relief forces were co-ordinated, adequate assistance secured 
for them and the begging was stopped. Before Mr. Lucca’s sickness he 
started buying a little house, borrowing the money from a local private bank. 
The officials of the bank allowed him to live in this house without paying 
the interest on the mortgage. The County Supervisor gave $10 a month 
and fuel in winter. The Associated Charities gave them an average of 
$2.00 a week in groceries, extra fuel, one quart of milk daily and shoes and 
clothing as needed. The Infant Welfare Department supplied milk for 
the babies. In April, 1915, the Mothers’ Pension of $20 was secured from 
the County by reason of Mr. Lucca’s incurable illness. The Associated 
Charities ceased giving the order for groceries but did supply extra flour as 
needed. A garden on their own lot supplied the family with vegetables 
for summer and winter, and they earned a fair amount by selling surplus 
vegetables. In October, 1916, the Mothers’ Pension was cut to $16, as 
Angelina had reached the age of fourteen. We arranged, however, so that 
she stayed in school, as after several years of irregular attendance and 
unsatisfactory scholarship she had begun to do really good work. 

We were much encouraged by the manner in which she planned with 
our workers regarding the expenditure of their income. The past summer 
Mr. Lucca announced that he would not allow Angelina to return to school 
in September. The girl was very anxious to finish the eighth grade, and 
we thought it wise that she do this. A school pension was consequently 
arranged for from a private source, and the offer made to the family, but it 
was refused. A few days later they announced their intention of going to 
Chicago and living with relatives. It was very evident that they expected 
the assistance which they had received here to be continued by Cook County 
and Chicago agencies, although we told them decidedly that this would not 
be possible and that they would be returned to Lewiston should they apply 
for aid. They said that it was arranged that Mrs. Lucca and Angelina 
should both work in the Carmen Garter Factory and that the whole family 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 367 


would live with Mrs. Dick Pagini, a sister of Mr. Lucca. We have always 
been sure that the Paginis gave the family more or less regular assistance 
although the Luccas always denied it. Mrs. Rosa Lucca, the grandmother, 
lived in Lewiston the greater part of the time but always left for Chicago 
when she seemed needed here, particularly at the time of the advent of the 
babies. It is true that Rev. B. A. Leopardi was the one who encouraged 
them to beg and we know that he made a strong effort to get control of the 
Mothers’ Pension when it was granted. Something over a year ago the 
Congregational church had a new pastor, and he considered it best to have 
his church give up their assistance and interest in the mission, so Mr. 

Leopardi left the city. ' 
Personally we are willing to say that the dealings which he had with 
our Society were not of a sort to inspire our confidence in any way. Before 
the Luccas left the city the bank sold the house for them, and they had a 
small amount of money remaining after the mortgage was paid, but we are 
not able to state the exact amount. We recognize the fact, of course, that 
the Luccas still have legal residence in Lewiston County. It is very uncer- 
tain, however, whether the judge of the County Court will renew the 
Mothers’ Pension should they return, since they left against the advice 
_ of the Probation Officer and others who are interested in them. 


Letter from the Cook County Deportation Agent to the Deputy 
Chief Probation Officer, Juvenile Court of Cook County, Chicago, 
dated December 11, 1917: 


Will you kindly refer to my letter of November 8, iz re non-resident 
case of Tito Lucca and family of 2450 West Street, and advise present status 
of case. 

I received a letter dated November ro in which it is stated that the case 
was assigned to one of your officers who would report action taken. 

The family came from Lewiston, Illinois, and the township had been 
giving them $10 per month some time before they came to Chicago. 

Mr. Lucca is in such condition that it is doubtful whether he will ever 
be able to secure employment, and the family consists of himself, wife, and 
six small children. 

Cook County should not be burdened with the care of this family, and 
I would request that you kindly have the case brought into court as early 
as possible, with a view to compelling the family to return to Lewiston, 
Illinois, where they legally belong, and where they lived for fourteen years 
prior to coming to Chicago in September of this year. 


Letter from the Juvenile Court of Cook County, Chicago, to 
the Assistant County Agent, dated December 12, 1917: 


Our officer has made an investigation with regard to the Lucca family 
and finds that Angelina is working in the Carmen Garter Company, earning 


368 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


$6.00 per week. Mr. and Mrs. Lucca work at home for the same factory 
and make $8.00 to $10.00 per week themselves. The family has not applied 
for aid for some time. 

Rey. B. A. Leopardi is greatly interested in the family. He says that 
he is willing to sign an affidavit that this family will never become dependent 
upon Cook County, and he is determined to fight any attempt to return them 
to Lewiston. 

We do not see at the present time that we have grounds for action in 
this court, while we are of the opinion that the family should be returned 
at once. 

Our stand in this case was explained to you by an officer of this court 
in conference at your office, and I am merely confirming this by letter. 


December 5, 1917.—Miss Stearns, Juvenile Court, in office; reports 
that case came up in Juvenile Court Committee.’ It was decided that 
as the family was not actually dependent they should not be deported 
by the Juvenile Court. The Deportation Agent plans to take the 
case into the County Court, where he believes deportation will be 
secured. It was learned during the investigation that the family 
occupied in Lewiston a comfortable little home, on which they were 
making payments. An Italian minister, Mr. Leopardi, urged them 
to come to Chicago and is insistent that they stay here. Mr. Lucca’s 
trouble is diagnosed Lupus. 

February 21, 1918.—School Children’s Aid has registered. They 
will give clothing unless advised to the contrary. 

Later.—Telephoned Deportation Agent. He thinks that all 
aid here should be refused. 

Later.—Letter written Miss Stearns, Juvenile Court, Chicago: 


Re Lucca, 2450 West Street, Tito and Carlotta; Angelina (born June 26, 
1902), Palma (born March 13, 1906), Lucy (born January 20, 1908), 
Joseph (born October 30, 1911), Mary (born February 1, 191 3), Frank 
(born February 15, 1915). 

You will remember the Lucca be raly of 2450 West Street, who were in 
the Juvenile Court in December. Mr. Lucca, as you know, has Lupus, 
and I wonder if at that time it was determined whether he was an open case. 
This now seems highly likely, and in that event I think it would be advisable 
to quarantine the family. In which case they might be deported through 


«[See Helen R. Jeter, The Chicago Juvenile Court (U.S. Children’s Bureau 
Publication No. 104), p. 100, for account of this committee. The Juvenile Court 
could have acted only by declaring the children dependent and depriving the 
parents of their custody.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 369 


the activities of the Health Department. The situation has come up for 
us once more as the School Children’s Aid are asking whether they shall 
supply clothing. The Deportation Agent feels very strongly that this should 
not be done, and it seems to me that if we could ever justifiably stand for 
deportation for any family this is one. 


February 25, 1915.—Letter written to Miss Lawson, School Chil- 
dren’s Aid: 


We have a registration from the School Children’s Aid asking our advice 
as to whether clothing should be supplied for the Lucca children. The 
family is an Italian family who came to Chicago from Lewiston, Illinois, 
in September, 1917. Mr. Lucca has Lupus, or tuberculosis of the skin, 
and is terribly disfigured. They were well cared for in Lewiston, where 
they had lived for thirteen years, as it was possible for them to receive county 
aid and help through the Funds to Parents law. Here it is not possible 
for any public agency to assist them as they are not legally resident. This 
seems so dangerous to the children from the point of view of possible conta- 
gion that I feel we should not keep them here. The Deportation Agent has 
asked us not to supply anything, even clothing. If Mr. Lucca is now 
a danger to the family it may be the Health Department will quarantine 
them and eventually send them back to the county in which’Mr. Lucca 
can receive sanitarium care and the family support. 


February 26, rt918.—Deportation Agent telephones that Mr. 
Lucca has been in his office; said family have not asked for aid of any 
kind. He asks that we write him a letter stating that the School 
Children’s Aid has taken up the family. 

February 27, 1918.—Letter received from the Juvenile Court: 


We have received your letter of recent date regarding Tito and Carlotta 
Lucca, who have been living at 2450 West Street. Our contact with the 
family ceased in December, 1917. At that time our investigation showed 
that the family was self-supporting. Angelina worked in the Carmen 
Garter Company, earning $6.90 a week. Mr. and Mrs. Lucca did work at 
home for the same factory, making from $6.00 to $10 a week. We reported 
to the Deportation Agent that we had no grounds for bringing the case 
into court at that time. He stated that he expected to take up the matter 
with the County Court. We have never had a doctor’s diagnosis regarding 
Mr. Lucca. Miss Carpenter of the Lewiston Associated Charities informed 
us that Mr. Lucca was under the care of the best doctors of Lewiston during 
the time the family lived there, and that they said the disease was not infec- 
tious, although there is no known permanent cure. In case you have a 
report from a doctor stating that Mr. Lucca is a menace to his family 
or to the community, the case could be taken up again. 


370 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


February 28, 1918.—Miss Clay, volunteer, visited Taylor School 
and learned that four of the Lucca children received aid February 14. 
Met Miss Torrey of Western Chapel in the schoolroom. She said that . 
Mr. Leopardi, a Protestant Italian minister, had asked them to help 
the family. Said he knew the family in Lewiston, where he also lived. 
Explained the situation to her and to the teacher. Miss Torrey 
said she would take up with Mr. Leopardi the question of their return 
to Lewiston. 

Later.—Telephoned physician in Municipal Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium Clinic, who said that he would put a quarantine officer on the 
case at once. 

Later —Letter written Deportation Agent: 

I found after talking with you about the Lucca family the other day 
that clothing was given to the children February 14 through the Taylor 
School, who appealed for it to the School Children’s Aid. While our 
visitor was at the school, Miss Torrey of Western Chapel came in. She 
said that Mr. Leopardi, who conducts a Protestant-Italian mission on South 
Street, had asked Western Chapel to help the family. He is the very man 
of whom you told me, who made the statement in court that the family 
would not become dependent. I telephoned the physician of the Municipal 
Tuberculosis Dispensary concerning Mr. Lucca’s condition and possible 
contagion, and he said that he would send a quarantine officer at once. 
Would it not be possible to take up the question of returning the family 
to Lewiston since Mr. Leopardi, who became responsible for them in court, 
is already asking aid for them? I should be very glad if our visitor can help 
out on this in any way. 


March 5, 1918.—Miss Lawson, School Children’s Aid, telephoned 
to say that clothing had been given the family before Family Welfare 
report was received. It was necessary to give promptly as children 
were out of school on this account. They will keep Agency’s letter 
and follow suggestion in future. 

March 7, 1918.—Letter received from Deportation Agent: 

Your letter of February 28, referring to the Lucca family received. We 
are ready at any time to pay the transportation for this family’s return to 
Lewiston, Illinois. If you can get the consent of the family to return or 
the Juvenile Court to order their return, we will see that arrangements are 
made at once for their transportation. 


March 18, 1918.—Telephoned Miss Torrey. She will be able 
to go with visitor March 22 to talk with them about returning to 


Lewiston. Is glad to have opportunity to visit family as children 
attend Western Chapel. 


. 


THE PROBLEM OF ‘“NON-RESIDENCE” Si! 


March 22, 1918.—Visited with Miss Torrey. Mr. Lucca left 
for Minnesota March 5; he is with some railroad, working on the 
tracks. Secured the work through his brother-in-law, Mr. Pagini, 
who is employed by the same company. Mr. Pagini left Chicago 
February 19, and his ‘‘gang’”’ was sent to Blackfoot, Montana. Mrs. 
Pagini, who was present, showed letter which had just come from him. 
Both men were to receive $2.60 per day. Mrs. Lucca has not heard 
from her husband, nor has he sent any money, but she thinks this is 
because he has not yet received his pay. 

Mrs. Lucca is still doing work at home for the Carmen Company. 
Showed case of garters with which children were helping. She is 
paid $2.50 per case and sometimes does two and three cases per week. 
Angelina is still employed by the same company at the factory, earning 
$6.00 per week. 

Mrs. Lucca said they would not consider going back to Lewiston 
as neither she nor Angelina could find any employment there. They 
manage to get along on what they earn, though it is rather difficult. 

Of her own accord Mrs. Lucca spoke of clothing from School 
Children’s Aid. She had not told the children to ask for any, but 
they had done so because the other children were given clothing and 
they thought they were entitled to some too. 

March 26, 1918.—Probation officer in office. Gave above report. 

April 9, 1915.—Letter received from Deportation Agent: ‘Will 
you please refer to my letter of March 6 regarding the Lucca family 
and advise present status of the case and oblige.” 

April ro, 1918.—Letter written to Deportation Agent: 

When we last visited the Lucca family we found that Mr. Lucca had 
gone to Minnesota a few days after our last letter to you. He was to earn 
$2.60 a day working with a railroad gang. The family had not yet heard 
from him. Mrs. Lucca was doing home work for the Carmen Garter Com- 
pany; with the children’s help she earned $5.00 to $7.50 a week, and Angelina 
earned $6.00 in the factory. They again refused to return to Lewiston and 
said they could manage. The Juvenile Court Officer could see nothing 
that could be done under the circumstances. 


September 6, 1918.—Mrs. Lucca in office with neighbor to interpret. 
Wanted to know if Welfare Agency knew of work for Mr. Lucca. He 
returned from Montana in June. Said he was some better, but his 
face is still ‘‘sore.”’ 

Angelina was married two weeks ago in court to her own cousin, 
Frank Montiori. They had known each other when family lived in 


372 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Lewiston, and he came on later to Chicago. Mrs. Lucca said that 
they had been going together off and on and that she learned that he 
had wronged her daughter. She insisted upon their being married 
and knows that they were because she saw the certificate. ‘They left 
at once for Montana. Does not know their address and has not heard 
from them. ‘This robs Mrs. Lucca of the support Angelina was giving 
her. Offered to arrange institutional care for the children but she 
refused this, saying she would go out to work herself. 

November 27, 1918.—Miss Cutler, House of Help, telephones that 
Mrs. Lucca, who is a member of the Mothers’ Club, has asked no 
assistance until last night, when she said that her earnings of $12 were 
not sufficient and asked for coal. Miss Cutler told her the House of 
Help does not give relief, but she has money she can spend for this if 
the Family Welfare Agency approves. 

Later—Telephoned the Juvenile Court and talked with probation 
officer. They can do something with the case only if we can get a 
doctor’s certificate that Mr. Lucca’s trouble is infectious. The physi- 
cian in Lewiston thought that it was not. 

December 1, t919.—Probation officer in office. Mr. Lucca is not 
in infectious condition. 

February 6, 1919.—Miss Cutler, House of Help, in office to read 
record. Mrs. Lucca is six months pregnant. One of their volunteers 
took her over to the Lying-In Dispensary this morning to arrange for 
her confinement. Mrs. Lucca has been working in a wire factory 
but was obliged to stop last week because of her condition. Miss 
Cutler said that she is not at all well. Mr. Lucca has been taking 
care of the children. Rent is paid to the twentieth. They hear 
nothing from their married daughter. Miss Cutler will take up matter 
of relief with County Agent. Yesterday the Settlement gave flour 
and oatmeal from their own supplies. 

February 7, t919.—Miss Cutler telephoned that she talked with 
County Agent, and he agreed to grant supplies. 

February 8, 1919.—Miss Cutler telephoned that she had just 
returned from County Agent’s office, where she went with Mrs. Lucca. 
County Agent refused supplies and told Mrs. Lucca that he was going 
to send her and her family back to Lewiston. Mrs. Lucca said that 
she wouldn’t go, and County Agent said if she refused that he would 
place the children in a home and she and Mr. Lucca could shift by 
themselves. He referred to Mr. Leopardi, saying that he was to 
blame for the family’s staying here. He said he would write him a 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 373 


note to come down to his office and talk with him about the matter. 
He told Miss Cutler that he would call her as soon as he heard from 
Lewiston. 

February 27, t919.—Talked with Miss Cutler, House of Help. 
She had gone back to see County Agent taking Mrs. Lucca with her. 
He had forgotten the fact that they had been there before and when 
she stated the situation again he at once gave supplies. She also 
saw superintendent of the Lying-In Hospital, who said that Mrs. 
Lucca had been to their clinic that afternoon; she is in wretched 
condition and suffers considerable pain. They will take care of her 
confinement. 

March 5, to919.—Talked with general superintendent. He 
advised that Welfare Agency care for the family with Mr. Lucca 
removed from the home. 

In conference with Visiting Nurse Association. Nurses feel that 
Mr. Lucca should be examined at the Municipal Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium to secure medical opinion as to his remaining at home. 

March 7, t919.—Miss Torrey telephoned saying that Mr. Lucca 
is sick in bed; has a high fever. Thinks he may have influenza. 
She has called county doctor. Mrs. Lucca said that county supplies 
are about exhausted, but she had a letter from County Agent this 
morning inclosing a card and saying that he would give supplies 
again this coming month. Miss Torrey judged from this that he 
had dropped the matter with Lewiston and intends to continue giving 
relief. 

March 8, t919.—Sent grocery order for $3.00. 

March 11, 1919.—Miss Torrey telephoned she had talked matter 
over with Mr. Lucca about going to County Infirmary, and he has 
promised to go. Volunteer will take him to County Agent asking 
for admission. 

March 15, t919.—Visited. Mr. Lucca asked if he could go to 
County Infirmary next week instead of March 17. Explained to him 
difficulty he would have asking County Agent to change their arrange- 
ment. Mr. Lucca will go March 17. Left cash grant $3.00. 

Later.—Letter written to landlord, inclosing check of $10 in pay- 
ment of rent from February 20 to March 20. 

March 17, t919.—Letter received from Miss Torrey inclosing 
the following letter written to her by County Agent: 

I understand that you called at this office today with reference to having 
one Tito Lucca admitted to our County Infirmary at Oak Forest. We are 


374 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


very familiar with this case, the attention of this family having been called 
to us on October 16, 1917. At that time they had been in residence but 
three weeks, having come from Lewiston, Illinois, where they had lived 
previous to coming to Chicago, for fourteen years. At the time of their 
application for relief in October, 1917, we communicated with the authorities 
of Lewiston County and had their consent to return the family to Lewiston, 
acknowledging that they were legal charges of their county. Mr. Lucca 
refused, however, at that time to return to Lewiston at the expense of this 
County, consequently no further relief was given them, as it is understood 
that when a non-resident family applies for relief and we are able to establish 
their legal settlement and obtain the consent of the authorities to return 
them one of two alternatives is given either to return at the expense of 
Cook County to where they are legally entitled to aid, or be cut off and 
denied any further assistance from this County. In December of 1917 we 
referred this case to the Juvenile Court with request that an order be issued 
by the Court compelling Mr. Lucca and his family to return to where they 
legally belong. There appeared at the hearing one Rev. B. A. Leopardi, 
who seemed to be very much interested in this family and who stated to 
the Court at that time that he was willing to sign an affidavit that the Lucca 
family would never become dependent upon Cook County and that he was 
determined to fight any attempt to return them to Lewiston County. 
Since that time the family have appealed to different organizations for help, 
who have in turn referred them to this department. It is certainly an 
injustice to the taxpayers of Cook County to be obliged to pay taxes for 
the support of individuals or families that are non-residents of this County 
after their legal residence is established, and the consent of the authorities 
of the County to which they belong is obtained to have them returned, and 
who are not only willing but obliged to support them. This County has all 
and more than it can do to support its own legal charges without allowing 
non-residents to remain here until they establish a legal settlement. The 
law distinctly states that, when a non-resident applies for relief in any form, 
such dependents shall be returned to the state or county to which they 
legally belong. I have written the Rev. Leopardi several times to call at 
this office to see me regarding this family, but for some reason he has ignored 
our communications. On February 27 I again referred the case to the 
Juvenile Court, informing them that this family were appealing for relief 
from the County and stated that inasmuch as the Rev. B. A. Leopardi had 
assured the Court, if the family are allowed to remain here, that at no time 
would they appeal to the County for assistance. We informed the Juvenile 
Court that, under the circumstances, it is now up to the Rev. Leopardi to 
see that this family are provided for. 


‘(This statement of the County Agent contains the usual interpretation of the 
Pauper Law. See below, p. 847. A careful reading of the statute will justify, 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 375 


Later.—Miss Torrey telephoned Mr. Lucca went to the County 
Infirmary this morning.’ 

_ March 19, tor9.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said that her husband 
was sent to the County Hospital for a few days and from there they 
will send him to Infirmary. 

March 20, 1919.—Visited Taylor School. Joseph’s teacher says 
he is well cared for and neat. Does good work and is bright. He is 
in first grade. Lucy’s teacher said she is fair in her studies. Clothes 
not very well taken care of and seems to be poorly fed. Palma’s 
teacher said that she was not well cared for, that the bath attendant 
reported that she was often dirty, and that she was not especially 
good in her studies though quite regular. She was absent today 
because her father had been taken to the hospital. She said that 
they were interested in the family and that last Christmas they had 
sent them canned goods. 

Later—Miss Modelli, Italian visitor for the Charitable Corpora- 
tion,? telephoned asking if we know the Lucca family. They were 
reported to her yesterday by a neighbor and when she called later 
in the afternoon, Mrs. Lucca told her no one was giving her any 
assistance. Miss Modelli gave her $2.00. The Church of the Holy 
Virgin paid last month’s rent. Gave her a full report of our contact 
with family and our plan, telling her that our visitor had been in just 
before she came and left $8.50 cash grant. Miss Modelli said that 
Mrs. Lucca told her she was Catholic and would continue to be so. 
Said nothing to her about Western Chapel. Miss Modelli is willing 
to take over. the supervision and support of the family or share the 
budget with Welfare Agency. 


however, a quite different interpretation, authorizing a return of applicants to the 
county of residence but directing that relief be given. 

This letter illustrates in an admirably frank way the deterrent attitude of 
the Poor Law authorities and presents the logic on which a state-wide system of 
care and treatment should be urged. The entry of this date closes the first episode.] 


t [The second episode is recorded in the entries between March 17, 1919, and 
March 18, 1921. During this period the Family Welfare Agency cares for the 
family until the period of residence conferring eligibility under the Mothers’ Aid’ 
Law has elapsed. A budget is made out, and regular assistance is given. Many 
entries during this period are omitted. Mr. Lucca finds it difficult to remain away 
from the family, but submits to the condition in order that his family may receive 
aid. He does not go to the Infirmary until after two months at the County Hospi- 
tal, where every effort was made to treat and cure his malady.] 


2 [A sectarian relief organization that did not at this time use the Social Service 
Registration Bureau.] 


376 "FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


March 22, 1919.—Letter written to pastor of Western Chapel: 


We find that the Church of the Holy Virgin has paid Mrs. Lucca’s 
rent the same month for which she accepted rent from us. The Charitable 
Corporation also gave assistance the same day that we did. Miss Modelli 
came in just after we had given $8.50. Mrs. Lucca told her that she was 
receiving no help, so Miss Modelli gave $2.00. The Charitable Corporation 
wish to assist with the family and intimated that they would take over the 
relief entirely. When they suggest this on Catholic families, it is our custom 
to leave the situation to them entirely. If Mrs. Lucca has not joined the 
Protestant church and still receives assistance from her Catholic parish and 
the Charitable Corporation wish to take charge, I do not see that we 
can do other than let them. Please let me hear what you think about it 
at your earliest convenience, as I have not replied yet to the Charitable 
Corporation. 


March 25, 1919.—The pastor of Western Chapel and Miss Torrey 
in office. It was decided that Mrs. Lucca should be left to decide 
what church she wanted to belong to. The pastor stated that the 
family had planned to join the church at Easter time. 

March 26, 1919.—Visited. Mr. Lucca is still at the County 
Hospital. Talked with Mrs. Lucca of conference with Western Chapel 
and told her that it was decided that she should choose whether she 
will continue to attend Western Chapel or go to the Catholic church. 
Told her that we were willing that she should take time for the decision, 
also that Charitable Corporation were also willing to assist her. Mrs. 
Lucca said at once that she wanted to attend the Chapel and that she 
had joined the Protestant church while in Lewiston. Said that 
neighbors must have reported her to the Church of the Holy Virgin 
and that she did not herself appeal to them. Left cash grant, $8.50. 

April 7, 1919.—Visited County Hospital and talked to nurse in 
Ward 32, who gave the following report with regard to Mr. Lucca: 
He was admitted March 17, 1919; diagnosis blastomycosis, skin 
eruption, not infectious, but too disagreeable to allow him to have 
meals in the dining-room. Recently he has undergone an operation 
for mastoid, from which he is recovering in Ward 32. Later he will 
be returned to Ward 55 for treatment of the skin disease. It will 
probably be some time before he is well enough to return home. They 
had not thought of sending him to the County Infirmary. 

[Entries between April 7, 1919, and May 17, 1919, are omitted 
as they contain only the items recording the assistance and supervision 
of the mother and children in the home.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 377 


May 17, t919.—Called at Social Service Department, County 
Hospital. Mr. Lucca is now in Ward 55, where he will receive 
treatment for his skin trouble. The doctor does not believe that 
there is any cure for him, though they are going to give electrical 
treatments. They will notify Welfare Agency when there is nothing 
further the hospital can do for him and will see that he is transferred 
to the County Infirmary. 

[Entries are again omitted between May 17, 1919, and Decem- 
ber 17, 1919. Mr. Lucca has been sent to the Infirmary. The baby 
“Mike” has been born (July 4, 1919). The children have country 
outings and Mrs. Lucca goes to see Mr. Lucca from time to time. 
The Western Chapel continues to help. Angelina and her husband 
come back to Chicago to live October 20, r919.| 

December 17, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said that Mr. Lucca 
told her not to come to the Infirmary again as he will be at home 
around Christmas. Mrs. Lucca said family does not want him home, 
even for a few days; she also said he does not intend to return to the 
Infirmary. She asked if Welfare Agency would write to Infirmary 
and try to prevent him from coming. Mr. Lucca told her that he 
was tired of it at the Infirmary, as he had to work too hard and did 
not get enough to eat. Coal received December 16. 

[Entries recording assistance and care are omitted. | 

January 14, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca says that Mr. Lucca’s 
mother has a grocery store at North Avenue and Little Street. She 
lives with her daughter, Lucia Pagini. The two families are not on 
friendly terms as Mrs. Pagini was married in Italy, had had three 
children; then came to this country and married Mr. Pagini. The 
other husband is still living. Mrs. Pagini has three children by the 
second marriage. Mrs. Lucca asked visitor to have Lucy’s shoes 
repaired and asked for shoes, underwear, and a waist for herself. 

[Entries omitted. | 

February 5, 1920.—Called at Taylor School; Palma is good in 
scholarship, also in attendance. Lucy’s teacher reported the same 
about her. Joseph isa nice, clean little boy; attendance and application 
also good. 

[Entries omitted.| 

March 4, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca much worried as the last 
time she visited Mr. Lucca he said he wanted to come home at Easter 
and remain there. He told her that, if the Welfare Agency stopped 
assisting, she could go to work and he would look after the children. 


378 ' FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Lucca says she is not strong enough to do this, and the baby is 
too young to be weaned. She asks that Welfare Agency prevent his 
coming home but does not wish him to know that she has asked this; 
is also afraid of having more children if he returns. 

March 23, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca asked for clothing for 
Palma and Lucy. Baby had been sick, and she took him to Dr. 
Zoni, who prescribed some medicine which cost her $1.50. Mrs. 
Lucca’s stove was repaired, and the bill amounted to $6.35. She 
asked if Welfare Agency would pay this. Lucy and Frank were home 
from school as they are ill. 

Later.—Telephoned for county doctor. 

March 27, 1920.—Palma in office; gave her pass to County 
Infirmary. 

March 29, 1920.—Called at the Pagini Grocery. Mrs. Lucca, Sr., 
is a very old woman. She takes care of the store in the morning, as 
her daughter, Mrs. Pagini, works; in the afternoon, Mary Pagini, 
her granddaughter, looks after the store. Mrs. Lucca said she would 
like to visit her son at the Infirmary but has no one who could take 
her. She is not on friendly terms with her daughter-in-law; says she 
never lets the children come to see her. Intimated that Mrs. Lucca 
would rather have Mr. Lucca at Infirmary and be supported by the 
Welfare Agency than have him at home and go to work herself. Mrs. 
Lucca denied that Mrs. Pagini’s first husband was still living in Italy. 

March 30, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said when she visited 
Mr. Lucca, March 28, he called her names and was very angry as he 
thinks she is hindering his coming home. He wishes to spend Easter 
at home, and she is certain if he does she cannot get him to return. 
The children are well again; county doctor attended them. 

Later.—Called on Mrs. Besorgno. She said she went with Mrs. 
Lucca to visit Mr. Lucca, March 28, and was surprised and disgusted 
with the way he treated his wife. He insulted her and accused her 
of wanting to be rid of him. If he cannot get a pass to come home, 
he threatened to run away and go to work on a farm; says he is tired 
of working there for nothing. Other patients are paid for their work 
while he receives only his board. Mrs. Besorgno knew the family in 
Lewiston. It was about seven years ago that Mr. Lucca was hurt in 
the mine there, and during his incapacity Mrs. Lucca did washings to 
support the family. The Besorgnos came to Chicago about six 
years ago but kept up a correspondence with the Lucca family. 
When the Luccas came here in June, 1917, they found conditions 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 379 


about the same as in Lewiston, and Mrs. Lucca went to work for a 
Wire Company, earning $12 a week. She stopped working when she 
was four months pregnant. Mrs. Besorgno said that though Mr. 
Lucca is’attached to his family, he is an egotist and wishes his wife to 
support him at home. 

[Entries recording regular care are omitted.| 

May 6, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said that it is absolutely 
impossible for her to pay the gas bills and asked if Welfare Agency 
would help her with bill for this month. She needs a dress, also 
dishes, but does not know how she will be able to buy these things 
as the money she receives from Welfare Agency is hardly enough for 
their food. Mrs. Lucca complained of a large hole in the floor under 
kitchen sink through which mice come in. She has told the landlord 
about it and he has promised to fix it, but nothing has been done. 

[Entries recording care are omitted. Palma gets her working- 
papers and goes to work in a trunk factory, July 6, 1920, and then in 
a candy factory, July 16, 1920. ‘There are various services with refer- 
ence to the repair and cleanliness of the house, Mrs. Lucca finds diffi- 
culty in making the allowance do, the children’s shoes are always out 
of repair, etc.] 

August 27, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said landlord refused to 
put a lock to the back door and to put a pane in the kitchen window. 
Joe needed shoes, and Mrs. Lucca bought a pair second hand. She 
also bought two pairs of stockings for Mary and Lucy, one shirt for 
Joe, and an umbrella. Mrs. Lucca asked Welfare Agency to help in 
buying a dress and a pair of shoes for Palma. She also needs a winter 
coat. Mrs. Lucca worries very much about Mr. Lucca, who wants 
to come home now. Mr. Lucca suggests that he come home and care 
for the house while Palma and Mrs. Lucca go out to work. She asks 
if Welfare Agency can prevent this. | 

September 9, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said on September 4 
she went to Infirmary to see Mr. Lucca, and he has planned to stay 
there this winter but would like to come home for Christmas and 
stay a few days. Palma bought a dress and shoes. Children and 
Mrs. Lucca need underwear. 

September 14, 1920.—Ordered two quarts of milk daily until 
October 1. 

- September 29, 1920.—Miss Brown, House of Help, telephoned that 
Mrs. Lucca was there to have them notify Welfare Agency that 
Mr. Lucca had returned home. 


380 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Visited. Mr. Lucca said that he came home September 26. 
He stated that he feels much better and intends to remain with his 
family for two or three weeks. Mr. Lucca showed visitor the pass 
from Infirmary for thirty days signed by superintendent. Mrs. Lucca 
was very much excited. She said that when Mr. Lucca came home 
Sunday he promised to leave the same day, then the day after, but 
he now insists upon remaining at home for about a month. It was 
very apparent that Mrs. Lucca did not wish her husband to know how 
she felt about his remaining at home. Told Mr. Lucca that if he 
stays at home for more than a few days, he has to take the entire 
responsibility of his family. Mr. Lucca was very much impressed by 
visitor’s statement and said he would think it over as to when he will 
return to the Infirmary. While Mrs. Lucca was taking visitor to the 
door, she begged visitor to do whatever is possible to compel Mr. 
Lucca to go back at once. Mrs. Lucca said that she could not notify 
Welfare Agency, because Mr. Lucca would not allow her to leave the 
house and frightened the children into not reporting him to the Agency. 
Mrs. Lucca said that she went to the House of Help while shopping, 
and Mr. Lucca was very suspicious when she returned, because he 
thought she had been away too long. 

September 30, 1920.—Miss Brown, House of Help, telephoned 
that Mrs. Lucca is there again begging them to call up and notify 
Welfare Agency that Mr. Lucca is now refusing to return to Infirmary 
at all. Miss Brown said that Mrs. Lucca is so excited that she is 
walking up and down the office like a ““mad-woman.” Promised to 
visit. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. Lucca stated that he told Mrs. Lucca he 
‘would not return to Infirmary because he wanted to frighten her, as 
he believes that she wishes to get rid of him. He said that he feels 
he has a right to see his family once in a while and stated that it was 
not his fault that he has this terrible disease. Told him that it is not 
his children’s fault either, and therefore he must do what is for their 
good. He insisted upon remaining longer, but visitor told him that 
the longer he stayed the harder it would be to leave his family. Told 
Mr. Lucca that visitor will return tomorrow for a definite answer 
regarding his return to Infirmary. 

October 1, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Lucca returned to Infirmary this 
morning at 11:45 A.M. Mrs. Lucca put him on the train and said 
that he was very sorry to leave his family, but hopes that Welfare 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” B01 


Agency would let him come home a few days at Christmas time. 
Mrs. Lucca stated that she now has a repugnance for Mr. Lucca’s 
disease, but never felt so when he was at home. Ordered two quarts 
of milk daily until November 1. 

October 12, 1920.—Visited. Met Palma who was returning from 
work. She appeared rather untidy. Her shoes and dress were in 
bad condition. Gave note for Mrs. Lucca to call at Juvenile Court 
October 14, at 10:00 A.M. 


[It is now three years since the family moved to Chicago from 
Lewiston and they are now no longer ineligible under the Mothers’ 
Aid Law so far as residence is concerned. 

Maintaining the family has meant a heavy pecuniary burden on 
the Welfare Agency. The following letter illustrates the kind of 
special appeal that had frequently to be made to possible con- 
tributors : | 


I am writing you in the hope that I can interest you in the 
Lucca family. Mr. and Mrs. Lucca came to Chicago in the summer of 
1917 from Lewiston, Illinois. He had been injured in an accident and 
later has suffered from what he thought to be blood poisoning of the face, 
which had incapacitated him for work. The family had received $30 a 
month pension from the County while in Lewiston, but had come to Chicago 
as they could not live on that amount. Mr. Lucca was able to do some 
work during the first year that they were in Chicago, but soon the trouble 
with his face became much worse and he was so terribly disfigured that he 
was unable to obtain employment. Because of his disfigurement his family 
was ostracized, as nobody would associate with them; and, in fact, no other 
family would remain in any building to which they moved. In August, 
1918, the oldest daughter, Angelina, who was then sixteen, married; and 
so the only member of the family who was a steady wage-earner was removed 
from the family. There are six other children, Palma, age fourteen; Lucy, 
twelve; Joseph, eleven; Mary, ten; Frank, five; and Mike, nine months. 
We have been helping them regularly since March, 1918, and a recent diag- 
nosis from the County Hospital states that Mr. Lucca is suffering from Blas- 
tomycosis, an incurable skin disease. On October 2, 1t919, Mr. Lucca was 
finally persuaded to enter the County Infirmary at Oak Forest, having 
come to the realization that this was the only fair thing for him to do as he 
was such a handicap to his family. He has been fairly well satisfied there but, 
of course, at times becomes very restless to return home. We are most 
anxious that he should stay where he is, as we feel that it is much better for 
him and for his family that he should be there. Mrs. Lucca and the children 


382 . FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


are entirely dependent upon us for support. ‘Their expenses amount to 
$r1oo a month. Following is an itemized list of these expenses: 





Rent ..DAdsS, 3. ane. 20 $ 10.00 

Food: sree w. wre. 2 en 52.26 

Puebrde antie?. isd. heen 3 ope 

- Lighted. «ahh udii nas eed 2.00 
RIT Aes see ye ek ee 27.58 
Household incidentals....... 2.50 
Household furnishings....... 2.50 
$100.59 


Mrs. Lucca will not be eligible for a pension from the County because of the 
incapacity of her husband, until September, 1920, and in the meanwhile 
we will continue to take care of her. It would be of the greatest possible 
assistance to us if you would feel interested to help us meet the expenses for 
this family. 


October 20, 1920.—Visited. Joe at home. Was unable to go to 
school for two weeks as he had no clothing. Mrs. Lucca said she 
cannot get along on her income. She owes about $10 to the grocer, 
and Palma and the other children need clothing very badly. - Took 
Joe to the store and purchased pants, blouse, hat, stockings. 

October 25, 1920.—Mrs. Lucca called at the Juvenile Court. She 
has written to Lewiston for the birth certificates of the children. 
Left two waists and one suit of underwear with short sleeves for 
Mrs. Lucca and a beach suit for Frank. 

Later.—Purchased shoes for Frank and Mary, and two pairs of 
stockings for Frank. 

October 29, 1920.—Ordered one-half ton soft coal from Lake Shore 
Fuel Company. 

November 10, 1920.—Children received the following from the 
School Children’s Aid: Lucy, two suits underwear, one pair shoes, 
one pair stockings, one dress. Mary,same. Joe, two suits underwear. 

November 11, 1920.—Notification received Juvenile Court: ‘‘Ap- 
plication refused—Man able to work.” 

[Entries of regular care are omitted.] 

December 29, 1920.—Palma has been out of work for a week and 
a half. Mr. Lucca came home from the Infirmary December 24 and 
returned December 27. Mrs. Lucca bought three pairs of rompers 
for Mike, for which she paid 59 cents apiece. Asked if Welfare Agency 
would reimburse her. 


THE PROBLEM OF ‘“NON-RESIDENCE” 383 


December 30, 1920.—Letter written to the judge of the Juvenile 
Court, Chicago, by the district superintendent, Family Welfare 
Agency, Chicago: 

We are most anxious to know what decision you reached, in regard to 
the eligibility of the family of Tito and Carlotta Lucca for a pension. As 
Mr. Lucca is in the Infirmary and only one child in the family is able to 
work, we are carrying a large share of the support of the family, and are 
therefore awaiting your decision. If we can be of any service to you in 
this matter, please call upon us. 


Later.—Judge of the Juvenile Court telephoned that he believed 
that Mr. Lucca will have to be brought to court in order to decide 
whether or not he is incapacitated for work. 

January 4, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said that the dress visitor 
bought for Palma shrank after it was washed. Lucy now wears it. 
Palma returned to work this morning. Mr. Montiori (Angelina’s 
husband) was there when visitor called. He is a very _nice- 
appearing man and well dressed. Is out of employment at present. 
The Art Shop where he worked was closed two months ago. Since 
that time he has been unable to find other work. He said that the 
last time he called to see Mr. Lucca at the Infirmary he was more 
resigned and‘ understands that the best thing he can do is to remain 
in the Infrmary. Mr. Montiori talked to the superintendent, who 
said that Mr. Lucca does not belong at the Infirmary and should 
secure work onsome farm. Mr. Lucca wished to work and, if possible, 
receive a regular salary in order that he might contribute toward 
the support of his family. 

Angelina is working while Mr. Montiori is unemployed. The 
baby is very small for his age and looks very delicate. It was a 
bottle baby, and Mrs. Montiori takes him to the Infant Welfare 
Station at the House of Help. 

Ordered two quarts of milk daily until February 1. 

February 5, 1921.—Notification received from Juvenile Court 
that a $55 grant has been recommended for the family. Ordered two 
quarts of milk daily until March 1. , 

February 24, 1921.—Ordered one-half ton of soft coal. 

February 24, 1921.—Visited. Palma quit work a month ago 
because of a misunderstanding. Forelady told the other girls to 
stay home, and Palma thought she was also to stay home. Superin- 
tendent, Ever Sweet Chocolate Company, said that as long as Palma 


384 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


quit of her own accord, he did not feel he could take her back. How- 
ever, Palma was called back a month later. 


Mrs. Lucca said that Angelina is staying with her for a few weeks 
as Mr. Montiori went to Lewiston to see about some work. 

March 12, 1921.—Mrs. Lucca said she is very sorry about what 
was reported to Welfare Agency by probation officer, that is, that 
the Montiori family are boarding with her, when this was only a tempo- 
rary arrangement, and Welfare Agency knew about this. In regard 
to Palma getting married, Mrs. Lucca said this is also untrue. It is 
also untrue that she has a girl boarding with her and that Mr. Lucca 
comes home oftener than Welfare Agency allows. Bought a pair 
of shoes for Mary and a dress; also a pair of pants and waists and hats 
for Joe and Frankie; also a pair of shoes for both; one suit of under- 
wear for Mrs. Lucca. 

March 18, 1921.—Notification received from Juvenile Court 
that an allowance of $55' was granted for family. 

May 28, 1921.—Met Mrs. Besorgno, who said that Mr. Lucca 
came home several days ago and he plans to go back to Infirmary 
May 30. He intends to remain in Infirmary for a month and then 
come home for good. Mrs. Lucca cannot leave the house because 
he is afraid that she will report him to the Welfare Agency. He 
has frightened the children and has told them not to tell he is at home. 
Says he is strong and wishes to go to work. Mrs. Besorgno said Mrs. 
Lucca wishes to see visitor as soon as possible. 

Later —Visited. Mr. Lucca feels that if Juvenile Court will 
grant a pension he can stay at home and enjoy life. Insists that it is 
Mrs. Lucca who wishes him to remain away from home. Explained 
to him that if pension was granted, he would have to remain away. 
He intends to go back today to Infirmary. He said that he has no 
plans for the future. He states that he feels fine and wishes to go 
to work. His face is still masklike and most repulsive. 

June 4, 1921.—Visited. Mr. Lucca returned to Infirmary. Mrs. 
Lucca said that Palma works only two or three days a week. Her 
last week’s wages amounted to $5.00 and for the two previous weeks 
$8.00. She has been home most of this week. Mrs. Lucca has called 


[The amount allowed was $5.00 less than the maximum allowed at that time 
under the Mothers’ Aid Law, which was $60. It was, as indicated by the letter 
quoted above, about $5.00 more than half the budget estimated by the Agency as 
necessary. See Abbott and Breckinridge, The Administration of the Aid-to- 
Mothers Law in Illinois (U.S. Children’s Bureau Publication No. 82).] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 385 


at Infirmary, where Mr. Lucca seems to be more content. Mrs. 
Lucca asked if Welfare Agency would assist with rent. 

June 25, 1921.—Visited. Palma was laid off from work entirely. 
Mrs. Lucca asked if Welfare Agency would help her during Palma’s 
unemployment. 

June 28, 1921.—Palma in office saying that she was told by fore- 
lady to stay at home until they call her. She has no idea how long 
this will be. Telephoned Illinois Free Employment Bureau. Sent 
Palma to Bureau. 

July 6, 1921.—Frank Montiori in office saying that Palma went 
to the Illinois Free Employment Bureau yesterday morning and has 
not returned. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said that Palma left the house with 
a Polish girl, who lives next door, saying she was going to look for 
work. She has not returned. Mrs. Lucca has no idea where she 
could be. Said that she believes that she left because she slapped her 
for staying.out late. The day before she had scolded her for staying 
out until eight o’clock. She does not know if she keeps company with 
a boy, and is very worried about the matter. Frank Montiori gave 
most of the information to visitor as Mrs. Lucca felt too badly to 
talk. Feels that this is a terrible disgrace for the family, and Mrs. 
Lucca wishes to move from the neighborhood at once. Told Mr. 
Montiori to report Palma’s absence to the police. 

July 12, 1921.—Mrs. Lucca in office saying that Palma came back 
last night. They telephoned to the police station, and two police- 
women came and took her to Juvenile Detention Home. Palma 
stated that she was at a boarding-house on Monroe Street, where she 
was given free board and room. ‘The Polish girl, who was with her, 
supplied the funds for amusement. ‘Telephoned Juvenile Detention 
Home. Palma entered there last night and registered as Pauline 
Rice. The officer on the case can be reached at his office in the 
County Building. 

July 13, 1921.—Visited. Palma at home. Probation officer gave 
Mrs. Lucca a note for Palma’s release from the Juvenile Detention 
Home. Palma did not seem to realize the situation. Said she is very 
happy to be at home and will do anything to remain at home. Said 
she was at the Chicago Women’s Shelter, and went away from home 
because the Polish girl invited her to go with her some place where 
they could work and be independent. The other girl’s father, who is 
a drunkard, was very abusive to his daughter. Probation officer 


386 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


has called and ordered Palma to go to the court for a physical exami- 
nation, as Mrs. Lucca insists upon this. Girl stayed at Chicago 
Women’s Shelter. | 

[Entries recording assistance in the form of milk, the children’s out- 
ings, one month’s rent, etc., omitted. The Welfare Agency supplied 
milk continuously until the following February.] 

November 16, 1921.—Juvenile Court officer in the office saying 
that she will not recommend an increase in the pension because she 
is afraid the County Agent will oppose it and will make it disagree- 
able for them. Asked Welfare Agency to continue supplementing 
Palma works for the Alpha Chocolate Company, and earns $10 
a week. 

December 3, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said that Palma was 
laid off and she cannot manage on her pension money if Welfare 
Agency will not help her. Said she was unable to pay the rent this 
month and if she had to buy milk for the children she would not be 
able to get along at all. Mrs. Lucca said that the children received 
clothing from the School Children’s Aid. 

Family taken by House of Help for Christmas basket. 

January 12, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca said that Palma has not found 
work yet and she stays at home and helps Mrs. Lucca with the house- 
work. They have a very hard time getting along on the pension 
money; the children are in need of clothing, and Mrs. Lucca has no 
money to buy them any. Angelina, the married daughter, works at 
the Carmen Corset Company and leaves her baby with Mrs. Lucca 
all day. 

February 15, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca said that Palma has secured some 
work today but she does not know where, nor does she know whether 
it is a steady position. She asked if the Welfare Agency would send 
some coal and pay the rent next month so that she can get on her feet 
again. Lucy was home with a very bad cold for three days. Mrs. 
Lucca said that the last time she went to see her husband in the Infirm- 
ary he wanted very much to come home as soon as Palma finds a steady 
job. Mrs. Lucca wants the Welfare Agency to prevent this. Told 
Mrs. Lucca that the Agency would take care of the coal but as Palma 
is working she has to take care of the rent herself. 

March 8, 1922.—The landlady called to know if the Welfare 
Agency is going to pay the rent for the family. Told her that as 
Palma is working at present the family has sufficient income to take 
care of the rent. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 387 


March 9, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca said that Palma has worked for the 
past two weeks only three days, earning $7.00 each week. This 
week she had not gone to work at all and she cannot afford to pay the 
rent from her pension money. Palma is working in a millinery 
concern doing piece-work. She has no experience yet and therefore 
her wages are very low. Besides she does not work full time. Mrs. 
Lucca said that she has contracted debts at the grocery store and she 
has no way in which to pay for them if Welfare Agency should stop 
relief. 

March 11, 1922.—Juvenile Court officer telephoned that Mrs. 
Lucca called there saying that her income is insufficient and therefore 
she could not pay the rent this month. Asked if the Welfare Agency 
would help Mrs. Lucca with the rent until the oldest girl works. 
Probation officer said she could not do anything toward increasing 
the pension for the family as she must avoid trouble with the County 
Agent. She believes that if the Welfare Agency will help until Palma 
works regularly, the family will be able to get along nicely. 

March 22, 1922.—Probation officer in office. She said that Palma 
has found some work at the Alpha Chocolate Company and is being 
paid $12 a week. She does not know whether or not the work will 
be steady but feels that the present income is sufficient for the family, 
if Welfare Agency will continue sending two quarts of milk. 

March 24, 1922.—Palma in office, saying that she was laid off on 
Wednesday. She could not give the name of the place where she 
worked. ‘The landlord wants this month’s rent to be paid on Monday 
or he will evict them. 

March 29, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca said that Palma only 
worked for the Alpha Chocolate Company three days and was laid 
off because of slackness. She does not seem to be able to find work 
and, when she does find something, is laid off a few days later.. She 
said she cannot pay the rent from her pension money and the landlord 
has called several times asking for the money in a very pressing way. 
She said the children are in need of shoes and clothing and she cannot 
buy them. Gave Mrs. Lucca letter for Palma to Illinois Free Employ- 
ment Bureau. 

April 7, 1922.—Visited. Left address of a factory where Palma 
was to apply for work. However, Palma secured work on April 5, 
but Mrs. Lucca did not know the address of the place. 

April 14, 1922.—Landlord in office saying that beginning April 20 
rent is to be raised to $16. Electricity has been installed. 


388 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


April 19, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca said that Palma was laid off again 
last night on account of slackness. She said she will be unable to pay 
the landlord this month as the rent is being raised. Asked Welfare 
Agency to send in some coal, and also for clothing for the three young- 
est children who need it very badly. 

Gave Mrs. Lucca a letter to Gordon Brothers for work for Palma 
as follows: 

We are sending to you the bearer, Palma Lucca, in the hope that you 
can place her in your factory. Her father is in the County Infirmary, and 
the family has no income except what they receive from the Juvenile Court, 
Mothers’ Pension. There are six children in the family, and this pension is 
not enough for their support. For this reason it is imperative that Palma 
secure work. 


A pril 20, 1922.—Gordon Brothers Company telephoned that they 
could not take Palma on now as they have no work for her but as 
sooh as they have something will let her know. 

Later.—Palma notified visitor about being unsuccessful in securing 
work at the Gordon Brothers Company and asked visitor if Welfare 
Agency would pay the rent this month as her mother could not afford 
to do so. 

April 21, 1922.—Palma is still unemployed. Mrs. Lucca said 
that she cannot possibly pay the rent and besides she needs coal. 
She has run up a bill of $17 at the grocery store. She cannot manage 
on her pension money. She said the landlord calls almost every 
day and is quite troublesome. 

Later—The children attended the Weighing Clinic and, except 
Frank, were found to be normal weight. 

Later.—Juvenile Court officer reports that she will take up the 
matter of an increase. However, she will consult the doctors at the 
Infirmary first. 

April 25, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca in office, saying that Palma has 
secured some work in a millinery shop. She is doing piece-work and 
is able to make only $1.00 or $1.50 a day. Mrs. Lucca would like 
to have Palma work in some factory where she is paid by the week 
and where she will have a steady job as the present one is only tempo- 
rary. Gave Mrs. Lucca a letter for Palma to the Excelsior Candy 
Company. 

Told Mrs. Lucca that in May Welfare Agency will withdraw as- 
sistance and Palmafwill have to secure a position where she can make 
enough to supplement the Mothers’ Pension. Mrs. Lucca said that 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 389 


even if Palma works and makes $10 or $12 a week she cannot man- 
age on this because the rent was raised to $16 now. She will have 
to do without milk for the children and reduce their diet in general. 


[The third chapter, that covering the period March 18, 1921, to 
July 15, 1922, records the experience. while the court is paying the 
regular but inadequate allowance in to the family. It is clear from the 
record that Mrs. Lucca was an artist at begging and not too scrupu- 
lously truthful. The testimony from Lewiston had been to the effect 
that during the early years of the family’s life in the town, there was no 
Family Welfare Agency; Mr. and Mrs. Lucca came from Italy appar- 
ently practiced beggars, the children begged at school and from any 
promising source. About three years before they moved to Chicago 
a welfare agency was organized and an attempt was made through 
active publicity to stop promiscuous benevolence. 

The needs of this family were brought to the attention of the 
Lewiston Welfare Agency early in 1914, when a Mothers’ Pension 
was applied for. During these years much kindly service went into 
the care of the family but there were many difficulties. Even then 
Mrs. Lucca wanted what she wanted and most of the things she 
wanted seemed perfectly reasonable—clothes and food for the children, 
rent, etc. Mr. Lucca was being treated either in the home or in a 
hospital and Mrs. Lucca would not do work outside the home merely 
to show a spirit of independence. 

There was already the possibility of turning from the Catholic 
to the Protestant church and from the American to the Italian com- 
munity, and this habit continued. She never let pass an opportunity 
of presenting her needs. An interesting sample of her method is 
supplied by the following letter which Mrs. Lucca wrote in October, 
1920, to the school authorities and which the authorities turned over 
to the Welfare Agency. 


DEAR PRINCIPAL BALL: 
I am very sorry that my son Joe did not come to school for three weeks. 
He has no suit, shoes, stockings, shirts, and underwear, and he can’t come - 
to school unless he is dressed. Mary and Lucy need shoes, stockings, and 
underwear. Please see if you can provide them, because the money my 
daughter makes is not enough for food. With thanks in advance from 
Mrs. Lucca 


In April of 1921, another interesting illustration of her methods 
was furnished by the experience of Mrs. Adams, who at the request of 


390 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


the Western Chapel had given her a Christmas basket the previous 
December. Mrs. Adams had called a number of times on the family, 
given clothing and food, then paid gas bills and bought a gas plate 
all without learning that the Welfare Agency gave any help. As the 
gas bill seemed high, Mrs. Adams asked the gas company to look into 
the situation, found that the light was very wastefully used, asked the 
Welfare Agency to substitute a cheaper equipment and was greatly 
surprised that the Agency knew the family. 

However, in the entry of April 25, 1922, Mrs. Lucca shows how 
thoroughly she understands the situation and how capable she is of 
dealing with it, when she holds over the Agency the threat of not 
giving the children enough to eat unless the Agency continues its contri- 
bution. | 


April 29, 1922.—Notification received from the Juvenile Court 
that an increase in pension from $55 to $85 has been recommended. 

May 4, 1922.—Called and found that Mrs. Lucca had called at 
the court regarding her pension. 

Later —Mrs. Lucca in the office. She was at the Juvenile Court 
this morning. Does not believe she will get the $85 but does not know 
why. Said she will have to return to court when the probation 
officer will notify her. Palma works regularly. . 

Later—Telephoned Juvenile Court, Mothers’ Pension Depart- 
ment. ‘They said that if Mrs. Lucca receives $85 a month pension, 
together with Palma’s wages of $13, this would bring them considerably 
over budget. ‘Therefore the case will be continued in order to reach 
a definite decision." 

May 10, 1922.—Notification received from Juvenile Court that 
pension has been increased to $65. 

May 13, 1922.—Learned from the Charitable Corporation that 
Mrs. Lucca had applied there for help. No assistance had been given 
the family. Gave report of Welfare Agency contact. 

June 9, 1922.—Visited. Mr. Lucca came home about two weeks 
‘ago, and says he intends to remain at home. Nothing could induce him 
to return to the Infirmary. Said that he has tried to stay at the Infir- 
mary for the sake of his children, but now he feels that his place is in 
the home, as the children are more obedient to him. Said he is very 


™({See Abbott and Breckinridge, The Administration of the Aid-to-Mothers Law 
in Illinois (U.S. Children’s Bureau Publication No. 82), pp. 56 ff., for an account 
of the way in which children’s earnings are treated in determining a family budget.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 391 


anxious to get work and help support the family. He knows that 
he cannot do any hard work, but now that Palma is working, and Lucy 
will soon be old enough to work, the family will be able to manage— 
even if his wages are small. Said if the court forces him to return to 
the Infirmary, he will kill himself. Mrs. Lucca will call at the Juvenile 
Court and notify probation officer of his presence in the home. Palma 
is working regularly. 

June 15, 1922.—Probation officer telephoned asking if Welfare 
Agency could try to secure work for Mr. Lucca. Replied that Welfare 
Agency would take no responsibility in finding work for Mr. Lucca 
as we understood that the court would take entire charge of pension 
families. Probation officer said that the situation in the Lucca family 
is very problematic as Mr. Lucca has no intention of returning to 
the Infirmary and she feels it will be quite difficult for him to secure 
employment. However, they have taken no action as yet and will 
give Mr. Lucca time to find work. 

June 26, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca in office saying that Pa'ma quit her 
job at the candy factory about three weeks ago. She gave as her 
reason for leaving the fact that some of the chocolate dippers’ hands 
were covered with eruptions caused by the chocolate. She was afraid 
she would have the same trouble. She is now working in a different 
place earning $11 a week. Mrs. Lucca said that Mr. Lucca called 
at the Illinois Free Employment Bureau, but they had no suitable 
work for him. However, the superintendent took his application 
and promised to notify him as soon as some work comes in. 

Later —Telephoned probation officer and notified her about Palma. 

July 13, 1922.—Took Lucy to Mrs. Robert Small, 7211 Verona 
Avenue, for the summer. She is to help with the housework. 

July 16, 1922.—Mrs. Small telephoned that yesterday she found 
her little girl’s dime bank opened and $4.00 missing. Lucy went out 
last night and spent a great deal of money. Mrs. Small is sending 
Lucy home today. 

Later.—Visited. ‘Talked to Mrs. Lucca. She said that she gave 
Lucy to cents and the married daughter, Angelina, gave her 15 cents 
when she went to Mrs. Small’s. Mr. and Mrs. Lucca were very 
shocked to learn that Lucy had taken the $4.00 from Mrs. Small 
and would not believe it until Lucy confessed. They had never 
known her to take anything before either in their own home or other 
homes where she had been sent on summer outings. They will 
send Mr. Montiori to bring Lucy home. 


392 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


July 17, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca in office to inquire about summer 
outing for the children. She was very downhearted; bégan to cry 
when she told that Lucy had confessed that she took the money. 
Mr. Lucca beat her quite badly Saturday when she came home and 
tied her to the bedpost where she remained until midnight, when her 
mother sent her to bed. 

July 18, 1922.—Mary, Joe, and Frank were sent to Barbersville, 
Illinois, for two weeks’ summer outing, guests of Samuel Lane and 
Robert Bartlett. 

August 2, 1922.—Letter received from the Chief Probation Of- 
ficer, Juvenile Court, Chicago, to superintendent, Family Welfare 
Agency, dated August 1, 1922: 

You are at present assisting the family of Tito and Carlotta Lucca. 
The pension of $65 which this family was receiving from the Juvenile Court 
was stayed on July 15 because Mr. Lucca had returned from the Infirmary 
and was considered able to work. The report from the superintendent of 
the institution showed that he was a good worker, but could not be given 
remunerative work there because he could not pass the civil service exami- 
nation on account of his physical infirmity. 


August 17, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca in office with Lucy. Mrs. Lucca 
states that she is quite willing that Mr. Lucca return to the Infirmary. 
She realizes that she is better with him away. Mrs. Leopardi’s 
husband has also tried to persuade him to return but unsuccessfully. 
Mr. and Mrs. Leopardi have each gone with him to find work, but no 
one will consider him because of his appearance. 

Mr. Lucca insists that he lost his appetite and became seriously 
ill every time he tried to go to the dining-room at the Infirmary. He 
is very unwilling to consider going back and asks help with rent until 
his friends can find work for him. 

Lucy has still one-half year in sixth grade so cannot work. 

Later.—Letter written to the superintendent, Illinois Free Employ- 
ment Bureau, Chicago: 

I believe you have already made some effort to place in employment 
Tito Lucca. I realize that it is difficult to find work for a man so disfigured, 
but I should appreciate knowing whether he has come to you as directed 
and the results of any efforts you have made. Mr. Lucca was judged able 
to work, and because of his return from the Infirmary, the Mothers’ Pension 
giventto!the family was stopped. What is your opinion as to employing him ? 


[Little attention has been paid to the school records lately, but the family has 
been under the care of the Juvenile Court and the school records are in their files.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 393 


Later.—Letter written to superintendent of the County Infirmary: 


May we know if in your opinion Tito Lucca, who recently left the Infir- 
mary, is in an infectious condition? There have been times in the past when 
doctors examining him have spoken of possible danger to other members of 
his family. Is it the opinion of your doctor that he is safe with other 
people ? 

On Mr. Lucca’s return from the Infirmary the Mothers’ Pension of 
$65 a month was discontinued. We are told that you considered the 
man able to work although you realized how difficult it would be for him to 
secure work. He has found nothing and has applied to our organization 
for assistance. 


August 20, 1922.—Letter received from the superintendent of 
the County Infirmary; 


Replying to your letter of August 17, regarding Tito Lucca, danger of 
infection in such a case may be disregarded. Lupus Vulgaris is or was of 
comparative frequency in Central and Southern Europe, but the writer has 
never known of a case developing in the United States. I may say that all 
the cases found here are imported. It would seem to the writer considering 
the ages of the children it should not be necessary for this family to apply 
for relief. Why not induce Lucca to return to the Infirmary ? 


August 21, 1922.—Mr. Lucca was asked to come to the office 
August 18 and again August 21 so visitor could accompany him to 
Illinois Free Employment Bureau and to different places for work, 
but he failed to come either time. 


Later.—Letter written to the superintendent, Illinois Free Em- 
ployment Bureau, Chicago: 


May we know whether Tito Lucca has come to you recently for employ- 
ment? Mr. Lucca is very much disfigured about his face but is said to be in 
good physical condition for work. We realize that he will be a hard man 
to place, but shall very much appreciate any further effort that you can 
make to find him work. I gave Mr. Lucca a letter referring him to you 
recently, and he told me that he had already been there and promised to 
return. 


August 23, 1922.—Letter received from Illinois Free Employment 
Bureau: 


Referring to your letter of August 21 relative to Tito Lucca, we wish to 
advise according to our records he has reported to the office once. 

We would suggest that you redirect him to our Mr. Ziemann, who we 
feel confident will be able to place him in suitable employment. 


394 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


August 25, 1922.—Letter written to the Chief Probation Officer, 
Juvenile Court, Chicago, by the superintendent, Family Welfare 
Agency, Chicago: 

Early in the month you wrote us with regard to the Lucca family 
because of the man’s return from the Infirmary and staying of the pension. 

To date, Mr. Lucca has been unable to secure any kind of work because 
of his appearance. We have offered to have one of our men students go 
with him and make a final effort to secure something. 

We are wondering if Mr. Lucca is unable to get work whether upon his 
return to the Infirmary, the pension would be granted again. We under- 
stand that the superintendent at the Infirmary considers Mr. Lucca able 
to work. This undoubtedly is true if any employer can be prevailed upon 
to take a man whose appearance is so very objectionable. 

If the pension should be granted again would Mrs. Lucca be put on the 
long waiting list or could she be considered earlier ? | 


August 28, 1922.—Letter received from the Juvenile Court, 
Chicago: 

I have your letter of August 25, in regard to the Lucca family. I wish 
I knew just how to answer your questions. The Chief Probation Officer 
is on his vacation, and the judge will not be back until the middle of Septem- 
ber. I really feel that this case should be taken up again with the judge. 

The officer who investigated this case never agreed with the Welfare 
Agency workers as to Mr. Lucca’s inability to work. She felt that, with his 
glasses on, the man was not so objectionable in appearance that it would 
be impossible for him to secure employment. Of course, when he returned 
from the Infirmary and they felt that he was able to work we found it neces- 
sary to stay the pension. In view of his efforts to find work, it is possible 
that the judge would be willing to consider him incapacitated, and to 
reinstate the pension. I shall be glad to take it up with the judge on his 
return and let you know just what his opinion is. 


September 12, 1922.—Met Mrs. Besorgno, who said that the Lucca 
family are having a very hard time getting along. Mrs. Lucca was 
compelled to go to work at the Alpha Chocolate Company. Mr. 
Lucca stays at home. Mrs. Besorgno says he has flatly refused to 
look for work, as he is ashamed to go on the streets. Palma is working. 

October 2, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca has called at the office several times 
complaining of the family situation. It is impossible to get along 
on the present income. Mrs. Lucca is not well and feels that she 
must discontinue work soon. Mr. Lucca refuses to return to the 
Infirmary and is indifferent to the whole situation. _ Sits at the window 
all day and does nothing but urge Mrs. Lucca to.get to work on time. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 395 


Mrs. Lucca would like to have Mr. Lucca returned to the Infirmary. 
Asked if Welfare Agency could not compel him to do this or else give 
assistance to the family. 

October 23, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca in the office saying that Mr. Lucca 
has decided to return to the Infirmary. Would like to talk with 
visitor, who called later and found Mr. Lucca determined to go back 
for the sake of his family. Said he has made every effort to find work 
and has also had his friends looking for work for him. Said that 
although he knew that his work at the Infirmary was paid for by his 
family receiving a pension, he wanted to try living at home. Asked 
if Welfare Agency would allow him to come home twice a month. 
He feels that this will save his wife time and money. He will also 
be happier if he is allowed to return home every two weeks. Would 
like to be put back at the old work at the Infirmary. 

October 27, 1922.—Letter written to Probation Officer, Mothers’ 
Pension Division, Juvenile Court, Chicago: 

You will recall our correspondence during August in regard to the Lucca 
family. You stated then that this was a case which might be taken up 
again with the judge. We are wondering if this has been done, and if so 
the result of the conference with him. Mr. Lucca has to date been unsuc- 
cessful in getting work and expects to return to the Infirmary this week. 

Will you reconsider Mrs. Lucca for a pension again and let us know 
whether she will have consideration in the near future or whether she goes 
on the waiting list ? 


November 4, 1922.—Visited. Mr. Lucca returned to the Infirmary 
November t. Mrs. Lucca plans to continue working until she gets 
her pension back. She is now working in the laundry department 
of the Sheridan Hotel from 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Lucy is taking 
care of the children during her mother’s absence. Mrs. Lucca owes 
money to the grocer. She claims that she does not know the address 
of her sister, Mrs. Pagini. Stated that Mrs. Pagini is married again 
to a widower with four children. She visits the family occasionally. 

November 18, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca has stopped work as the children 
are afraid to stay home at night. ‘There was a fire next door in which 
two people were burned to death. Mrs. Lucca has made reapplication 
for pension. Palma is working regularly. 

November 19, 1922.—Called at 624 Virginia Avenue, address of © 
Mrs. Pagini. She was recently married to Mr. Joe Grassi, who has 
four children. Mrs. Grassi has been married twice previously. 
She had three children by her first, and three children by her second 


306 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


husband. She is now seven months pregnant. Of the ten children 
only two are working. Mr. Grassi works in a machine shop and earns 
about $25 a week. ‘They have bought the house in which they are 
living. Have paid down $4,000. Mr. Grassi owned a house on Superior 
and Western Avenue. He sold this and bought the present place. 
There is a $5,000 mortgage on the property. Family has a six-room 
flat, which is comfortably furnished and well kept. There are two 
flats—the second of which is rented for $30 a month. Mrs. Lucca, 
Sr., lives with the family and helps in whatever way she can with 
the care of the house and the younger children. She is about seventy 
years old. Mrs. Grassi said that she does not visit Mrs. Lucca often 
because of the large family, and because of her present condition. 
However, she never did get along very well with Mrs. Lucca as she at 
first believed that Mrs. Lucca sent Mr. Lucca to the Infirmary to 
get rid of him. However, she now thinks that the Infirmary is the 
proper place for him. ‘They visit Mr. Lucca once in a while and take 
him fruit. 

December 8, 1922.—Mrs. Lucca has been in the office several times 
saying she cannot get along on Palma’s wages. ‘The children are all 
in need of clothing. Later the landlady telephoned about the rent. 
Told her Welfare Agency would pay the November and December rent. 

December 14, 1922.—Letter written the head of Mothers’ Pension 
Division, Juvenile Court, Chicago: 


We still seem to be in doubt as to what Mrs. Lucca’s number is upon 
the Mothers’ Pension waiting list. 

You will recall that I wrote you on August 25 and again on October 27. 
I have just paid a month’s rent for the Lucca family but we are not certain 
whether we should make our plans to carry her over several months or 
whether you are going to be able to consider her in the near future. 


December 19, 1922.—Talked to Juvenile Court officer, who said 
that Mrs. Lucca has been put on the waiting list and will have to 
wait her turn for a pension. Gave report of what the Agency has 
been doing for the family. 

Laier.—Letter received from Chief Probation Officer, Juvenile 
Court, Chicago: 

In answer to your letter of December 14, relative to the Lucca family, 
we intend to take up this matter with the judge as soon as an opportunity 
presents itself. In the meantime, we have placed the name of this family 
on our waiting list, and the number is 848. As soon as judge gives an 
opinion, we will let you know. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 397 


December 28, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Lucca stated that Palma was laid 
off on December 26 and has not secured any other work. Mrs. Lucca 
feels that she cannot get along on Palma’s wages and the little assis- 
tance she hasbeen receiving from the Welfare Agency. She showed 
visitor that she needs a spring for her double bed and also some sheets 
and pillow cases. She needs underwear and clothing, shoes for herself 
and underwear and clothing for all the children. She is entirely out 
of coal. . 

December 30, 1922.—Visitor called about 10:00 A.M. Mrs. Lucca 
was not up. None of the children had had breakfast. The: house 
was upset. Palma had not started out to look for work. They 
received supplies from the County Agent on December 29. Palma 
received $5.00 back pay on December 28. 

January 19, 1923.—Read the County Agent’s record of Lucca 
family. It shows the following visits. October 8, 1917, when Mrs. 
Lucca applied, February 28, 1919, July 3, 1919, October 2, 1919, 
March 19, 1920, October 2, 1922, November 27, 1922. AsSistance 
was given during the periods covered by the above dates. The history, 
investigation, and information are the same as on the Welfare Agency 
record. 

Later—Priest at Church of the Holy Virgin promised Welfare 
Agency to call on the Lucca family and urge them to attend church. 

Later.—Visited school. Lucy is in the sixth grade of the Taylor 
School. Her teacher stated that Lucy had not come to school for 
two months in the fall, therefore, she will not pass into seventh grade 
until June. If she had applied herself, she would have been able to 
pass in February, but she has not been interested in her school work. 
Joseph is in Grade V. His teacher stated that he attends school 
regularly and is clean. He is extremely interested in his work and 
will pass into the sixth grade in February. Mary is in Grade III. 
Her teacher is interested in her because she is quick to learn. The 
teacher also had Palma and Lucy when they were in third grade and 
she feels that Mary’s mentality is superior. Frank is in first grade. 
His attendance has been good; sometimes he comes to school looking 
dirty and ragged. He tries very hard to learn and does well. 

February 1, 1923—During January Mrs. Lucca was visited on 
the third, eleventh, eighteenth, and twenty-fifth. The house is 
generally in fairly good order. Mrs. Lucca seems to be a good house- 
keeper. The children go to bed at 7:30 and get up at 7:00. They 
have oatmeal and milk for breakfast. Palma and Lucy get up first 


308 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


and start the fires. They have enough chairs so that they all sit 
down at the table together for their meals. During the cold weather 
the children do not take weekly baths. There are two bedrooms and 
two full-sized beds and one child’s bed. Mrs. Lucca, Frank, and Mike 
sleep in one bed; Palma, Lucy, and Mary sleep in the other double 
bed; and Joseph sleeps in the child’s bed in the same room with the 
girls. Welfare Agency arranged with Salvation Army to send a 
single bed to Mrs. Lucca. She has not put it up as yet since she will 
not have it in the front room, which they use as a sitting-room. How- 
ever, she is planning to take down the small bed and put it in the girls’ 
bedroom, and have Joseph and Frank sleep in it. Mrs. Lucca has 
refused to arrange otherwise. 

The front room is very scantily furnished, since they have no rug. 
The only articles of furniture are six chairs, a dresser, and stove. 
Mrs. Lucca stated that they have had to sell their furniture from time 
to time. 

Mrs. Lucca continually asks for clothing for herself and the 
children. She was given from the storeroom a dress for Palma and 
one for Lucy, and a suit, underwear, and stockings for Mike, and a 
sweater for herself. She has received enough sheeting to make four 
sheets. She has a sewing-machine and is able to make over clothing. 

February 2, 1923.—Notification received from Juvenile Court 
that pension of $67 has been recommended. She will receive her first 
payment March 8. 

February 26, 1923.—During February the following calls were 
made: the seventh, twelfth, and twentieth. <A suit, shoes, and stock- 
ings were bought for Mike and a pair of pants for Joe. The children 
and Mrs. Lucca received shoes from the County Agent. Mrs. 
Lucca’s rooms have been in fairly good order, She has continually 
complained that she could not get along with the assistance she 
received. 

February 27, 1923.—Notification received from Juvenile Court 
that pension of $67 has been granted. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 399 


15. The Family of Washington Johnson 
(A Migrant Negro Laborer) 


September 2, 1919 (Tuesday).—Dr. B. R. Stoll reported that family 
(negro) needs assistance. There are six children. Mr. Johnson 
formerly worked for the Indiana Steel Company. 

September 4, 1919 (Thursday).—Visiting nurse of Indiana Steel 
Company telephoned asking assistance. Mr. Johnson is at the County 
Infirmary, suffering with tuberculosis. [No agency was registered on 
the case. | 

Visited. Family is living in poor-looking flat building in which 
they pay $17.50 for three rooms that are scantily furnished, foul 
smelling, and dirty. Mrs. Johnson complained that the windows 
cannot be raised. 

History of Mrs. Johnson.—Mrs. Johnson is a tired-looking woman, 
thirty years old, willing to seek employment, but she has no one with 
whom to leave the small children. Jennie (born August 20, 1906) 
thirteen, J.C.t (born November 8, 1909) nine, and S.T.L. (boy, born 
November 28, 1910) eight, could go to the Douglas School. Washing- 
ton (born December 27, 1913) five, I.V. (born May 20, 1916) three and 
one-half, and Ernest (born April 15, 1918) one and one-half, cannot 
stay alone. She was born on a farm near Meridian, Mississippi. 
Was left an orphan when very young and she lived with her brother 
in Meridian until she was twelve, when she began working at service. 
She was married at the age of fifteen and accompanied Mr. Johnson 
to Hattiesburg,? Mississippi. 

History of Mr. Johnson.—Mz. Johnson was also born and brought 
up ona farm near Clark, Alabama. He received very little schooling, 
and, when still a boy, left home to find work in a nearby town. In 
Hattiesburg he worked on log trains as a steam loader. About two 
years ago when everybody was coming North for higher wages, Mr. 
Johnson joined a group, came to Chicago, and found work with the 
Indiana Steel Company. A few weeks later he sent for his family. 


t[The names given the children illustrate a practice not uncommon among 
certain groups of negroes of giving children names in the form of initials. Here 
“J.C.” becomes Jesse, ‘‘S.T.L.” Estelle—though a boy—and ‘“‘I.V.” Ivy.] 

2(Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where Mrs. Johnson has spent her early married 
life, is in the pine region from which turpentine is now obtained. Mississippi as a 
whole was, according to the Census of 1890, 43 per cent white and 57 per cent colored. 
The county from which Mr. Johnson came in Alabama was only 43 per cent colored 
and 57 per cent white.] 


400 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


At first, Mrs. Johnson did not like Chicago and she returned South 
to visit her sister, Mrs. Clacy Hopkins, who lives in Mississippi. 
When Mr. Johnson became ill about three months ago, Mrs. Johnson 
found work at the Western Steam Laundry, earning $10 per week. 
She worked there until the latter part of August, when Mr. Johnson 
became too ill to be left alone with the children. She received $9.00 
back pay on September 3. 

Mr. Johnson has been attended by Dr. Stoll. He was also treated 
at the South Side Dispensary. Mr. Johnson has two brothers in 
Chicago; his father and two brothers and a sister are in Alabama; 
and one brother lives in Jackson, Michigan. 

Mrs. Johnson asks assistance with food and clothing for the chil- 
dren, who did not enter school because they had none. She stated 
that Mr. Johnson has always been an excellent husband and father. 
Gave $4.00 grocery order. Two previous addresses were obtained. 
Referred family to County Agent. 

September 5, 1919.—Reported to source. Telephoned Indiana 
Steel Company visiting nurse who stated that she had visited twice 
in the home and found the family in need. She gave no relief. Mr. 
Johnson worked for the company for one year. His disability would 
not entitle him to compensation. He can only receive emergency relief. 

September ro, 1919.—Visited Dr. Stoll. Doctor has known family 
since July 9, when Mr. Johnson was too ill to work. He responded to 
treatment and tried to return to work on August 1. The riot that 
began July 27 delayed his employment. Dr. Stoll later referred him 
to Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary, and Mr. Johnson 
was sent to County Infirmary. 

Dr. Stoll made a number of visits but gave his services gratis. 
He will be glad to co-operate with the Welfare Agency in making a 
plan for the family. 

September 23, 1919.—Referred family to Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium Dispensary and to Infant Welfare. 

September 25, 1919.—Visited. Children are in school. Baby 
has not been very well and has been attended by Dr. Stoll, gratis. 
Family received County Rations No. 4 and two pairs of shoes on 
September 9. Gave $4.00 grocery order. 

September 29, 1919.—Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium report 
received. 

Mrs. Johnson, Jennie, J.C., I.V., and Ernest under observation. 
S.T.L. and Washington, glandular tuberculosis. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 401 


October 2, 1919.—Infant Welfare nurse reported that baby was 
registered October 1. General condition good, rachitic, requires 
general diet. Nurse thinks Mrs. Johnson a good co-operative mother. 

October 4, 1919.—Visited. Jennie had scrubbed and cleaned the 
house thoroughly. Mrs. Johnson has had trouble with her eyes. 
Referred her to the South Side Dispensary. Gave $5.00 grocery 
order and $2 cash. 

October 6, 1919.—Visited Mr. Johnson’s brother, Jefferson Johnson. 
Talked with Mrs. Jefferson Johnson. Family lives in three basement 
rooms, simply furnished and fairly clean. They pay $12 a month 
rent. Mrs. Johnson has two children under five years. She came to 
Chicago from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, three months ago. Prior 
to her coming Mr. Jefferson Johnson lived with Mr. and Mrs. Wash- 
ington Johnson. 

Mr. Jefferson Johnson has a grocery store at Thirty-fifth Street 
and Jameson Avenue, and Mrs. Johnson said that he gives the family 
groceries as often as they call for them. Mrs. Jefferson Johnson 
considers her husband’s sister-in-law a good woman and an excellent 
mother. 

Visited Mrs. James Johnson, wife of Mr. Johnson’s brother 
who is working in Jackson, Michigan, earning $7.40 per day. His 
wife and seven-months-old baby are rooming in a basement flat at 
2250 Southern Avenue. Mrs. Johnson stated that she gave Mrs. 
Washington Johnson $8.00 during the month of September. She feels 
that Mr. James Johnson will be willing to contribute regularly toward 
the support of the family. 

Visited Mr. Johnson’s brother, Kenneth Johnson. Talked with 
Mrs. Johnson. Family is living in six nicely furnished, clean rooms. 
Rent $17 per month. Mr. Johnson works at one of the packing plants, 
earning $22 a week. Mrs. Johnson is twenty-five years of age, is 
the mother of six children, three of whom are living. ‘The oldest is 
seven years and the youngest is four months. Mrs. Johnson works 
three days per week in order to assist with living expenses. She 
pays $10 per month on furniture bill. Mrs. Johnson is willing to 
assist family but feels that she and Mr. Johnson are financially unable 
to contribute toward their support. 

Mrs. Johnson visits family occasionally. She considers her sister- 
in-law a good woman but thinks she is too proud. She stated that 
Mr. Washington and Mr. Jefferson Johnson had a grocery store in 
Hattiesburg before they came to Chicago. They made plenty of 


402 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


money, and Mrs. Johnson employed a woman to assist with the house- 
work, 

October 13, 1919.—Visited. The children were at home for Colum- 
bus holiday. Mrs. Johnson was dressing them to visit the Municipal 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary. Gave $4.00 grocery order 
and $2.00 cash. 

Referred Mrs. Johnson to County Agent for special rations. She 
receives two quarts of milk daily. 

October 22, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson had gone to grocery, 
and two little girls were at home getting dinner. Baby, playing on 
floor, had only a small amount of clothing, and coughed constantly. 
Gave $4.00 grocery order and $1.00 in cash. 

Later-—Wrote superintendent, County Infirmary, asking about 
Mr. Johnson’s condition; also sent a letter to Welfare Agency 
at Jackson, Mississippi, asking about Mrs. Johnson’s sister, Mrs. 
Clacy Hopkins; and to Indiana Steel Company, asking Mr. Johnson’s 
work record. 

October 24, 1919.—Reply from County Infirmary received: 


Acknowledging your letter of October 22, in regard to Washington 
Johnson, alias ““Wash.”” We have a patient here by the name of ‘‘ Wash” 
Johnson, admitted to our Tuberculosis Hospital September 2, 1919. He is 
in our Ward No. 4, and quite ill, with rather a high fever every afternoon. 
His lungs on examination show evidence of tuberculosis, but his sputum is 
negative. He has also pleurisy. The outlook in his case does not seem to 
be favorable. 


October 26, 1919.—Reply from Indiana Steel Company received: 
Replying to your letter of the 22d inst., re Johnson, beg to advise that a 
“Wash” Johnson, who worked under pay-roll number 87-521 was employed 
at this Works as follows: 
First employed 5~14-18 Quit 6-28-18 
Rehired 8— 6-18 Quit 8-20-18 
Rehired 9-10-18 Left 9-19-10! 
This is no doubt the man that you refer to, and upon making inquiry of 
his foreman, I find that he was a very faithful worker. 


October 28, 1919.—$3.00 received from Dr. Stoll on current rent.? 


«{Mr. Johnson had been admitted to the County Tuberculosis Sanitarium on 
September 2, 1919.] 

2([The colored community were contributing generously at this time. For a 
considerable period after the immigration from the South began, the Welfare Agency 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 403 


Later.—Visited. Found Mrs. Johnson and all children home. 
House very dirty and cold. Mrs. Johnson feeling well, also 
children. Stated that she had just received a special delivery letter 
to come to County Infirmary at once as Mr. Johnson was very ill. 
She was getting dinner, food looked very nice. She and children 
need shoes and clothing badly. Two small children were barefooted 
and each wore only one garment. Told her to have teacher write 
to County Agent for shoes and to keep them in out of the rain so 
long as they had no shoes or clothing, as they all had colds. Stated 
she would be willing to make over anything given her for children. 
Also asked assistance in coal. Gave $5.00 grocery order, $1.10 fuel. 

October 30, 1919.—Visited Douglas School. Received following 
report: 


Jenme: Absent 2 days, tardy 1. Teacher was not there, could not 
get other reports. 

Jesse (J.C.): Scholarship good, deportment good. Has only been in 
room nine days. 

Estelle (S.T.L.): Absent October 22, 23, 24, all day. Scholarship good, 
deportment fair. 

Washington: Absent four days, scholarship fair to unsatisfactory, de- 
portment good. 


November 5, 1919.—Wrote Tom Johnson, Woody Pines, Alabama, 
Mr. Johnson’s father, asking for suggestions and assistance. 

Later.—Visited at night. Mrs. Johnson and the children visited 
the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary November 1. 
Mrs. Johnson stated that Mrs. Jameson had visited and had given 
clothing for Ernest and I.V. Gave $1.10 for fuel, $4.00 grocery order 
and $1.00 for household incidentals. 

November 6, 1919.—Telephoned Mrs. Jameson, who stated that 
she purchased clothing for the children—$7.00. 

November 10, 1919 (Monday).—Visited. Found Mrs. Johnson 
and children all at home. Stated that all of them had been to Muni- 
cipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium on Saturday and are doing fairly well. 


had pursued a policy which the County Agent had urged on the Agency of giving 
only emergency relief to new arrivals, leaving to the County Agent the decision as 
to whether the family should be enabled to remain here or forced by misfortune to 
return South. In the meantime, however, much solicitation among the colored 
people had aroused a number of persons to a sense of their responsibility and their 
opportunity. This family had, however, been in the state and county the year 
required by the Pauper Act. See below, however, for the opinion of relatives on 
the subject of sending the family South, the entry of March 17, 1920.] 


404 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Johnson was not any better on Saturday when Mrs. Johnson 
visited. Referred Mrs. Johnson to County Agent for coal. Gave 
$4.00 grocery order and $1.20 cash. 

November 11, t919.—Visited neighbor at previous family address. 
The Johnsons were very nice, hard-working people. The children 
were very well behaved. They tried very hard to get along on the 
little Mr. Johnson could make until he became too ill to work. The 
neighbors think they are “deserving”’ people. 

November 13, 1919.—Visited Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 
Received following report. Mrs. Johnson has an open case of tuber- 
culosis now and should go to County Tuberculosis Sanitarium. A 
nurse will visit the home this afternoon and talk with Mrs. Johnson 
about going to the hospital. The children will have to be put in a 
home. Will inform Family Agency after the nurse visits the home. 

November 14, 1919.—The following letter received from Welfare 
Agency of Jackson, Mississippi: 

Am sorry I have waited so long to answer your letter October 28, but 
haven’t been able to see Clacy Hopkins. Have sent her several messages 
by her relatives, but she hasn’t been in to see me. I don’t know her but 
have tried to learn something about her from other people; and they tell 
me she has several children, her husband is dead, and they don’t believe 
she is able to assist the family you are writing about. Should she come in 
town to see me and offer any plan whereby she might help them, I will 
write you. Am glad to help you in this work but sorry I can’t give you more 
information in regard to this case. 


November 15, 1919.—Visited. Gave $4.00 grocery order and $2.00 
cash. 

Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium nurse requested that we place 
the children for the time that Mrs. Johnson, who has incipient tuber- 
culosis and is an open case, is in the hospital. 

November 18, 1919.—Visited. Gave clothing donated by Mrs. 
Jameson and $1.25 for fuel. 

November 22, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson will go to the Sani- 
tarium as soon as notified by the Dispensary. She stated that she 
is now seven months pregnant. Visitor explained that children would 
be placed in the Home for the Friendless. Gave $4.50 grocery order 
and $1.00 cash. 

November 24, 1919 (Monday).—Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Dispensary telephoned nurse that Dispensary received notice today 
that Mr. Johnson left County Infirmary. Nurse will visit family 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 405 


today, as Mrs. Johnson may be admitted to Sanitarium on 
November 26. 

November 25, 1919 (Tuesday).—Visited. Mrs. Johnson gave 
visitor list of clothing requested by Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitar- 
ium nurse. Mrs. Johnson asked visitor to telephone the nurse that 
it would be impossible for her to go to the Sanitarium tomorrow. 
Gave $4.00 grocery order and $2 cash for fuel. 

November 26, 1919.—Telephoned the nurse, who will make arrange- 
ments for Mrs. Johnson to enter Sanitarium on Saturday, November 
29. Purchased for Mrs. Johnson two suits of underwear and two 
pairs of hose. 

November 28, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson is prepared to enter 
Sanitarium tomorrow. Mrs. Brown (case) will look after the children 
until visitor calls to take them to the Home for the Friendless 
tomorrow afternoon. Gave $2.00 cash for incidentals. 

November 29, 1919.—Telephoned superintendent, Home for the 
Friendless. Children will be admitted at once. 

Visited. Found both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson at home. Mr. 
Johnson returned late last night and Mrs. Johnson wished to remain 
at home over Sunday. Visitor explained that she will be forcibly 
hospitalized? if she does not go to the Sanitarium as requested. 

Mr. Johnson wished to keep the children at home. He visited the 
University Hospital, where the physician told him that he had been 
gassed while working in the gas department of the Indiana Steel 
Company. Mr. Johnson does not wish the children taken out of 
the home if he can prevent it. Visitor explained that he should go to 
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary at once. Gave $4.00 
grocery order and $2.00 for kerosene and fuel. 

December 1, 1919 (Monday).—Reported to Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium Dispensary that Mr. Johnson is in the home and wishes 
to keep the children there. Nurse will visit today. 

December 2, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson went to the Sanitarium 
yesterday. Visitor took the children to the Home for the Friendless 
and sent Mr. Johnson in taxicab to the County Hospital.? — 

December 4, 1919.—Telephoned Municipal Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium Dispensary. Nurse stated that the house will be fumigated 


t[See below, p. 867, for rules governing hospitalization of persons ill with 
tuberculosis.] 

2 [Possibly for new diagnosis; possibly the place at the Infirmary was no longer 
available; possibly because his condition was already so serious.] 


406 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


by Health Department today and the furniture may be stored tomor- 
row. After fumigation the mattresses may be used with safety. 

December 5, 1919.—Visited and with assistance of Mrs. Brown 
(case) gave furniture to Talbot Brothers Storage Company for 
storage at $3.00 per month. 

December 19, 1919.—Mrs. Johnson telephoned that she is getting 
along nicely at the Sanitarium. She asked visitor to send a sweater, 
a knitted cap, and woolen stockings for sleeping, as she is outside 
most of the time. 

Later —Telephoned the County Hospital. Received the report 
that Mr. Johnson is very ill, prognosis, bad. 

His father had sent him a check for $60 some time ago, but Mr. 
Johnson had never received it. 

Donation.—Sent Mrs. Johnson clothing donated by Mrs. Jameson. 

January 23, 1920.—Telephoned superintendent of the Social 
Service Department, County Hospital. She interviewed Mr. Johnson 
at visitor’s request. 

January 28, 1920.—Wrote Tom Johnson, Jackson Lumber Com- 
pany, Woody Pines, Alabama: 

Your letter of January 11, in which you stated that you sent your son, 
Washington Johnson, $60 was received sometime ago. Mr. Johnson is now 
very ill in the County Hospital here. He tells us that he never received 
the money which yousent him. Mrs. Johnson is in the County Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium, and the children are at present being care forina Home. Mrs. 
Johnson is expecting confinement.soon. Any money which you could send 
your son’s family could be sent in care of the Welfare Agency. 


March 14, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Johnson at the home of Jefferson 
Johnson. Mrs. Johnson was in a very cheerful mood and stated that 
she had never felt so well since she had come to Chicago. The infant 
born January 21, 1920, is fat and robust looking. Mrs. Johnson has 
no plan for herself and family. She would like very much to be 
re-established, but she feels that assistance from relatives is very 
uncertain. 

Mrs. Johnson visited Mr. Johnson at the hospital today. He is 
very anxious to return to Alabama. Mrs. Johnson has visited the 
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium and the nurse has visited in the 
home. She stated that there is a balance of $5.00 or $6.00 due the 
South Side Furniture' Company on the beds and refrigerator. ‘ 


t [This is one of several instalment-house situations illustrated by the records 
given. See above, entry of December 5, 19109.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 407 


March 15, 1920.—Visited Mr. Johnson. at the County Hospital. 
He had received a check from his father which he indorsed and asked 
that visitor use for his transportation to Alabama. He is planning 
to travel alone and leave the family here until some plan can be 
made for them. He feels that the southern climate will improve his 
health. 

He stated that his father has no home for him and he expects to 
live with his sister, Maggie Jones, with whom he has not yet corres- 
ponded. He stated that an investigator from the Health Department 
has visited and told him that as soon as he was able to get out of the 
hospital he might return to Alabama.' 

Mr. Johnson said there was a small balance due the South Side 
Furniture Company on the beds, ice box, and chairs, which are all 
practically worn out. Mr. Johnson is willing that some of these 
things go back to this company. ‘Talked with Mrs. Johnson and with 
Mr. Jefferson Johnson regarding the furniture. All were of the opinion 
that the furniture was so terribly worn it was not worth the balance 
due on it, and Mr. Jefferson Johnson and the other brothers would not 
assume the responsibility of paying the balance. 

Mrs. Johnson admitted that she had made a serious mistake in 
not informing us of this debt before furniture was stored, but she lost 
her account book and all receipts when Mr. Johnson was first sent to 
County Infirmary and she did not know how the account stood. 

March 17, 1920.—Visited Jefferson Johnson, brother of Mr. 
Johnson. He has a very unkempt-looking, foul-smelling, small 
grocery store. He stated that he took the store last fall to work it 
out of debt. He has paid off debts on the instalment plan to different 
wholesale firms amounting to about $200. He has debts now which 
amount to about $250. He clears enough money to pay his rent on 
the store, $22.50 per month, and his house rent of $12 per month, 
besides paying his other household expenses. He has only one leg; 
the other was removed near the hip when he was quite a young man. 
He and his brother “‘ Wash” were in the grocery business in Alabama, 
and he stated that Mr. Johnson and family arrived in Chicago with 
nearly $400 in cash. 

He considers Mr. and Mrs. Johnson both very poor managers 
and they spent the $400 and all the money that Mr. Johnson made 
at his work. 


t [See below, p. 869, for provisions regulating interstate travel of persons ill 
with contagious diseases.] 


408 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Jefferson Johnson formerly lived in the home of his brother. 
He said that his family came to Chicago last summer. He said that 
he had helped the family all that he could. He had supplied them 
with about $50 worth of groceries during the four or five months 
prior to Mr. Johnson’s entering the hospital. He supplies Mrs. 
Johnson with $2.00 or $3.00 worth of groceries every time she makes a 
visit to Mr. Johnson at the hospital. He is the one who gave Dr. Stoll 
the $3.00 per month which Dr. Stoll sent Agency on the family’s rent. 

He would not state what amount he could give toward the 
re-establishment of the family. He said that he could not give them a 
place in his home. He would not be able to give $10 a month. He 
might possibly give $5.00. 

He would not advise that the family be returned South senate he 
says there is nothing there for them. Mr. Johnson’s relatives there 
have large families, and he feels that Mrs. Johnson and the children 
would fare very badly. 

He is willing and anxious to have a family conference on the case. 

April 7, 1920.—Mrs. Johnson telephoned that I.V. died of diph- 
theria at the Home for the Friendless today. 

April 10, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Johnson at the home of Mr. Jeffer- 
son Johnson. I.V. was buried by Thomas Charles, undertaker. ‘The 
burial expenses were $66, $40 of which were paid by Mr. Jefferson 
Johnson. 

Mrs. Johnson looks very thin and tired out. She visited the 
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary today for examination. 

May 1, 1920.—Visited Mr. Johnson at the County Hospital. He 
is now constantly confined to his bed and is hopeless about recover- 
ing. He does not wish to return South now and is anxious to have the 
family reunited. He asked visitor to use the money sent for his 
transportation for relief of Mrs. Johnson and the children. He does 
not wish anyone to assume the responsibility of the balance due the 
South Side Furniture Company; he prefers that the furniture be 
returned to the company. 

May 26, 1920.—Talked with Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
doctor. He would not advise that Mrs. Johnson be given the respon- 
sibilities of a home because it is the washing, ironing, and scrubbing 
and other heavy duties which may possibly aggravate her condition. 
He thinks, however, that she certainly would be more contented with 
her family together and, if Family Welfare Agency wishes to try it as 
an experiment, we have his permission. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 409 


May 29, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson is very thin. She says 
she feels well and is anxious to have her family re-established. She 
feels that she can direct the children and manage her household so 
that the heavy work will not fall upon her. She attempted to work 
a few days at the Wright Hand Laundry but the work was too heavy. 
She then worked two days washing dishes at a North Side restaurant. 
She gave this up because of the long hours. She will begin looking 
for suitable quarters at once. 

June 23, 1920.—Mrs. Johnson came to the office to report that 
she had been unable to find suitable rooms. She looked very thin and 
said that she had not felt well recently. She attends the Dispensary. 

July 24, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson has been working at a 
laundry on the North Side, earning $12 per week. She works irregu- 
larly and stated she will have to give the work up because the distance 
is so great. She leaves the baby at the St. James Day Nursery. 
Mrs. Johnson has been unable to find suitable quarters. She is 
still in search of rooms and is very anxious to be re-established. Mr. 
Johnson is constantly confined to his bed, and Mrs. Johnson feels that 
he cannot last very much longer. 

Mr. Graham of the South Side Furniture Company produced 
contract showing that Mr. Johnson purchased furniture June 11, 1918, 
on the instalment plan, total $82.35. Payments were irregular, and no 
payment was made after July, r919. Balance due $32.35. Articles 
were as follows: three blue iron beds, springs and mattresses, six 
kitchen chairs, one table, one refrigerator. 

July 28, 1920.—Card from Home for the Friendless that Committee 
must have report on the members of the Johnson family who are still 
here. They have been in the Home since last December and ought 
to be placed elsewhere. 

July 31, 1920.—Telephoned Home for the Friendless in response 
to card. Explained that we are in search of rooms and expect to 
re-establish the family as soon as possible. 

August 18, 1920.—Visitor went with Mrs. Johnson to South Side 
Furniture Company, and gave orders for them to call at Talbot 
Brothers Storage Company for the furniture in question. 

August 19, 1920.—On August 18, the County Hospital telephoned 
that Mr. Johnson died on that date. Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Jefferson 
Johnson came to the office for advice in making funeral arrangements. 
They visited Mount Horeb Undertaking Company, who will have 
charge of the funeral, expense $100. There is no insurance. The 


410 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


brothers of Mr. Johnson will pay funeral expenses. The furniture 
was removed by South Side Furniture Company from Talbot Brothers. 

August 27, 1920.—Death of baby. On August 26, Mrs. Johnson 
telephoned that the baby became ill, Sunday, August 22. She called 
Dr. Stoll, who made arrangements for the baby to have a charity 
bed at the Provident Hospital. The baby died there August 26 of 
something resembling summer complaint. 

September 1, 1920.—On August 27, Superintendent of the Home 
for the Friendless telephoned that the children could not remain longer 
at the Home. 

Telephoned visitor of the Children’s Friend Society regarding 
a boarding-home for the children. On August 31 visitor telephoned 
that Jennie, J.C., and S.T.L. may be boarded at the home of Mrs. 
Smith, Jameson Avenue. The other children would have to be placed 
in other homes if they cannot remain longer at the Home for 
the Friendless. 

Took Jennie, J.C., and S.T.L. to the home of Mrs. Smith. The 
younger children may remain in the Home a few weeks longer until 
definite plans can be made for the family. 

September 4, 1920.—Telephoned doctor at Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium who reported that Mrs. Johnson is “holding her own” 
and is in a fair condition of health. Sputum is negative, and she is 
not a sanitarlum case. Doctor stated that it would undoubtedly be 
better for her to have no responsibility whatever, but he sees no objec- 
tion to re-establishing her with the children. 

Telephoned Mount Horeb Undertaking Company. Jefferson, 
James, and Kenneth Johnson, brothers of Mr. Johnson, paid $100 
funeral expenses of Mr. Johnson and $25 expense of the baby, Charlotte 
Marie. 

September 10, 1920.—Mrs. Johnson came to office asking clothing 
for the three older children now at the home of Mrs. Smith. Tele- 
phoned Talbot Brothers who allowed Mrs. Johnson to visit their 
warehouse and take clothing from her trunks. 

September 22, 1920.—Mts. Johnson came to the office after having 
spent three days in a vain search for rooms. She looked thin but 
stated that she feels very well. She tried to work two days last week, 
but felt too weak. She was given two addresses of houses for rent. 
She visited and telephoned later that she found nothing for rent. 

October 15, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Jefferson Johnson stated that 
Mrs. Johnson was at work at a laundry, leaving home about 6:30 A.M. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 4iI 


and returning about 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Johnson sleeps in the room with 
Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Johnson and their two children. 

Visited Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Mrs. Johnson’s last 
visits were September 1 and 2. At that time she was losing weight 
but “holding her own.’”’ Has pyorrhoea, needs immediate treatment, 
and nurse advised that she consult their dentist. 

November 8, 1920.—The following story appeared in several 
Chicago papers: : 


ONE OF CHICAGO’S NEEDY FAMILIES 


The “K.” family came to Chicago from Mississippi in the spring of 
1918. They came in search of better employment for Mr. K., and larger 
educational advantages and opportunities for their children. Mr. K. worked 
at the steel mills, the children attended school regularly, and the family man- 
aged very nicely until December, 1919, when Mr. and Mrs. K. became ill. 

The five children, oldest fourteen years, were sent temporarily to a 
Home. Mrs. K. was sent to a sanitarium, where another baby was born. 
The baby was ill from birth and died a few months later. Mr. K. was sent 
to the hospital, where he died of tuberculosis in July, 1920. 

Mrs. K. is now living with relatives in very congested quarters. The 
doctor tells us that her health is somewhat improved and she may be estab- 
lished again with her children. The family has furniture. 

They must have at least four bright rooms at a moderate rent, because 
they are totally dependent. Mrs. K. and the Family Welfare Agency 
visitor have searched diligently for rooms for the family since June 1 and 
have been unable to find any. 

Will you come to the rescue of this widow and five children? Have 
you suitable rooms for this promising and very deserving family? Will 
you assist us in our search for a desirable place in order that this little family 
may again function in the community as a family unit ? 

Telephone Welfare Agency. 


November 11, 1920.—Visited on October 23. Mrs. Johnson worked 
temporarily at the laundry to get clothing for herself and children. 
She stopped and gave all of her time to searching for rooms. On 
October 23 and 28 she came to the office saying she was unable to 
secure rooms. 

Telephoned social workers white and colored, familiar with all 
sections of the city. No one knew of available quarters. Telephoned 
ten real estate offices—they had nothing to offer. 

November 16, 1920.—Social worker in southwestern quarter of 
city telephoned that they visited and talked with Mrs. Allen who had 


412 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


a vacant apartment, Landlord, Mr. Allen, is a bricklayer. The four 
rooms are on second floor, toilet and bath are in basement, one nice 
light room (other rooms light but small). Rent $15, stove or gas 
heat. Rooms are near public school. 

November 22, 1920-November 29, 1920.—Arranged with Wolfe 
Brothers to move furniture November 23. Explained to Mrs. Johnson 
that she should clean the rooms and then call for children at the Home 
for the Friendless. ‘The stove pipes need adjusting. 

December 1, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson and Jennie had 
started to rearrange the furniture. The cook stove was broken 
and some of the pipes were smashed. Jennie had a severe cold, and 
has been out of school for several days. 

December 7, 1920.—Visited. ‘The house was in fairly good order. 
The three oldest children were at home because, as Mrs. Johnson said, 
they did not have coal to heat the rooms until yesterday. Washington 
and Ernest are still at the Home for the Friendless. Mrs. Johnson 
complained of not having a sink or some means of lighting besides 
kerosene. Mrs. Johnson stated she was feeling better than she was 
last week. 

December 13, 1920.—Letter written to Tom Johnson, Woody 
Pines, Alabama: 

We are interested in the family of your son, Washington, this city. 
Since the death of your son, Mrs. Johnson has been very anxious to reunite 
the family. For several weeks the Welfare Agency sought rooms for Mrs. 
Johnson and it was not until the twenty-third of November that they finally 
secured a flat where the family now lives. 

You will be glad to know that Mrs. Johnson’s health has improved so 
that she is able to care for her house, although of course unable to do any 
outside work that might bring an income. Jennie must complete the fifth 
grade before she can secure her working certificate. The teachers at the 
school where the children attend were much pleased with their deportment 
and progress in their work. 

Will it be possible for you to contribute to the support of your grand- 
children? We know that Mrs. Johnson will greatly appreciate any help 
that you can give. 


December 15, 1920.—Visited Jefferson Johnson, who stated that 
Mrs. Johnson was well during the six months that she stayed at his 
house. He has not paid the $36 for the funeral expenses of I. V. 
Since so many people are unemployed and the prices of food are coming 
down, Mr. Johnson does not have so large an income in the grocery. 
He has two little children to support and rent for both the grocery 


THE PROBLEM OF ‘NON-RESIDENCE” 413 


and his home, so that he feels he can only give $2.00 a month toward 
the support of Mrs. Johnson and family. James Johnson, younger 
brother, is out of work. His wife is ill, so that he cannot give anything 
toward helping his brother’s case. 

Later.—Visited Kenneth Johnson. He is working at the Indiana 
Steel Company as a laborer. He has three children. The flat 
consists of six rooms, all comfortably furnished, but Mrs. Johnson 
said that as soon as her baby was old enough she would have to go 
out and work. Mrs. Washington Johnson was always lazy. She 
telephoned to Mrs. Kenneth Johnson that the Welfare Agency was 
going to take care of her now and they did not want her to work any 
more. Although Mrs. Johnson said she thought a great deal a the 
children and would like to help, she cannot. 

December 16, 1920.—Advisory Committee decision: If Mrs. John- 
son is able to keep up her home, to apply for Mothers’ Pension in April. 
If oldest girl can be spared, possibly she could work on Saturdays. 

December 17, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Allen, landlady, was quite 
indignant about the way Mrs. Johnson and the children had been 
acting. She objected to the cutting of kindling or breaking of coal 
in the house and to the running up and down stairs of the Johnson 
children in heavy shoes. She had asked Mrs. Johnson to keep the 
children from making such a noise but she claimed that Mrs. Johnson 
had not complied with her request and that the children were racing 
up and down the stairs, thus interfering with Mr. Allen’s sleep. Mr. 
Allen works every other week at night. Mrs. Allen stated that if 
the Johnsons continued to act the way they had been acting, when 
the next pay day came she would ask them to move. 

Mrs. Johnson denied that she had permitted her children to race 
up and down stairs and promised she would not allow anyone to chop 
wood in the house. 

While visitor was talking to Mrs. Johnson alone, she said that what 
Mrs. Allen asked the Johnson children not to do, George Allen, her 
own child, did, and that he stole anything he got his hands on, that 
she had missed $12 when she first moved there but had not reported it. 
He curses and takes the kindling that the Johnson children put in the 
coal shed down stairs. Visitor suggested that they prepare enough 
kindling for several days and put it up in a box by the stove in their 
own flat and that they be very careful not to arouse the indignation 
of the Allens, especially until spring, as there are no empty flats into 
which they could move. i 


414 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Jennie is still looking for work, but has found nothing. 

January 3, 1921.—Mrs. Johnson received $5.00 from the Women’s 
Missionary Club and also a basket at the Community Gathering at 
the church. 

Visiting housekeeper visited. Mrs. Johnson was friendly and 
interested. Visitor discussed value of green vegetables and milk 
in the diet and urged Mrs. Johnson to use more vegetables. Promised 
to see that Mrs. Johnson gets three quarts of milk per day; gave her 
recipes for rice pudding. 

(The following entries record the visiting housekeeper’s visits 
during a period of several weeks. ] 


March 31, 1921.—Visited. At Mrs. Johnson’s request, visitor showed 
her how to cook oatmeal in double boiler made from two of her pans. Mrs. 
Johnson was very pleased as she likes oatmeal, but did not like it the way 
she cooked it. Jennie has made rice pudding from the recipe left by visitor 
and they all liked it. Mrs. Johnson is happy to have the extra quart of 
milk and finds it easy to use it all. 

April 6, 1921—Telephoned Mrs. Johnson to put split peas to soak in 
preparation for the cooking the following day. | 

Visited. Mrs. Johnson made puree of split peas under supervision of 
visiting housekeeper and repeated cooking of oatmeal in improvised double 
boiler to be used for breakfast the following morning. Visitor demonstrated 
preparation of croutons to use instead of crackers with soup. Mrs. John- 
son’s kitchen is small and dark and her utensils scanty in number. The 
water supply comes from a faucet by the door, and there is no sink. All 
the waste water must be carried downstairs in the pail that stands under the 
faucet. In spite of these handicaps, the room was fairly clean. Mrs. 
Johnson seems tired all the time and without much backbone, but she is 
grateful, appreciative, and anxious to do and say what is expected of her. 

April 14, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson made split pea loaf and 
tomato sauce to serve with it, under supervision of visiting housekeeper. 
On Saturday, Mrs. Johnson had taught Jennie to make the puree and 
croutons. Jennie likes to cook and has had cooking lessons at school, but 
does not have any at the school she is now attending, so she enjoys repeating 
her mother’s lessons. They were very glad to learn of these ways to use 
the County Agent’s supplies. . 

April 28, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson made cornmeal mush under 
supervision of visitor. The kitchen floor was covered with grease spots and 
she apologized for it, saying she intended to scrub as soon as she finished the 
washing which she was doing that day. . 

May 19, rg21.—Visited. The kitchen was dirty and disordered and 
Mrs. Johnson was not feeling well. Talked to her about the necessity for 


THE PROBLEM OF ‘“NON-RESIDENCE” 415 


cleanliness and ways of securing it. Left her washing the dishes and cleaning 
the kitchen. 

May 20, 1921.—Visited. Kitchen was clean and orderly. Mrs. John- 
son made oatmeal cookies under supervision of visitor. 

May 26, r921.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson made three loaves of yeast 
bread under direction of visitor and scrubbed her kitchen and bedroom 
floors. 

June 2, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Johnson made sour-milk gingerbread 
under direction of visitor. She had cleaned out her stove the day before 
and the oven baked very well. 


January 16, 1921.—Gave two sacks of flour from Board of Trade 
donation. 

January 28, 1921.—Visited weekly during the month. 

February 4, 1921.—Mrs. Allen, landlady, at office regarding moving 
the family. She stated that Mrs. Johnson was impossible and that 
she could not put up with her and the children any longer. The 
children make so much noise while Mr. Allen is asleep and they haul 
coal up the steps in the little wagon and when the wagon is emptied 
they let it bump down the steps. They do not take baths, and they 
are generally dirty in their habits. The Allens and the Johnsons 
use the same bathroom. Mrs. Allen has asked Mrs. Johnson 
repeatedly to have the children take off their heavy shoes when they 
return from school and are going to be in the house, so as not to make 
too much noise, but Mrs. Johnson does not pay any attention to her. 
She has also suggested to Mrs. Johnson that there is a room in the 
basement which could be used by the children as a playroom when 
the weather is not nice, but Mrs. Johnson will not have them play there. 
The Allens are going to build a new house as soon as they can and 
Mrs. Allen would be willing that the Johnsons stay in the house in 
either the lower or upper flat if they would not disturb the other 
tenant, but she does not feel anyone else will want to rent the house 
or stay there if they are disturbed as she is. It was finally decided 
that Mrs. Allen would allow the family to remain in the house if Mrs. 
Johnson followed Mrs. Allen’s suggestions. When visitor told Mrs, 
Johnson these suggestions, she did not like it very much, but said 
she would like to live up to the expectations of Mrs. Allen rather than 
move. She objected when her regular allowance was reduced, as she 
said she had always pinched on her former one and she tries to have 
enough to cover her insurance which amounts to 95 cents a week for 
the children and 30 cents a week for herself. The children who were 
at home promised to help their mother in carrying out Mrs, Allen’s 


416 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


expectations. Jennie has not found work. She was transferred to 
the Girls’ Technical High School, but was not able to enter. Mrs. 
Johnson went to the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary 
February 14, 1921, but the doctor told her he could find no reason 
for her not feeling well. Ernest is rickety; his wrists are badly 
misshapen. 

March 21, 1921.—Visited each week during the month. Mrs. 
Johnson was worried about Ernest, who often cries during the night — 
and says that his legs hurt. Mrs. Johnson took him, as advised, to 
the Dispensary March 9, 1921. Dr. Jameson asked her to take him to 
Latimer Hospital for a tonsillectomy. On March 15, 1921, she took 
him, and there was no room for him and she was told to bring him back 
on March 22, 1921, when she was again sent away because the hospital 
was crowded. All the other children went to the Dispensary March 
12, 1921, and tonsillectomy was advised for $.T.L. and Washington. 
The nurse took the boys to Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium March 
16, 1921, where their tonsils were removed. They came home March 
21, 1921. The permit for Jennie’s transfer to Girls’ Technical High 
School came on January 31, 1921, and Jennie went to the school Febru- 
ary I, 1921, but was told that the school was already overcrowded. 
She has since been in the same grade taking the same work over again. 

Principal of the Girls’ Technical High School reported she had 
turned away a number of girls after the term had opened. 

Reported the affair to the district superintendent of education, 
Mr. Short, who promised to see that things were adjusted so that 
Jennie could go into the sixth grade at the Technical School. 

March 23, 1921.—Mr. Short reported that he visited the school 
and found that Jennie had not passed and therefore was kept in the 
same grade. 

April 30, 1921.—County doctor visited, as requested. J.C. was 
suffering from acute bronchitis which may trouble him for some time. 
J.C. was in bed for about a week. The Visiting Nurse called every 
day. She advised keeping him home from school for some time, but 
he was so much better that he went back to school April 11, and has 
been unusually well ever since. 

County Agent sent one-half ton coal, as requested. Jennie has 
been sewing, making over old clothes for herself. She is very 
anxious to have hats which she likes to make. 

Mrs. Allen has sold her home to Joseph Brown. Mrs. Brown’s 
daughter is living with her and is in Jennie’s room at school. The 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 417 


two girls have become very good friends. Mrs. Johnson is very glad 
because Jennie has had no friends to go with. Jennie is very fond of 
flowers and has every glass and cup in the house full of violets and 
dandelions. 

May 17, 1922.—Letter written to Chief Probation Officer, Juvenile 
Court, Chicago [giving a history of Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson, the 
family and containing information with reference to the marriage, Mrs. 
Johnson’s ability as a housekeeper, latest doctors’ reports on individual 
members of the family, names of relatives known to County Agent, 
etc. | 

May 31, 1922.—Visited during the month. Mrs. Johnson and 
Mrs. Allen had trouble over the storeroom the Johnsons are using. 
Mrs. Allen objected to mattresses which Mrs. Johnson had there and 
the old boxes and wheels the boys had collected. Mrs. Johnson 
washed the mattresses and the boys cleaned the storeroom and Mrs. 
Allen was satisfied. Mrs. Johnson would like to move if she could 
find a place to move to. 

Ernest looks much stronger and he walks much more steadily. 
He is beginning to talk quite distinctly. Latimer Clinic will not be 
able to operate until September, as the clinic is to be closed during 
July and August. The children all went to Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium Dispensary May 14, 1921. Mrs. Johnson decided it 
would bea very good thing for all of them to be at summer camp during 
the summer. 

June 6, 1922.—Visited principal of school. He is perfectly 
willing that the Johnson children leave school early and it will not 
affect their promotion. He thinks Jennie is so far behind her grade 
that it is not the wisest thing to keep her in school much longer. 

June 11, 1922.—Mrs. Johnson and children were examined at 
Dispensary. 

June 15, 1922.—Visited and took clothing from donation. 

June 16, 1922.—Mrs. Johnson and the children went to summer 
camp forallsummer. Doctor’s certificates were signed by Dr. Thomas 
French, 429 Bellevue Avenue. The Johnsons have a tent in a shady, 
quiet part of the camp. Jennie will wait on the table. The boys will 
help police the camp, and Mrs. Johnson will help with the kitchen 
work if she feels able. They all said they liked the place and were 
glad they were going to stay so long. 


418 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


16. The Family of Peter Ganos 
(A Greek Cook and Anna, His German-American Wife) 


July 14, 1919 (Monday).—Mr. Ganos, a Greek of clean, neat 
appearance, and frank, open manner, was referred by the general 


office to the district for aid. Mr. Ganos came to the United States > 


from Sparta twenty years before, as a boy of thirteen years of age, 
and lived in Buffalo. He is a cook and has worked for restaurants 
and hotels. Mrs. Ganos is American-born of German descent. 
They were married when she was only fifteen years of age, and lived 
with her parents until after the birth of the second child. Since then 
they have always, until they came to Chicago, lived near her parents 
where her mother could help her. 

There are now five children, Louisa (born July 30, 1909), John 
(born May 12, 1911), Nick (born December 31, 1913), Mary (born 
January 4, 1916), and Carrie (born March 23, 1918). Her baby, 
Gus (born January 9, 1919), died in March in the County Hospital. 

A year and seven months ago, his brother Andrew persuaded 
him to come to Chicago, but he has never been able to support his 
family here. He worked as cook in his brother’s restaurant, but his 
brother would not take him into partnership; and he feels very bitterly 
to the brother. He has two other brothers in Chicago but would not 
give their names, saying he would accept nothing from them. Mrs. 
Ganos’ parents live in Buffalo, and she has a sister in Pittsburgh 
and a brother who lives in New York. Mr. Ganos worked for 
Michigan Central and earned first $75 and then $90, but’ left when they 
refused transportation to Buffalo. Then he was employed in a 
restaurant (address given), but left when the proprietor accused 
him of taking some cheese. 

He has been out of work a week. He has $3.50 cash. He owes 
money on furniture purchased on instalment plan (payments not 
immediately due), $12 for coal, and three months’ rent at $15. He 
has opened an account at the Southern Trust and Savings Bank. 
He is worried about his wife who cries all the time and wants to go 
back to Buffalo to be near her mother, who wants her to come back. 
Mrs. Ganos is not strong. That was the trouble with the baby. 
Both he and she suffer from rheumatism and take patent remedies 
for it. He belongs to the Greek Orthodox church, she to the Roman 
Catholic. 

Referred Mr. Ganos to U.S. Free Employment Service. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 419 


July 17, 1919 (Thursday).—Visited Andrew Ganos (located 
through directory). He said he had paid the transportation for his 
brother’s family and their first month’s rent. His brother worked for 
him at $25 and took home food for the family. It was not so much 
money matters as his brother’s assumption of authority that caused 
the difficulty between them. He, Andrew, supports the parents in 
Greece, so he can do nothing more for his brother’s family. He has 
never married because he has such heavy responsibilities. The other 
brother Charles is also out of work. Another brother, Augustus, hasa 
restaurant. He thinks Augustus and Peter are on good terms. He 
thinks his brother’s wife is a good mother, but he thinks she has 
some sort of fits sometimes. 

Later.—Visited. ‘The family live in a four-room house, for which 
they pay $15, moderately well furnished, one bedroom and the pantry 
damp. ‘The other rooms are light, airy,and dry. The children were 
well mannered but very thin. They were very ragged and dirty. Mrs 
Ganos is four months pregnant, is very nervous, and cries easily. 
The family owe a former landlord three months’ rent and also owe 
$12 for coal bought the winter before [the name of the dealer obtained, 
as well as the names of neighbors who were especially kind]. She 
loves gardening and has a little garden, but she wants to go back to her 
people in Buffalo. She has had a midwife at the birth of each 
child, but the last baby was prematurely born. She says nervous and 
dizzy spells attack her and rheumatism, from which both she and her 
husband suffer. He has secured a position at an automat restaurant 
and borrowed a little from the proprietor. He will be paid every 
two weeks. 

July 21, 1919.—Mrs. Ganos telephoned that Mr. Ganos was again 
out of work, being no longer needed at the restaurant. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. Ganos has a job on the Western Railroad 
at $80 a month. Gets paid every two weeks. Gave cash grant, $0. 

July 22, 1919.—Letter written the superintendent, Buffalo Family 
Welfare Agency. 


I am writing to ask you to visit the relatives of Mrs. Ganos and the 
former employers of Mr. Ganos who have recently moved from Buffalo 
to Chicago. 

Will you visit Mr. and Mrs. John Schmidt, Mrs. Ganos’ parents at 
70 Ernestine Street, Buffalo, New York? Mrs. Ganos has two brothers 
and a sister working to support the family. We wish to learn the occupa- 
tions and earnings of the members of this family. Also of what grade of 


420 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


intelligence they are. Has it been necessary for them to assist the Ganos 
family in the past, and to what extent were they able to do so? Do they 
think it advisable for the family to move back to Buffalo? We should 
like to have the opinions of the brothers and sister as well as those of the 
parents. Would it be possible for them to assist the family to return? » 
What is their opinion of Mr. Ganos and do they think he will be able to do 
better financially in Buffalo than in Chicago? What is Mrs. Ganos’ 
medical history ? She was in a hospital in Buffalo at one time. If possible 
will you determine what hospital and send us a report of their record ? 

Will you also visit the former employers of Mr. Ganos, Mr. W. A. 
Brown, Stoney Point Hotel, by whom Mr. Ganos was employed for four 
years and from whom he has a letter of recommendation? He was also 
employed at the Greek Parthenon, 500 Broadway and Third Avenue, Buffalo. 
Perhaps you can learn from the family of other places where he has worked. 
We should like to know the quality of Mr. Ganos’ work. There seems to 
be no doubt that Mr. Ganos is a good worker but he has had some difficulty 
with employers in Chicago who say he is disagreeable and authoritative. 
Recently he has been unable to hold a position. 

Mr. Ganos was born in Sparta, Greece, where his parents still reside. 
He has three brothers living in Chicago, two of whom are in the restaurant 
and confectionery business and the other is unemployed. Mr. Ganos is a 
cook and came to Chicago with the help of his brother, for whom he worked 
for about two months. He and his brother disagreed over the business. 
At present they are not on speaking terms. Mr. Ganos has not been able 
to earn sufficient money to provide for his increasing family since arriving 
in Chicago. He wishes to return to Buffalo, where he says he was able to 
earn more money and where Mrs. Ganos can be near her parents, who always 
helped her in caring for the children. 

Mrs. Ganos is an American girl. She married Mr. Ganos at the age of 
fifteen, and they lived with her parents until the first two children were born. 
After that time they lived near her parents until they moved to Chicago. 
Mrs. Ganos is now four months pregnant. She is very nervous and cries 
a great deal over their difficulties. She also has peculiar attacks of dizzi- 
ness. She said she had St. Vitus’ Dance when she was a child and has 
never entirely recovered. Her last baby died in March at the County 
Hospital. It was’ an eight months’ child and never developed. Mrs. 
Ganos never had sufficient nourishment for the baby. She has never had a 
doctor at the birth of her children but has always been under the care of a 
midwife. Mrs. Ganos also wishes to return to Buffalo and says that her 
mother writes to her frequently urging them to come. 


July 26, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Ganos said she must use her 
husband’s pay for furniture. Mary appeared to have measles. 
Gave $5.00 cash grant. | 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 421 


Later.—Called county doctor. 


August 2, 1919.—Telephoned county doctor; had the house quaran- 
tined for measles. 

August 4, 1919.—Visited. ‘The children were very naked and 
dirty. Mr. Ganos had received $24 wages, paid $15 rent and bought 
coal, wood, and food, so that they had 56 cents to carry them until 
next payday. Gave $3.00 cash grant. Mrs. Ganos says it takes five 
loaves of bread a day to feed the family. 

August II, 1919.—Visited. Gave $9.15. Letter received from 
Buffalo Family Welfare Agency, dated August 8, 1919: 


We regret to tell you that as yet we have been unable to see Mrs. Ganos’ 
brothers, but we will send you the report we have, and next week will send a 
supplementary one. 

We found Mrs. Schmidt living at 500 Niagara Street, in Buffalo. 
They had been living there about four months, having moved from 70 
Ernestine Street. The family consist of Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, a single 
son, a married son and his wife, and a daughter fourteen years old. The 
house was comfortably furnished, and the family seem to be rather intelligent. 
Mrs. Schmidt is greatly interested in her daughter and in her daughter’s 
welfare. She tells the following story of her life. 

She was never a healthy child and from the time when she was a little 
child she had St. Vitus’ Dance continually. Before she was fourteen years 
old she had an illegitimate child, of whom Mr. Ganos was the father. The 
matter was taken to court, and Mr. Ganos served a year and a half in the 
State Penitentiary. As soon as he was released he wanted to marry Anna, 
but the family objected very strongly principally because of the condition 
of her health. They preferred to bring the child up as their own. However, 
less than a year later, just before the birth of John, they were married. 
Mr. Ganos has always been very devoted to his wife and has been a good 
husband, trying to rectify the mistake they made. While he lived in Buffalo 
he was able to command a fairly good salary, earning $25 to $30 a week. 
They did, however, spend a great deal of their time at Mrs. Schmidt’s 
home and she helped them at different times. Anna always came home 
when the children were born, and when Mr. Ganos was out of work Mrs. 
Schmidt assisted the family. 

Mrs. Schmidt is most anxious to have her daughter return to Buffalo. 
She feels that her family is superior to Mr. Ganos’ family and does not like 
to think of her daughter associating with the Greek people. She told me 
that it was her custom to save all her dimes and when she has saved a dollar 
she sends them to Mrs. Ganos, hoping that in time she will have money 
enough to go back to Buffalo. She does not feel that it is possible for her 
to assist her daughter any more financially. When I reached the house 


422 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


she was doing up a bundle of clothes to send to the family, saying that it 
would be Louisa’s birthday within a few days. I told them that I would 
call some evening when the brother was at home because she assured me 
that both he and her husband would know more about Mr. Ganos than she 
did. 

We communicated with Lying-In Hospital where Mrs. Schmidt told 

us her daughter was confined when Louisa was born but they had no record 
of her ever being there. We were unable to locate the Greek Parthenon 
Restaurant at 500 Broadway. 
- We visited both hotels in Stoney Point, which is a suburb of Buffalo, 
but they were not able to give us any information about Mr. Ganos. One 
of them has changed management recently. We found that Mr. Ganos 
had worked in an oyster and chop house which we visited. Although the 
restaurant is not being run by the same man who employed Mr. Ganos, he 
knew something of your client. He tells us that he knew him in Greece 
and that Mr. Ganos came from a fine family; that his father was a school 
teacher. He knew nothing about his ability as a workman. We found 
also that Mr. Ganos had worked at the Alexandrian Restaurant on Stone 
Street, this city. He worked at this place for about a year and left over a 
year ago. He was a very satisfactory workman and left of his own accord 
to accept a better position. He earned $25 a week while he was employed 
here. 

As soon as I am able to talk with Mrs. Ganos’ brothers, I will send you 
a supplementary report. 


[During the rest of August and September, the record is rather 
incomplete. The children have an outing, Mr. Ganos gets and loses 
several jobs, Mrs. Ganos is examined at a dispensary and is diagnosed 
as showing symptoms of hysteria, needing dental care, etc. Her home 
is growing less decent, and the children are poorly cared for. They 
have difficulty in obtaining credit. It proves necessary for the family 
to move, the instalment house threatens to take the furniture, etc. 

Mr. Augustus Ganos is visited but not really consulted; but 
finally after much persuasion he gives $20 toward the expenses of 
the return journey; Andrew gives $5.00; the Buffalo relatives send 
$11; the Welfare Agency asks of the railroad half-fares for Mrs. 
Ganos and the children, and they are sent back to their relatives. 
The record closes after the Buffalo Society at the request of the 
Chicago Agency has visited Mrs. Ganos, who was expecting Mr. Ganos 
the following Sunday, with the entry that he had left for Buffalo on 
Wednesday, December 3.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 423 


17. Julia Waldron 
(An Insane Woman Tramping with Three Small Children) 


January 14, 1914.—Mrs. Waldron and three children in office with 
the following letter from a resident of the House-by-the-Side-of-the- 
Road,! Chicago. 

The bearer of this letter, Mrs. Andrew C. Waldron (née Julia Berger) 
came with her three boys, Ralph, aged ten, Thomas, aged four, and Carl, 
aged eighteen months, to the House-by-the-Side-of-the-Road this evening. 
She says that she is on her way to her sister, Mary Kemp, Amherst, 
Nebraska. Iam sending a night letter to her sister, and if you will telephone 
in the morning, and ask for me or the secretary, we will let you know if we 
have had a reply. The woman says that she came from Two Lakes, Wis- 
consin, and that she lost her money for her ticket to Nebraska. She says 
that her sister is well fixed. 


Mrs. Waldron wished ticket to Nebraska and refused to answer 
questions definitely. Said she had been brought up in the town 
with her sister in Nebraska. Her husband deserted her three years 
ago at the time of a big strike. Her uncle, whose name she refused 
to give, gave her transportation to Wisconsin, several months ago. 
She differed as to the length of time she had been away from Nebraska, 
sometimes claiming it was only two months and later saying she had 
been gone eight months. Insisted that she did not know the name of 
the town outside of which she had been living. Said her errand to 
Wisconsin had been to care for her husband’s brother until he died 
of consumption a week or so ago. Would not give his name and 
refused to tell how far she had come to Chicago. The children appeared 
exhausted, fell asleep every time they sat still. Mrs. Waldron gave 
their ages as ten, six, and four. The two younger children are not 
so old as this. Mrs. Waldron said she left Wisconsin three days ago, 
on the St. Paul Railroad, her transportation having been paid by 
a stranger, a traveling man, whom she appealed to at the station. 
She acknowledged that she had no money and saw no reason why an 
organization would hesitate to pass her on to her people.? 


«(The letter did not state that arrangements were made for a night’s lodging 
for the group at a neighboring Parish House.] 


2[The impression made on the interviewer was of such instability that the 
interviewer took immediate action and telephoned the Mental Hygiene Society, 
and one of the nurses from their office came at once. There are two interviews 
with Mrs. Waldron, one immediately in the office, and one by another nurse two 
days later at the Home for the Friendless (see entry January 15, 1914). Neither 


424 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 14, 1914 (Wednesday).—Telephoned Mental Hygiene, 
asked that one of their nurses come at once to the office to examine 
Mrs. Waldron. ; 

Miss Roberts came immediately, but was unable to have a satis- . 
factory interview with Mrs. Waldron because of the disturbance 
caused by the children. Ralph refused to give any information; 
said he had never been to school and replied “don’t know” to every 
question. Arranged with Home for the Friendless to take Mrs. 
Waldron temporarily. She was very loath to go. . 

Visitor of Welfare Agency took Mrs. Waldron and children to 
Home for the Friendless. When Mrs. Waldron found she could not 
be in the same department with the children, she ran away. She 
was persuaded by an officer on the street that this Agency was not 
taking her children away from her and that the Home of Friendless 
was a safe place. During the scene which Mrs. Waldron made on 
the street, a man passing insisted upon giving her $1.00. 

January 15, 1914.—Home for the Friendless telephoned that it 
was impossible to keep Mrs. Waldron as she demands her children 
and insists that she is not dependent since she has $1.00. She says 
that the children’s grandfather lives in Meadville, Illinois. Will not 
tell his name and eludes direct questioning. Promised to keep her, 
if Mental Hygiene nurse would call during the morning. 

Telephoned Mental Hygiene. Mental Hygiene nurse will go at 
once to examine Mrs. Waldron again. 

Later.—Telephoned J. R. Thompson, village marshal at 
Meadville (telephone Meadville 300), and obtained the informa- 
tion that there is an old man by the name of Andrew Waldron living 
at the edge of the village. Mr. Thompson will send someone to bring 
him into town to let the Welfare Agency talk with him by telephone. 

Later—Mr. Thompson telephoned for Mr. Waldron, who said 
that his son married Julia Berger, who deserted him. Mr. Waldron 
does not know where his son is. Ralph is a child by another father. 
The children are younger than Mrs. Waldron says. Mr. Waldron 
says that George H. Berger, her father, lives in Wisconsin, and can 
take care of her. Mr. Waldron said he would be willing to testify 
in court that she is mentally unbalanced. He himself is an old man, 


nurse is willing to diagnose her positively as insane. She might have been 
arrested under the Vagrancy Ordinance as one who is ‘‘Idle, or dissolute, or goes 
about begging.” See the Chicago Municipal Code (Ettelson, 1922), sec. 2655, or 
Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 38, sec. 578, ‘‘ Vagabonds.’’] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 425 


a day laborer, unable to care for her, and not desirous of having her 
come to Meadville. 

Telephoned Mental Hygiene. Nurse could find no reason during 
her talk with Mrs. Waldron for considering her insane. However, 
that society will telephone the police and have an officer stay with Mrs. 
Waldron until the ambulance from the Detention Hospital calls for her. 

Later.—Home for the Friendless telephoned that they could not - 
keep Mrs. Waldron, although the latter had promised Mental Hygiene 
nurse to stay another day, presumably to wait for an answer to 
telegram sent by the House-by-the-Side-of-the-Road. Told them to 
keep her there until an officer came, which they promised to do. 

Later —Mental Hygiene nurse telephoned that she had talked 
with superintendent of the Detention Hospital, who will take Mrs. 
Waldron and hear the case, providing they can get more evidence. 
Gave her all the information about relatives. She is going to com- 
municate with Mr. Waldron, the father-in-law, and persuade him, 
if possible, to come to Chicago and testify. 

January 16, 1914.—Letter written to Mr. J. R. Thompson, village 
marshal of Meadville, Illinois, as follows: 

We want to thank you for the trouble which you took to let us telephone 
to Mr. Andrew Waldron. As Miss Ball promised over the telephone, 
we are sending you a check for $1.00 to cover the expense you have gone to 
to help us prove the identity of Mr. Andrew Waldron’s daughter-in-law. 


January 17, 1914 (Saturday).—Letter received by House-by-the- 
Side-of-the-Road from Mrs. Mary Kemp, Amherst, Nebraska: 

Dear Madam: 

I just received your telegram in regards to Mrs. Waldron’s children. 
Mrs. Waldron belongs in Wisconsin and not in Nebraska. She came out 
here two years ago and if she had stayed one day longer we would have had 
her sent to Lincoln and had her children put in a home. She has a well 
and healthy husband to take care of her. She stayed with her sister Etta 
and almost ruined her household goods and she never can go back there 
again and she can’t come here and she knows that Mr. Kemp would show her 
the road so quick it would make her head swim. Let Wisconsin take care 
of her or hunt Mr. Waldron up and make him take care of her. Her father 
came out West and is here. He made a good home for her several years 
ago and now he has forsaken her. Why he did that was she got mad at 
him and set his bed afire when he was asleep. He got up and left at midnight. 
It won’t do her any good to come to Nebraska. If she does she will lose her 
children atonce. There isa place for her in Lincoln. Don’t send her here, 
send her to Wisconsin. Please read this to Julia Waldron. From Mrs. Mary 
Kemp. 


426 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Letter written Illinois Society for Mental Hygiene, 
inclosing letter from Mrs. Kemp: 


I am inclosing the letter received by the House-by-the-Side-of-the-Road 
in response to her telegram to Mrs. Mary Kemp, sister of Mrs. Julia Waldron. 
Someone from this office will be in Detention Court on Thursday morning 
when Mrs. Waldron’s case comes up if you wish us to be. Please let me 
know if there is anything more we can do. 


January 19, 1914 (Monday).—Mental Hygiene nurse telephoned 
asking that visitor confer with her and superintendent of Detention 
Hospital this afternoon. 

Later.—Visited Detention Hospital. Superintendent was out. 
Assistant superintendent wrote out paper stating that Mrs. Waldron 
was insane and in need of institutional care. 

Talked with Mrs. Waldron together with Mental Hygiene nurse. 
She still eludes questions, but said that she had come from a little 
farm near Two Rivers,? insisted that she did not know her brother-in- 
law’s name, that it was not Waldron. Had a trunk check with her 
marked “Racine.”’ Also stated that at one of the towns in Wisconsin 
in which she had stayed before coming to Chicago, the ‘‘ Charities” 
had given her a ticket on to the next place. 

January 20, 1914.—Took out papers at the City Hall and returned 
them to the Detention Hospital. 

January 22, 1914.—Case of Mrs. Waldron’s sanity up in Deten- 
tion Hospital. Mrs. Waldron committed to Hospital for the Insane, 
children to be disposed of later. 

January 23, 1914.—Letter written to Chief Probation Officer of 
the Juvenile Court, Chicago, as follows: 


May we refer to your charge, the three children of Mrs. Julia Waldron 
who was committed to the State Hospital for the Insane, January 22? 
These three children, Ralph, Thomas, and Carl, are at present in the Home 
for the Friendless. Mrs. Waldron has been known to this office only since 
January 14, when she came in referred by the House-by-the-Side-of-the- 
Road, where she had asked transportation to Nebraska. She gave a very 
vague story of where she had lived, could not give the ages of the children, 
and was temporarily held at the Home for the Friendless, while communica- 
tion with her sister was being made. This sister, Mrs. Mary E. Kemp of 
Amherst, Nebraska, wrote saying that Mrs. Waldron was insane. The 
father-in-law of Mrs. Waldron, Andrew Waldron, a laborer, living on the 
outskirts of Meadville, Illinois, talked with us through the village marshal, 


t{She had at the House-by-the-Side-of-the Road said ‘‘Two Lakes.’’] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 427 


corroborating Mrs. Kemp’s opinion. The Illinois Society for Mental 
Hygiene is familiar with this family and the nurse who talked with Ralph 
says that he is subnormal. We have no other relatives’ addresses, except 
Mr. George Berger, Mrs. Waldron’s father, who makes his home with Mrs. 
Kemp. We cannot locate Mr. Waldron who is supposed to have deserted 
his family several years ago. Will you kindly take up the matter of placing 
the children ? 


January 24, 1914.—Letter received from Juvenile Court, 
Complaint Department: 


We are in receipt of your letter regarding the Waldron family and have 
assigned the case to one of our officers. He will report action taken.! 


18. Frank Mason 
(A Tramp with a Two-Year-Old Son ) 


August 16, 1919.—Letter, dated August 15, 1919, from the Family 
Welfare Association of Centreville, Illinois, received at the general 
office [of the Family Welfare Agency of Chicago]: 


Today, Friday, Frank Mason, with a child, Charles, aged two and a half 
years, came to the office, stating that they were stranded and wished to go 
to Omaha and then to Colorado Springs, where his sister, Etta Mason, is 
living. He claims to have but 85 cents and could give no special reason 
for having come to Centreville from Chicago this morning. He said he had 
lived in Chicago about two months at 325 Baughn Street. His wife, Lola 
F. Mason, died five weeks ago and was under the care of Dr. Winning. 
The man worked for the Healey Packing Company in the Stockyards and 
while there was in the box department; his foreman was Mr. Benedict. He 
stated that his own parents were both dead, his sister being his only living 
relative. He said he was married at St. Louis, April 29, 1915, and the child 
was born there two and a half years ago.? He claims to be sick. We, 
of course,? refused transportation to either Omaha or Colorado Springs, but 


«(It was the duty of the Wisconsin authorities to locate Mr. Waldron and to 
enforce his parental obligations. It was for the Juvenile Court to return the children 
to the persons in Wisconsin responsible for this task.] 

2 [Notice the discrepancy between this statement as to the place of the wife’s 
death and of the child’s birth and the statement made the following Monday at 
the Chicago interview, August 18.] 

3 [Reference is made here to the fact that both agencies were signers of the 
Transportation Agreement. See below, p. 922.] 


428 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


offered to give him and the child temporary care and medical attention. He 
refused to accept anything we could offer and left. I believe, however, he 
will probably return and I wish to ask a special favor, and that is, that you 
make an investigation for us regarding this case. If you are able to take 
care of this Saturday morning, we would appreciate a telephone call at our 
expense, before 12 o’clock, otherwise a letter which would reach us Monday 
morning will do. 
We are inclosing a transcript of our record. 


Transcript of Centreville record: 


Mason (Frank)—Address given as 325 Baughn Street, Chicago, Illinois 
Frank, age 27, March 3 
Born Beebe, Arkansas 
Occupation—Healey Packing Company 
Mental Condition—“‘ unbalanced” 
Nationality—American 
Religion—Methodist 
Wife, Lola (deceased) 
Children 
Charles, 1-14-17. Bad eyes 
Relatives, Mrs. Etta Mason (sister), Colorado Springs - 
References, Brother Brown, M.E., South 
Employer, Healey and Company, Fort Worth, Texas; East St. Louis; 
Chicago 

Mr. Mason came to the office with the boy, apparently from train. 
Said he had $1.16 and asked for transportation to Colorado Springs. Claims 
to have been living in Chicago, at 325 Baughn Street, where he had worked 
for Healey and Company until his wife’s death a month ago. He has lived 
in rooming-houses with child since then. Had “flu” in winter—unable to 
do heavy work—showed sign of overwrought mind. Child very thin, 
has sore eyes and ear. 

Recommended to Mr. Mason that he take child to hotel for night till 
we could make inquiries. Also urged that he put child in Orphanage and 
work here long enough to get ticket. Unwilling. He appeared very restless 
and did not want to wait past the eleven o’clock train. Said he meant to 
bum his way on with the child. Offered to take care of them until we could 
hear but he did not return. Telephoned the hotel and found that he had 
checked out at 10:30. Police have not seen him. 

Telephoned Chicago asking report. Could find notraceofman. There 
is no such street. 

Telegraphed Colorado Springs, asking report on sister. 

Received telegram from Colorado Springs. Telegram: ‘Cannot 
locate Etta Mason here. Can you give address >—PUBLIC WELFARE ASSO- 
CIATION.” 


THE PROBLEM OF ‘NON-RESIDENCE” 429 


August 16, 1919.—Letter written to secretary, Public Welfare 
Association, Centreville, Illinois: 


Re Frank Mason. 


We are sorry to report there is no street in Chicago known as Baughn 
and the nearest approach to it is Bauwans but the numbers commence on 
this street at 1300 and run but one short block so that number given in 
your letter is impossible on this street. 

There is no Dr. Winning listed in the telephone directory but we have 
telephoned a Dr. Charles W. Winne, who does not know the family. 
Because of lack of time we have not been able to secure his Stockyards 
work record if he should really have one there. We will do this Monday 
morning and telephone you at once should we learn anything of interest. 
We will also try to verify the death of the woman through the Department 
of Vital Statistics, Monday. : 

There is no record of this family in our Confidential Exchange and the 
city directory does not assist us. 


August 18, 1919 (Monday).—Mr. Mason in the [district] office 
sent from the general office. He asked transportation to Colorado. 
He claims he is tubercular and climate there will benefit him. The 
diagnosis was made three weeks ago by Dr. Estill, of Arkansas City, 
Arkansas. Mr. Mason, who was born in 1892, is a tall, slender man 
with brown eyes and dark wavy hair, neat in appearance. He 
seemed depressed and not very communicative. He was accompanied 
by his little son, Charles, who was born January 14, 1917, an attractive 
child with dark eyes and light hair. 

Mr. Mason was unable to make any definite statements concerning 
his previous residence. He went from one town to another, never 
staying more than six months at any one place. Before he came to 
Chicago, August 16, rg19, he lived three months in St. Louis, Missouri. 
His wife (Lola Fleming, born in 1895) died there December 19, 1918, 
of influenza after an illness of seven days. Prior to this he was four 
months in Galveston, Texas, and a few months in Arkansas City, 
Arkansas, a short time in Shreveport, Louisiana, and twenty-six 
months in Texas City, Texas. He was born and reared in Texas. 
Mr. Mason is a shoemaker by trade, and as a rule has followed this 
line of work. Said his parents died when he was ten years of age and 
he was thrown upon his own resources. He began his wandering 
career from thereon. He gives this as the reason for not having any 
friends. 


430 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Mason wished to know by tomorrow if we can send him to 
Colorado. He first said he had 16 cents on hand and later 27 cents. 

Telephoned Y.M.C.A., Mr. Woodford, who agreed to take both 
Mr. Mason and his son and furnish food, for which we will reimburse 
him. 

August 19, 1919.—Telephoned West Side Dispensary.t Made 
appointment for a mental and physical examination of Mr. Mason. 

Met Mr. Mason at the Y.M.C.A. and accompanied him to the 
West Side Dispensary. 

August 20, 1919.—The following diagnosis was received from 
West Side Dispensary: 


The findings on the case of Frank Mason, Y.M.C.A., are as follows: 
Mental examination 


Chronological apes 00. « ike Twenty-seven years 
MentahAiees Mat’. 82st ear Nine'years, five months 
Menta listaGisiet\. <5 cateet an Medium moron 
Intelligence quotient.......... 59 


Medical examination 
Wassermann, negative 
Sputum examined, negative 
Urine: albumin 0, sugar o 


Recommendations. 
X-ray of chest for tuberculosis. Examination for insanity. 


Mr. Mason’s memory is very poor. His judgment is fair for a twelve- 
year-old. He felt insulted because he was being tested and doubtless failed 
in many tests for that reason. In the vocabulary test when asked to define 
“ramble,” he said ‘‘Going from place to place—that’s me.” He could not 
define the words ‘‘dungeon” and “skill.” Perhaps this was due to his lack 
of schooling. He had only reached third grade. However, he read fluently 
and understood what he read. And he seemed to be much more generally 
intelligent than the grade of medium or low moron would indicate. He did 
all the Healy form boards well and in the Knox cube test reacted as if he 
were thirteen years old mentally. He was emotionally depressed and 
antagonistic. 

He had a medical examination here. No indication of tuberculosis was 
found except that he had lost twenty pounds since he had influenza last 
December. There were no tubercule bacilli in the sputum, no trouble with 
the urine, but he had an exostosis of one of the left ribs. 


* [The impression of instability made on the interviewer was such that a mental 
examination suggested itself as well as an examination to learn whether or not the 
patient was suffering from tuberculosis.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 431 


-We recommend that he be sent to a hospital for further mental examina- 
tion with the possibility of a psychosis, and that we have an X-Ray for his 
lungs, with further sputum tests. Also an examination of the blood for 
malaria and of the stools for hook worm. 


Mr. Mason came to the office for our decision regarding transpor- 
tation to Colorado. He appeared somewhat brighter, was displeased 
with the examination (mental) of yesterday, also with Y.M.C.A. 
Explained to him physician’s advice, and urged that he accept our 
plan. Tried to make him see that it was wrong to take Charles about 
in the manner he does. 

Appealed to him in every way possible, but without results. He 
would not consider hospital, and was determined to leave Chicago 
at once. He said it made him nervous to stay here. Had a card 
from the United Shoe Company, West Street. He was offered work 
for today, but preferred to get away from the city. Wished inter- 
viewer to understand that he has always been independent. 

Telegraphed St. Louis County Welfare Association:' ‘Frank 
Mason and son two and a half years stranded. Worked Healey and 
Company Box Shop Check number 8220 lived 325 Baughn Street. 
Verify. Mentality questioned.” 

Telegraphed United Charities, Galveston, Texas: “‘ Frank Mason 
and son Charles stranded, employed Atlas Shoe Repair Company also 
employed Texas City Shoe Repair Company. Lived 476 Ringo 
Street. Verify. Mentality questioned.” 

August 22, 1919 (Friday).—Mr. Mason and Charles were brought 
to the office by a nurse from Public Welfare Nursing Association of 
Joliet. He applied to them for transportation to Colorado. A slight 
examination was given him, and he was thought tubercular. They 
felt since we had dealt with the case that we would wish to continue. 

The general superintendent has taken out a warrant? for the deten- 
tion of Charles. Juvenile Court officer called at office and took 
Charles to the Detention Home. Mr. Mason finally agreed to go to 
Knox Hospital, August 23. 


t[The investigation required information not only from distant points but 
in great haste. Telegrams are difficult forms of composition at best. Lucidity, 
comprehensive statement, and brevity seem difficult to acquire in combination.] 


2 [The practice of the court is to use the warrant and to place the child in the 
Detention Home when there is reason to doubt the parent’s willingness to appear 
at the time fixed. The Agency now knew of Mr. Mason’s trip to Centreville and 
back and to Joliet and back and of his begging in Chicago.] 


432 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Arranged for Mr. Mason to stay at the Y.M.C.A. 
August 23, 1919 (Saturday).—Letter received from the St. Louis 
County Welfare Association: 


Re Frank Mason 

We have referred your wire of the 21st regarding the above case to the 
Humane Society of East St. Louis. Our jurisdiction extends only over 
St. Louis County and we are therefore unable to handle it for you. We 
have asked the East St. Louis Organization to do all that is possible to 
expedite matters and regret that we cannot be of more assistance to you. 
We also got in touch over the telephone with the foreman at Healey & Co. 
(Box Factory), and he said that he had no record of such a name. About 
six months ago a man named Fisher Allen was in their employ and had the 
check number quoted by you, 8220. 


Mr. Mason came to the office. 

Telephoned social worker, Knox Hospital. Explained physician’s 
advice. Worker was doubtful about being able to get a bed for Mr. 
Mason. Said if hospital physician finds that hospital care is absolutely 
necessary, some arrangement will have to be made. Telephoned 
West Side Dispensary. Worker went over to hospital to give history 
of Mr. Mason. ; 

Sent Mr. Mason to Knox Hospital in a Yellow Taxi—paid $2.00. 

Social worker, Knox Hospital, telephoned. Mr. Mason was not 
admitted. She was unable to give the physician the report from the 
Dispensary but the physician’s assistant who had been present when 
Mr. Mason was being examined reported on the case. The doctor 
said the man was feeble-minded and advised treatment at the Dis- 
pensary. He thought man could go to work. 

Mr. Mason in office. Stated he had changed his mind and was not 
going to Colorado but wished to go to Tennessee. Was impatient 
and wanted to get Charles and start at once for Tennessee. Finally 
thought it was best for him to wait until Monday. 

Telephoned Mr. Woodford of Y.M.C.A. to give Mr. Mason care 
until Monday. 

Mr. Mason would not take carfare. Said he would rather walk. 

August 25, 1919 (Monday).—Letter dated August 22, 19109, 
received from the United Charities of Galveston, Texas: 

Under date of August 20, we received the following message, signed 
from your Association: ‘Frank Mason and son Charles stranded, employed 
Atlas Shoe Repair Co. employed Texas City Shoe Repair Co., lived 476 Ringo 
Street. Verify. Mentality questioned.” It was not altogether intelli- 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 433 


gible, but we took it to mean that these parties were stranded in Chicago 
and that they were believed to belong in Texas City and were unbalanced 
mentally. We took the case up long distance with Texas City and have 
not been able to identify them as belonging there. Their names do not 
appear in the Texas City Directory, they are not known at the bank, neither 
are they known to the people who operate the shoe-repairing shop there. 
We regret our inability to secure any information for you that will aid you 
to solve the problem. If you have further details and care to communicate 
with us again, we will gladly give all the assistance possible. 


Letter, dated August 23, 1919, received from St. Clair County 
Humane Society, East St. Louis, Illinois, as follows: 


The communication was received today from the St. Louis County 
Welfare Association asking us to locate a record of Frank Mason and son 
two and a half years old, who are stranded. Mason claims that he worked 
for Healey and Company in the box factory and that his number was 8220; 
he also claimed that he lived at 3250 Baughn Avenue. We have taken the 
matter up with Healey and Company and find no trace of Frank Mason 
or any check number of 8220. There is no such number as 3250 Baughn 
Avenue, and inquiry there in the neighborhood reveals nothing. 


Later.—Assistant general superintendent! telephoned that Knox 
Hospital physician had issued a statement that Mr. Mason should 
go to the Psychopathic Hospital for observation. 

Secured physician’s statement, also commitment papers, and, 
when Mr. Mason came to the office, took him to the Psychopathic. 
Paid for his lunch (50 cents) and 7 cents carfare. 

Case will be heard Thursday a.m., August 28. 

Later.—Letters written as follows: 

1. Letter to the secretary, Provident Association, St. Louis, 
Missouri: 


A:telegram was sent from this office by mistake August 20, 1919 to 
the St. Louis County Welfare Association rather than to the Provident 
Association. ‘They have referred our letter to East St. Louis, but we have 
discovered some other addresses which we should like you to look into. 

Frank Mason and his son, Charles, two and a half years of age, came to 
this office August 18, 1919, asking transportation to Colorado. He said 
that he had been told that he has tuberculosis, and he thought that he might 
be able to recover there. He states that his wife died in St. Louis, 325 


«(The assistant general superintendent was fully convinced that the client 
was mentally irresponsible and was unwilling to omit any effort looking toward 
permanent and proper care for the two-year-old boy.] 


434 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Baughn Street, of influenza December 19, 1918, and that Dr. C. C. Loos 
was the physician in attendance. He was married in St. Louis, April 29, 
1915, to Lola Fleming. It seems since the death of his wife, Mr. Mason 
has been wandering from city to city, dragging his small son with him. 

We are today sending the man to the Psychopathic Hospital for observa- 
tion, and the boy is at present in the Juvenile Detention Home. The doctor 
feels that the man’s depression is due to the attack of influenza which he 
had last fall at the time of the death of his wife. 

We shall appreciate your seeing the doctor and verifying the marriage 
and the death of Mrs. Mason. 


2. Letter to the secretary, Provident Association, Shreveport, 
Louisiana: 


We are today sending Frank Mason to the Psychopathic Hospital for 
observation and his son, Charles, two and a half years of age, to the Juvenile 
Detention Home. Mr. Mason came to Chicago August 18, 1919, and 
asked for transportation to Colorado. The doctor here thinks that the 
man has not recovered from his attack of influenza last fall. He has been 
wandering around from city to city with his little boy, doing a little work 
in shoe repairing now and then in order to meet the expenses. 

He tells us that since December, 1918, he has traveled from St. Louis 
to Galveston, then to Arkansas, and then to Chicago. He tells us that he 
worked three weeks, in June of this year for Tony Modelli, 125 Marsh 
Avenue in Shreveport. Will you kindly visit this address and learn what 
Mr. Modelli can tell you of Mr. Mason? | 


3. Letter to the secretary, Welfare Agency of Pulaski County, 
Little Rock, Arkansas: 


Frank Mason came to this office August 18 and asked transportation 
to Colorado. He is with his son, Charles, two and a half years of age. He 
has not been well since December, when he had the influenza, his wife having 
died at that time. 

It seems from his accounts that his wanderings began immediately 
after the death of his wife. He tells us that he went from St. Louis to 
Arkansas, to Shreveport, to Galveston, back to St. Louis, to Galveston, to 
Arkansas, and then to Chicago. 

We have had both mental and physical examination made of Mr. Mason 
and are today sending him to the Psychopathic Hospital for observation. 
The doctor says that his mental depression is due to the influenza. 

He states that in May, 1919, he worked in a shoe-repairing shop managed 
by Leonard Nelson, Arkansas City, Arkansas. Will you please visit this 
address and learn if Mr. Nelson knows anything about Mr. Mason? He 
seems to be familiar with Arkansas, but could not give us any other definite 
address. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 435 


August 26, 1919.—Letter received from the Board of Children’s 
Guardians of Lake County, Indiana, LaPorte, Indiana, as follows: 


One of our workers called by telephone this morning asking information 
concerning Frank Mason, formerly of Texas. 

Last Thursday, August 21, Mr. Mason came to our office saying that 
he had developed tuberculosis after having influenza last winter and was 
told by his friends that if he could reach Colorado the climate there would 
help him. He had started to Colorado without sufficient funds and came 
here asking for money to help him on his way. After some inquiry I found 
that he had already been in Chicago in the hospital for a short time but had 
refused to stay there. 

The secretary of the Associated Charities being away I took him to 
the Township Trustee who offered to send him as far as Joliet, Illinois. 
I could not convince Mr. Mason that he should leave the child here so he 
decided to accept the offer of the Township Trustee and left for Joliet the 
same day. Why he did not go direct to Joliet I do not know. 


Later.—Letter written to the secretary of the Provident Associa- 
tion, St. Louis, Missouri: 


A letter was received from St. Clair County Humane Society this morn- 
ing, which stated that there is no such number as 3250 Baughn Street. 
The Western Union must have made a mistake in the number, as we had 
asked that 325 Baughn Street be visited. Mr. Mason told us that he and 
his wife lived at this address which is above a bakery shop and across the 
street from a corner drugstore. He at another time gave the number as 
3250, but we feel that the former is more likely to be correct. 


August 27, 1919.—Letter written to the Secretary of the United 
Charities of Galveston, Texas, as follows: 


We are sorry that you had difficulty in interpreting our telegram of 
August 20. The Western Union did play us a trick or two. However, 
you seemed to have covered everything but the address in Galveston at 
which Mr. Mason said he had lived. This address is 476 Ringo Street. 

Mr. Mason tells us that he has been wandering through the South 
since the death of his wife in St. Louis, December, 1918. He went to St. 
Louis, to Arkansas, to Shreveport, to Galveston, back to St. Louis, to Galves- 
ton, to Arkansas, and then to Chicago. 

We have had both a mental and physical examination of Mr. Mason, 
and he is now under observation at the Psychopathic Hospital. His 
mental depression seems to be due to an attack of influenza which he had 
last December. If there is any such address as the one given in your city, 
will you kindly visit and report to us any information which you may secure. 


436 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


August 28, 1919.—Assistant general superintendent telephoned. 
The County Court has decided that Mr. Mason is not committable. 
The Psychopathic Hospital will hold him until Monday, September 1, 
to await the result of our telegrams. 

Later.—Letters received as follows: 

1. Letter from St. Louis Provident Association, St. Louis, 
Missouri: 

In re Mason, Frank, Lola, Charles 24 

We regret not to be able to give you any information with regard to 
this family. There is no street in St. Louis whose name resembles Baughn 
Street, and neither the city nor telephone directory contains the name of 
Dr. C. C. Loos. He is unknown to the Missouri Medical Association. 

There is no record of Mr. and Mrs. Mason’s marriage in 1914, 1015, 
1916, 1917, and there is no record of Mrs. Mason’s death in 1918. 


2. Letter from Welfare Agency of Pulaski County, Arkansas, 
City Hall, Little Rock, Arkansas: 


We have referred your letter of the twenty-fifth with regard to Frank 
Mason to our correspondent in Arkansas City. As soon as we hear from 
her we will let you know. 


3. Letter from Shreveport Provident Association, City Hall, 
Shreveport, Louisiana: 

Tony Modelli left here at the same time Frank Mason did. They said 
they were going to New York. Frank Mason was not a resident, and no 
one here knows anything at all about him. 


August 29, 1919.—The Social Service of Psychopathic have been 
unable to get any information from Mr. Mason. At first it was 
thought that he and his father owned a farm, but on further inquiry 
it was stated that the father owned a farm when Mr. Mason was just 
a young boy but he had sold it. Mr. Mason’s desire is to go South 
with his boy and work on a farm. 

Telegram sent as follows: ‘Provident Association, St. Louis, 
Missouri. Refer our letter concerning Frank Mason to East St. 
Louis. Must have reply before Wednesday.—FAmILy WELFARE 
AGENCY OF CHICAGO.”’ 

August 30, 1919.—Physician of Psychopathic Hospital received 
a promise from Mr. Mason that if he could see his boy for a few minutes 
today he would give information desired by the Agency. 

Telephoned probation officer about the above. She will call 
with Charles at the Psychopathic Hospital, September 1, 1919. 


» 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 437 


September 1, 1919 (Monday).—Telegram received as follows: 
“Frank Mason, single, age thirty, born Wabash, Indiana. Father 
John, admitted asylum here December, 1913. Escaped February, 
1914. Returned and discharged August, 1914. Record states Mason 
had smallpox. No other description given.—UNITED CHARITIES, 
GALVESTON, TEXAS.” 

September 2, 191g (Tuesday).—Assistant general superintendent 
telephoned. Psychopathic agreed to hold Mr. Mason until noon 
today. She asked that we try to see social worker and if possible 
have Mr. Mason detained there a few days more. 

Probation officer telephoned. She visited Mr. Mason on the 
thirtieth of August but he would not give her any information. She 
did, however, learn from the physician with whom he talked some 
addresses of places where he had lived and worked. He gave the 
name of Great Western Shoe Makers’ Supply Company, Dallas, Texas, 
as a previous employer where he worked in the spring of this year; 
Page Brothers, Shoe Makers’ Supplies, Dallas, Texas, and Mr. and 
Mrs. Payne, Texas City, who took care of Charles. Juvenile Court 
has written to these people. 

Later.—Visited Psychopathic. Physician would not consider 
detaining Mr. Mason any longer. Advised that child be held for 
a week or two so as to give Mr. Mason a chance to go to work and 
earn his way. He said he was depressed and melancholy, but under 
no circumstances could he be committed. 

Later —Mr. Mason released. At first he did not wish to talk 
to visitor but later came with her to the office and agreed to stay at 
the Y.M.C.A. to await decision of Juvenile Court regarding Charles. 
He feels terribly about his having been in the Psychopathic and feels 
he was unjustly dealt with. He did not wish to give the birthplace 
of Charles. Finally said it was in Desert City, Texas. He also gave 
the name of J. M. Baker, undertaker, East St. Louis, who buried 
Mrs. Mason. He told visitor confidentially that he had a mother 
and brother but was not on friendly terms with them and under no 
circumstances would he disclose information concerning their where- 
abouts. 

Later.—Night letters sent as follows: 


Superintendent Humane Society, City Hall Building, St. Clair County, 
East St. Louis, Illinois. Frank Mason released from Psychopathic Hospital. 
Child is held at Juvenile Detention Home. Visit undertaker J. M. Baker 
who buried Mrs. Mason December 19, 1918. Can he give names and 


438 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


addresses of relatives, or any information concerning Mr. Mason and son 
Charles? Important. Wire answer at once.—SUPERINTENDENT, FAMILY 
WELFARE AGENCY. 


Secretary, Relief Association, Medical College Building, Fort Worth, 
Texas. Frank Mason and son Charles aged two and a half stranded. Child 
held at Juvenile Detention Home. Verify birth of Charles, born in Desert 
City, Texas, January 14, 1917. Has Frank Mason ever been brought to 
your attention before or to any other organization in your city. Important. 
Wire answer at once.—SUPERINTENDENT, FAMILY WELFARE AGENCY, 
CHICAGO. 


September 3, 1919.—Letter, dated September 2, 1919, received 
from St. Clair County Humane Society, East St. Louis, Illinois: 


Replying to your request of August 26, 1919, addressed to the St. Louis 
Provident Association, referring to verifying the marriage and death of 
Mrs. Mason, beg to advise you that this matter was taken up promptly 
and we can find no trace of record of the death of Mrs. Mason. In a con- 
versation with Dr. Loos, who is the physician for Healey and Company, 
I find he is unable to verify a statement that he ever treated Mrs. Mason. 
Inquiry at 325 Baughn Avenue develops nothing. It seems to be a peculiar 
case as Healey and Company has no record of this man or any check number 
of 8220. I find no one in the city who seems to know them. 


Later.—Assistant general superintendent presented case at 
Juvenile Court. Case was continued to September 10, pending further 
investigation. 

Told Mr. Mason that he can go to the Y.M.C.A. Charges 
at Y.M.C.A. are 35 cents per meal and 4o cents per night for 
lodging. 

Later.—Telegram received from St. Clair County Humane Society, 
East St. Louis, Illinois, as follows: 


Undertaker prepared body of Lola F. Parker, age twenty-six, died 
December 19 at 325 Brook Street. Shipped to Brookville, Brown County, 
Arkansas. Parker paid him fifty dollars. Investigation at the above 
number reveals nothing. Undertaker Baker says there is no record of 
Mason. 


On receipt of telegram from East St. Louis, Mr. Mason acknowl- 
edged that Mason is an alias and his real name is Parker. 

Later.—Copy of letter received, written by Chief Probation Officer 
of the Juvenile Court of Cook County, Chicago, as follows: 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 439 


To Chief Probation Officer 
Juvenile Court, Little Rock, Arkansas 


My DEAR Mapam: About the middle of August, Frank Parker, twenty- 
seven years old, applied to Central Office of the Chicago Welfare Agency 
for transportation to Colorado for himself and‘his two-and-a-half-year-old 
baby, Charles. Mr. Parker stated that he had no permanent residence but 
had been traveling about from town to town, having come to Chicago from 
St. Louis, Missouri. His wife died there December 19, 1918, of influenza. 
Prior to this he had spent some time in Galveston, Texas; Arkansas City, 
Arkansas; and Shreveport, Louisiana. It was extremely difficult to obtain 
any definite information from him; and, fearing that he was mentally 
unbalanced, the Welfare Agency placed him in the Psychopathic Hospital 
for observation and asked the Juvenile Court to file a petition for Charles. 

Petition was filed, the child being cared for in the Juvenile Dentention 
Home pending hearing. Mr. Parker was discharged from the Psychopathic 
Hospital, the doctors there finding nothing mentally wrong with him. 

At the Juvenile Court hearing this morning Mr. Parker told us that he 
has a friend, Mrs. Robert Isham, who lives somewhere on North Street in 
Little Rock. Her husband is a wagon man employed by the Dixie Express 
Company. He owns a farm at Mayfield, Arkansas, fifteen miles from Little 
Rock. 

Mr. Parker now asks that he and Charles be sent to Little Rock. It is 
his plan to go to the County Hospital there and to place Charles with Mrs. 
Isham, who he is sure would be willing to take him. 

Will you kindly have a visit made at the home of Mrs. Isham, if you can 
locate her? Is she willing to take Charles Parker? Do you recommend 
our sending Mr. Parker and Charles to Arkansas? Can Mrs. Isham give 
any information concerning Mr. Parker’s life previous to his coming to 
Chicago ? 

During interviews Mr. Parker declared he had not a living relative. 
Today he tells us he has a, mother, Mrs. Martha Parker, and a brother, 
Clifton Parker, who live on a farm near Brookville. Would it be possible 
for you to have your correspondent in this town call upon these people 
and obtain from them what information she can concerning Mr. Parker ? 

According to his story there is a very unfriendly feeling between him 
and his relatives and he is extremely reluctant to appeal to them for assis- 
tance, and he did not wish to communicate with them at all. 

The judge continued the hearing in the case of Charles until Wednesday, 
September 10. We would appreciate hearing from you before that time. 

Thanking you for your kind co-operation, I am, 


Very truly yours, 


CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER 


440 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


September 4, 1919.—Telegram received as follows from Fort 
Worth, Texas: ‘Desert City has no birth record Charles Mason. 
We have never handled case.—Fort WortTH RELIEF ASSOCIATION.” 

September 5, 1919.—Mr. Parker came to the office stating that he 
was feeling miserably, rheumatic pains in his limbs. He went to 
physician at Psychopathic, and he prescribed for him—sent him to 
the County Hospital for medicine. Showed bottle. He is willing 
to go anywhere to be quiet. 

Telephoned physician at Psychopathic but could not talk to him 
as he was making calls. Social worker reported that he advises that 
Mr. Parker be allowed to get his child and go South. Explained 
situation to them. 

Telephoned Rest Cottage.t They will accept Mr. Parker this 
afternoon. Gave him ro cents carfare. 

The following letter, dated September 2, 1919, received from 
Welfare Agency of Pulaski County, Arkansas, City Hall, Little Rock, 
Arkansas: 

We are in receipt of a letter from our correspondent in Arkansas City 
in regard to Frank Mason. She states that Mr. Nelson says Frank Mason 
worked for one month in the spring of 1919. Left Arkansas City and 
returned working for him for one week. He considers him a worthy fellow— 
deserving help if he is ill. He had with him his small son, aged two years. 
Left here for Texas Oil Fields. Mr. Nelson says Mr. Mason told him his 
wife died last winter of influenza, He (Mr. Nelson) knows nothing of the 
man’s past, previous to his working for him. 


September 6, 1919.—Letter, dated September 2, received from 
United Charities of Galveston, County Court House, Galveston, 
Texas. | 

Replying to your favor of August 27 in reference to Frank Mason and 
son: There is no such street as “Ringo,” either in this city or Texas City, 
across the Bay from here. I do not yet understand either from your letter 
or your telegram whether this man was supposed to have lived in Galveston 
or Texas City, but as we have thoroughly looked into the matter at both 
places, it will not be necessary for you to give further data. Evidently 
he is misleading in giving the address he has given, because it is unknown 
at both places. | 


September 8, 1t919.—Mr. Parker came to office stating he did 
not wish to remain at the Rest Cottage any longer. He complained 
about the care Charles is receiving at the Detention Home. 


™[A special hospital for cardiac cases and for convalescent care.] 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 441 


Later.—Mr. Parker in office stating he will not remain at Rest 
Cottage. Made arrangements for him to return to Y.M.C.A. 

Later.—General superintendent talked with Mr. Parker. He 
gave address of a brother, Sam Parker, on promise that telegram 
be sent to him regarding care for Ivan in his name asking that reply 
be addressed to Family Welfare Agency. Charles is not right name 
of child, correct name is Ivan. Mr. Parker wishes to enter a free 
hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Parker will go to West Side 
Dispensary September 9. 

Later.—Telegram was sent as follows: “Mr. Sam Parker, Jackson, 
Arkansas. I am ill and want to enter a hospital in Little Rock. 
Will you care for Ivan? Wire immediately—FRANK PARKER, Care 
of Family Welfare Agency, Chicago, Ill.” 

Later—Letter sent to social worker, West Side Dispensary, 
Chicago: 

We are referring to you Mr. Frank Parker, Y.M.C.A. Hotel, who is 
complaining of severe pains in his limbs. Mr. Parker was examined on 
August 19 under the name of Mason. The examining physician referred 
him to Knox Hospital. The physician there sent him to the Psychopathic 
Hospital for observation. He was released September 2 as non-committable. 
We tried to have Mr. Parker returned to the same department, but he did 
not wish to do that, yet he seems to be in need of medical care. We shall 
appreciate any attention you can give him. 


September 9, 1919.—Telegram from Sam Parker, Jackson, Arkan- 
sas, to Frank Parker, care of Family Welfare Agency, Chicago, 
received: “Will care for Ivan.” 

September 10, 1919.—Copy of the following letter from Chief 
Probation Officer, Juvenile Court, to the County Agent (attention 
Deportation Agent) received by Welfare Agency: 


We wish to call to your attention Frank Parker, twenty-seven years 
old, who is at present staying at the Y.M.C.A. Hotel in this city. About 
the middle of August Mr. Parker applied at the general office of the Family 
Welfare Agency for transportation to Colorado for himself and his two-and- 
one-half-year-old baby, Charles Ivan. He stated he had no permanent 
residence, but had been traveling about from town to town, having come to 
Chicago from St. Louis. His wife died in East St. Louis, December 19, 
1918, of influenza. Prior to this, Mr. Parker has spent some time in Galves- 
ton, Texas; Arkansas City, Arkansas; and Shreveport, Louisana. While 
the Welfare Agency was making an investigation, Mr. Parker disappeared, 
going to LaPorte, Indiana. The authorities there sent him to Joliet, from 
which place he was returned to Chicago. Fearing he was mentally un- 


442 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


balanced, the Welfare Agency placed Mr. Parker in the Psychopathic 
Hospital for observation and asked the Juvenile Court to file a petition 
for Charles. 

Petition was filed, the child being cared for in the Juvenile Detention 
Home. Mr. Parker was discharged from the Psychopathic Hospital, and 
has been staying at the Y.M.C.A. Hotel for the past ten days, his expenses 
there being paid by the Welfare Agency. 

At the time of the court hearing, September 3, Mr. Parker stated that 
he had a friend, Mrs. Robert Isham, who lived on North Street in Little 
Rock, Arkansas, who he felt would take the baby. His plan was to return 
to Little Rock, which he stated had been his residence some two or three 
years ago, and enter the County Hospital there. He gave us the names of 
his mother, Martha Parker, and a brother, Clifton Parker, who live on a 
farm near Brookville, a town near Little Rock. 

We communicated with the Chief Probation Officer, at Little Rock, 
asking her to locate Mrs. Isham and to obtain some information for us 
concerning the relatives in Brookville. A letter from her this morning gives 
little information. I am inclosing a copy of it. 

The Welfare Agency wired a brother of Mr. Parker, Sam Parker, at 
Jackson, Arkansas, asking him if he would take the child. They received 
a wire from there this morning stating he is willing to take Charles. 

Mr. Parker has been examined at the West Side Dispensary here. The 
examination has not been completed but he has been advised to return for 
an X-ray examination of his chest. 

We are asking to have the case of Charles Ivan continued another week. 
Will you kindly get in touch with the Arkansas authorities and inform us 
whether or not it will be possible for you to return Mr. Parker and child 
to Little Rock. 


September 11, 1919.—Salvation Army Relief Department, Mr. 
Merritt, telephoned saying that Mr. Parker applied to them for 
transportation to Arkansas. Mr. Parker stated that we refused to 
show him telegram from his brother Sam and also that Juvenile 
Court would release Ivan if he could get transportation. Gave Mr. 
Merritt report on case. 

Later.—Telephoned Juvenile Court the above. 

September 16, 1919.—Letter received from the West Side Dis- 
pensary of Chicago as follows: 


In re Parker, Frank ; 

Mr. Parker was examined in our General Medicine Clinic on September 9. 
An X-ray was advised, and patient was told to return on September ro. 
Examination has not as yet been completed. 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 443 


Later.—General superintendent telephoned district office that the 
Salvation Army have given Mr. Parker transportation to Arkansas 
and that child has been released by Juvenile Court. 

January 21, 1920.—Letter written to acting general secretary, 
Welfare Agency of Pulaski County, Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas: 


Re Frank Parker (alias Mason) 


Last September you were kind enough to have a visit made for us at 
Arkansas City in regard to the above-named man. ‘The information you 
gave to us was extremely useful. We have since learned that Mr. Parker 
has returned to Arkansas City with his little boy, Charles Ivan. 

Would it be possible for you to have your correspondent call on Mr. 
Nelson and find out if he knows anything about Mr. Parker at present. 
Naturally we are very much interested to know what care the child is 
receiving. 


January 30, 1920.—Letter, dated January 28, 1920, received 
from Welfare Agency of Pulaski County, Arkansas, Little Rock, 
Arkansas. 

Re Frank Parker (alias Mason) 

We have had a reply from our correspondent in Arkansas City regarding 
Frank Parker. She states that he is again employed by Mr. Nelson at 
fairly good wages. He has the child with him and they are boarding with 
a family by the name of Taylor. Mr. Nelson says he is very much pleased 
to have the man back again as he is a very good workman. 

If there is any further information we can secure for you, please do not 
hesitate to call upon us. 


[The following entries in the record of the Juvenile Court are of 
interest here.| , 

September 16, 1919.—Letter written to Relief Department, Sal- 
vation Army, Chicago, by Chief Probation Officer, as follows: 

I tried to reach you by telephone this morning to talk over with you 
the matter of getting Mr. Frank Parker and his child back to his people 
at Little Rock, Arkansas. I am anxious to get Mr. Parker back to his 
people as soon as possible. It may be that the expense of this will be borne 
by Cook County, but whether it will or not, I feel that Mr. Parker ought 
to go back as soon as possible. I should be glad if you would telephone 
me or call in and see me in this matter. 


September 17, 1919.—Colonel E. Stephensen, Salvation Army, 
telephoned that he was not in the city yesterday, but that his office 
has supplied Mr. Parker with a ticket at a half-rate (cost about $11). 


444 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Parker brought this ticket here yesterday afternoon and I released 
child. 

September 27, 1919.—Letter written to Mr. Frank Parker, care 
of Samuel E. Parker, Jackson, Arkansas, by Chief Probation Officer 
as follows: ‘‘I have been disappointed in not having heard from you as 
to your arrival at Little Rock and also as to how things are going with 
you. You will remember that you promised to let me hear from you.” 

January 26, 1919.—Letter written to Mr. Samuel Parker, Jackson, 
Arkansas, by Chief Probation Officer as follows: 


I have addressed several letters to Mr. Frank Parker in your-care, asking 
him to advise me as to how things were going with him and his child, Charles 
Ivan Parker. I have had no acknowledgment to any of the letters, although 
a registered letter sent on December 15, 1919, was receipted for by you. 
I have no desire to intrude on your brother’s privacy, but for reasons which 
I suggested to him in my letters, I am anxious to hear from him in order 
to justify my own action in this matter. 

I sincerely hope that he and the boy are well and that things are going 
well with him. The matter is no longer pending in the court and the infor- 
mation I ask is purely for my own satisfaction. I would appreciate it if 
you would write me just a line stating just what developments there have 
been since he went to you in September, 1919. 


February 1, 1920.—The following reply, dated January 29, 1920, 
received from Samuel Parker: 


Your letter of the 26th inst. to hand. Beg to advise that I have no 
knowledge of my brother’s whereabouts at present. Neither have I heard 
anything from him since he was in Chicago. At that time he telegraphed 
me if I would care for Ivan and I telegraphed him that I would, and I have 
never heard anything more from him. I would thank you to write me a full 
explanation of the matter as I am very anxious to help him if I can and 
can find him. 


February 2, 1920.—The following letter written to Mr. Samuel 
Parker, Jackson, Arkansas, by Chief Probation Officer: 


I beg to thank you for your letter of January 29,1920. Your statement 
that Mr. Frank Parker and his child never arrived at Jackson comes as a 
surprise and disappointment to me. Briefly, the facts in the matter as 
known to us are as follows: 

About August 20, 1919, Frank Parker, twenty-seven years of age, giving 
his name as Frank Mason, went to the office of the Welfare Agency of 
Chicago, with his child, whose name he gave as Charles Mason (he later 
gave the name Charles Ivan Mason), two and a half years of age. Mr. 
Mason asked transportation to Colorado Springs. He had no definite 


THE PROBLEM OF “NON-RESIDENCE” 445 


plan and either would not or could not tell a consistent story. Stated that 
his wife had died from influenza at East St. Louis, Illinois, December 109, 
1918; that prior to that time he had lived in Galveston, Texas; Arkansas 
City, Arkansas; and Shreveport, Louisiana. Stated that he had no perma- 
nent residence; that his illness had completely unnerved him. The Agency 
told him they would have to verify his statement before furnishing transpor- 
tation. ‘They arranged for the care of Mr. Mason and the child pending 
this. The following day Mr. Mason disappeared, going to LaPorte, Indiana, 
where transportation was furnished him to Joliet, Illinois, as per his request. 
The Joliet authorities sent him back to Chicago. Fearing that he was 
mentally unbalanced, he was placed in the Psychopathic Hospital, Chicago, 
for observation. ‘The child was taken care of in the Juvenile Detention 
Home. He was discharged from the Psychopathic Hospital as sane. 

Mr. Mason was extremely unwilling to give definite information about 
himself, and it was only after considerable delay and when he was convinced 
that we would not release the child to him to wander aimlessly that he told 
us of you, insisting prior to that time that he had no relatives anywhere. 
The telegram was sent you by him with our knowledge. He was not well. 
He had what appeared to be a form of rheumatism; had severe pains in his 
leg and also some difficulty in his chest. After we had gotten your message, 
the matter was taken up with the County Agent of this county to get 
transportation. Mr. Mason was very restless and anxious to get back to 
Arkansas. It was his plan to leave the child with you and to go into some 
hospital at Little Rock. He insisted that he would be able to take care of 
himself after he got to Little Rock as he had relatives and friends there. 

On September 16, he got the Salvation Army, acting independent of 
the county authorities, to furnish him with transportation to Little Rock. 
The child was released from the Detention Home to his father to start for 
Little Rock on that day. I personally gave him several dollars for food and 
incidental expenses enroute. He agreed to write me as soon as he got home, 
but I have heard nothing from him. 

I am inclined to the view that he was mentally distressed. I am sorry 
that we were not able to do something for him. As it was, I feel that our 
action in Chicago was absolutely negligible. From a professional stand- 
point, I am interested to know the final outcome of this case, and in the 
interest of social work, I should appreciate it greatly if you would let me 
know what you next hear from your brother. Should any information 
come to me, I shall immediately communicate with you. 


The Court Orders entered in this case were as follows: 


Sept. 3, 1919 Continued, roth Sept. 
Sept. 10, 1919 Continued, 22nd Sept. 
Sept. 22, 1919 ~~. Continued, 21st Oct. 
Oct. 21, 1919 ‘ Continued, generally 


SECTION IV 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 


19. The Family of Marya Kruszka 


(The Widow of Joseph Kruszka, Who Had Been Killed by His 
Brother, Leaving a Small Property) 


[The Kruszkas lived just inside the northern boundary line of 
the district called the “bush,” on the west side of a street running 
north and south. Their apartment is on the first floor rear of a three- 
story frame house, which appears rather run down. The building is 
painted a dull-gray color. The rear part of the building and the plain 
gravel back yard give one an impression of neglect. A wooden walk 
leads back from the street. On the north, a cement sidewalk separates 
the house from a clean and newly painted, two-story frame house. 
A public playground is directly opposite. The north end of the block 
is rather disfigured by a vacant lot which is strewn with old tin cans 
and rubbish. Just south, two “dry bars” occupy opposite corners. 
Barber Street, the east and west thoroughfare to the south, is quite 
attractive with neat cottages, small gardens, and shade trees. 
Although the houses in the neighborhood are, as a rule, close together, 
the congestion does not appear great, but the railroad tracks are not 
far to the west and south. A public school, the Reilly, is a block 
or so to the north and east, while St. Gabriel’s Church is a little to the 
west of the school. There are a good many rear houses in the neigh- 
borhood. ‘The people in the neighborhood are largely Polish with a 
sprinkling of Hungarian, Irish, and Slovaks. To the south, Mexicans 
and negroes are coming in.| 

November 8, 1919 (Saturday).—Mrs. Malachowski, 4944 Burlington 
Avenue, and Mrs. Stanley Kruszka, 5112 Burlington Avenue, in 
office asking aid for Mrs. Marya Kruszka, who is Mrs. Malachowski’s 
sister and the widow of Mrs. Kruszka’s nephew-in-law. Promised 
call in afternoon. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka, a tall, bright-faced woman with 
dark hair and eyes, was sitting in a clean warm kitchen, rocking her 
eighteen-months old baby, Edna (born April 29, 1918), and talking 
to her three handsome boys, John (born February 4, 1908), Charles 


446 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 447 


(born February 24, 1910), and Edward (born March 5, 1912). The 
dwelling is a four-room rear apartment on the first floor of a three- 
story building owned by Mr. Kruszka’s parents and now in the hands 
of the administrator, to whom Mrs. Kruszka pays $8.00 rent. On 
June 1, 1919, her husband, Joseph, was shot and killed by his brother 
Thomas in a quarrel. As Thomas ran from the house, a policeman 
shot and killed him. Mr. Kruszka’s father and mother had died 
within eight days of each other, February 12 and 20, rgig. 

Mrs. Wilt, Mr. Kruszka’s sister, has recently bought the boys 
winter underwear, and Mrs. Malachowski has been helping a great 
deal. She has three children and a husband on strike and does not 
see how she can help much longer. On her husband’s death, Mrs. 
Kruszka received $450 insurance from the St. Boniface Union of 
St. Gabriel’s Church. Of this she had to pay $263 for funeral expenses, 
and the rest went for living expenses. The three boys originally 
went to the Reilly School, then changed to St. Gabriel’s against their 
will, and next week Mrs. Kruszka is going to send them back to the 
Reilly School, where they get their lunches. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kruszka were both immigrants from Russian 
Poland but had lived in this country most of their lives. Mr. 
Kruszka’s father had been naturalized when the son was a little boy, 
and he was therefore a citizen. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kruszka were married at the Roman Catholic 
church in Glenwood, Ohio, as there was no church in Jamestown, 
Ohio, where they were living at that time. Mr. Kruszka’s mother 
and father owned the apartment house in which Mrs. Kruszka is 
living; but the will is still in the Probate Court, so until it is settled, 
she has to pay $8.00 rent. She will get one-seventh of the value of 
the house, which is $3,000, when the will is settled. Until then she 
must find some means of support. Mr. Kruszka was survived by a 
brother Stephen in Kenwood, Indiana, by three married sisters, Mrs. 
Wilt, Mrs. Barat, and Mrs. Zobek, and a fourteen-year-old sister, 
who lives with Mrs. Wilt. There is also his aunt-in-law, Mrs. Stanley 
Kruszka. Mrs. Kruszka has two married sisters, Mrs. Malachowski 
and Mrs. Safanski, and an unmarried sister living with Mrs. Safanski. 
[One previous address in a distant neighborhood was obtained, as well 
as the name of Mr. Kruszka’s employers.| 

Mrs. Kruszka cried and said she did not want to accept charity. 
She wanted some way of supporting herself; that while she had gone 
through only grammar school, she had learned something just by 


448 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


living. She is nervous and not feeling well, chiefly because she has 
been worried. Visitor suggested that she leave the baby with a sister 
or sister-in-law and do half-day work. Until then, she can get help 
from her relatives. 

November 12, t919.—Called. Mrs. Malachowski in home taking 
care of Mrs. Kruszka’s baby and of her own baby. Mrs. Kruszka 
has been working at the box factory for the past three days from 7:30 
A.M. until 5:30 P.M., doing her cleaning, mending, and cooking at 
night. She does not like the work, as she has to speed up to earn her 
$14. Explained to Mrs. Malachowski that if each of the relatives 
would pay a few dollars each month toward Mrs. Kruszka’s support, 
she would have to work only half-time and could get along very nicely 
until her father-in-law’s will is settled. Left address of Winsch’s 
restaurant, 927 East Street, and told Mrs. Malachowski to have 
Mrs. Kruszka apply there for half-day work as soon as a place was 
vacant. 

Later.—Got itemized bill from undertaker: 


Ca set 6 ak ok. ee ei ee ee $110.00 
GTaVG. AUC. DOK ..<cus sete ce eka eee oe 28.10 
SLID PCIS 7. o's oar weicie aioe Rae oat mee nee 1.95 
TEMIDALIUNS se. cava sot ee Stee erent 15.00 
CTEDO scales ccs ae sate ails cry cates tne anne 2 50 
Hearse. 8) JF Seah O29 TL re 17.00 
Door spray:d. O96 ARES EP Ie, FOU cee 14.00 

TOL Te ts ot tere te cemeteries $188.55 


November 13, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka had been unable 
to find the restaurant but anyway is not enthusiastic about a job as 
dish-washer. Urged her to let visitor see her husband’s relatives 
who are well-to-do. This she refused to do, saying she preferred to 


(The problem appears at once as a problem in mother’s work. The following 
statement concerning the attitude of social workers toward the gainful employment 
of mothers with young children is interesting at this point. 

‘Allowing always for personal factors that may modify the decision, the 
agencies in Chicago were fairly well agreed upon the following points: 

‘“‘t, Whether or not relief shall be given so that the mother can stay in her 
home depends in part upon the physical condition of the mother, which should be 
determined by a medical examination. The question of whether she should do 
part-time work and have her earnings supplemented is to be determined in part 
by the doctor’s report. This report should also be used to decide the kind of work 
the woman should do, but in practice doctors’ reports are little used as a basis for 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 449 


starve rather than accept charity from them.!_ Ever since her marriage 
they have shown her in many little ways that they do not care for her, 
and have made themselves generally unpleasant. Her own relatives 
are not able to help much, but from them she receives all that she gets. 
She agrees that she ought not to keep up the work at the box factory 
indefinitely, but will do so for another week during which visitor will 
try to secure more appropriate half-time work. 

November 19, 1919.—Called on Mrs. Malachowski. Told her 
we had two suggestions for Mrs. Kruszka; one for her to do home work 
for the New Health Brush Company, who pay $1.50 a dozen for 
hair brushes. Many women in their employ are making as many 


fitting women into suitable positions, owing to the lack of employment departments 
or visitors with time for this work. 

“2, Whether or not relief shall be given depends also upon the number of 
children. The mother of one child over 2 years of age is not given relief unless she 
is physically unfit for work, but she is left with full responsibility for the support 
of herself and the child. The mother of two or three children, if in normal health, 
is expected to help with the support of the family. It is agreed, however, that the 
mother of four children should be given relief sufficient in amount to enable her 
to stay home with the children. Whether relief should be given and whether the 
mother should work full time or part time depends upon the earnings and the 
competence of the individual woman as well as upon the domestic arrangements 
that can be worked out. 

“3. The question of giving relief depends in part at least upon the character 
of the mother, upon her ability to maintain a good home, and upon her willingness 
to co-operate in plans that mean proper care for the family.”—Helen R. Wright, 
Children of Wage-Earning Mothers (U.S. Children’s Bureau Publication No. 102), 
pp. 80-81. 

Mrs. Kruszka has four children, the youngest beyond the nursing age, the three 
older all in school. The plan of part-time work immediately suggests itself. 
Although she has an interest in the house, there is no income coming in. Eventually 
there may be a mother’s pension but not until the estate is settled and the share 
coming to Mrs. Kruszka used up. ‘These possibilities suggest themselves for her in 
connection with wage-earning: (1) day work or some form of domestic service, e g., 
dish-washing in a restaurant, or day work in a home; (2) home work for a factory 
that employs ‘‘out workers”; (3) factory work. The experience of Mrs. Kruszka 
in attempting these various forms of earning illustrates the disadvantage of each. 
See entries of November 13, 1919, dishwashing in restaurant; November Ig, 1919, 
out work for industrial company, also November 28, 1919, and December 4, 1919, 
also March 8, 1920, and March 31, 1920, June 10, 1920, and February 27, 1921. 


t [It might be noted that it was Mr. Kruszka’s aunt-in-law who came with Mrs. 
Kruszka’s sister to the office on the eighth. This may have offended Mrs. Kruszka 
as showing that her husband’s family wanted to get rid of any responsibility for 
her care.] 


450 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


as ten dozen a week; the other for her to get a position as waitress 
at the South West Inn. Either of these places will be glad to have 
her. Mrs. Malachowski said she thought that she and her two sisters 
could contribute $10 a month to Mrs. Kruszka’s income. Mr. 
Kruszka’s relatives could easily equal this, but Mrs. Kruszka refuses 
to accept a cent from them. Mrs. Malachowski will talk with Mrs. 
Kruszka tonight and telephone visitor sometime November 20 to 
tell her which Mrs. Kruszka prefers to do. As soon as the property 
is settled, Mrs. Kruszka agrees that she ought to move away from the 
present neighborhood in which she is living. She is only staying there 
now because she wants nothing to happen to the few hundred dollars 
which are coming to her. 

November 21, 1919.—Mrs. Kruszka telephoned saying that she 
will be glad to go down to the New Health Brush Company to see 
about home work any time that visitor will make appointment. 

Later.—Letter of inquiry written to James Lester and Pons 
Mr. Kruszka’s employers. 

November 22, 1919.—Telephoned New Health Brush Cin fata and 
made appointment for Mrs. Kruszka on November 24, 1919. 

November 24, t919.—Took Mrs. Kruszka down to New Health 
Brush Company and went through the factory with a view to getting 
home work for her. She made arrangements to start to work 
November 25. 

November 26, 1t919.—St. Ignacz’s Mission sent Thanksgiving 
basket. 

November 28, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka had just come home 
from New Health Brush Company with materials for six brushes. 
She spent two half-days learning how to make the brushes and now 
will begin home work. She doubts’ whether she can make enough 
money at this, but feels it is worth while trying. She received the 
Thanksgiving basket and was very grateful. Her sister-in-law, Mrs. 
Wilt, also sent part of a turkey up so that they had a very pleasant 
Thanksgiving Day. ‘Told her visitor would drop in during week to 
see how she was getting along. She has spent about all her money 
and feels it is going to be very difficult to live for the next week or two. 
Promised to visit her sisters and urge them to help. 

Later —Thomas Lester of James Lester and Company, Boiler 
Makers, telephoned office to say that Mr. Kruszka had been a splendid 
workman and had given no trouble whatsoever—that he had received 
splendid wages. Mr. Lester promised to send letter to this effect. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 451 


November 29, t919.—The following letter received from Mr. 
Thomas Lester, vice-president of James Lester and Company: 

In reply to your letter of the 21st inst., in reference to Joseph Kruszka, 
who was in our employ up to the time of his death. He worked for us in 
the capacity of “rigger,” and he was very capable in his line. Our superin- 
tendent reports that he was a hard worker, and a good man in all respects. 
His minimum wage per week amounted to $50. We hope this will give 
you the desired information. If not, let us hear from you further. 


December 1, 1919.—Called on Mrs. Safanski. She said that she 
had been helping her sister from time to time and would continue to 
do so when her sister asked for aid. Explained that Mrs. Kruszka 
is learning to make the brushes at home—would not make much money 
for the first two or three weeks and that during this period anything 
her three sisters might give her would be much appreciated. Asked 
her if she would not speak to her unmarried sister, Eleanor, who works 
at the box factory making $12 to $14 a week, and see whether each 
of them could not give at least a dollar a week and do it without 
Mrs. Kruszka’s asking. Mrs. Safanski thought they would do this. 

December 4, 1919.—Mrs. Kruszka at home alone. She was very 
much discouraged. It had taken her three days to make the six 
brushes which she had brought home from the New Health Brush 
Company. This would pay her only 75 cents. Therefore she feels 
the work is not worth while. She has given it a fair trial, as she 
has spent six days in all making brushes and her speed at the end of 
the time was not noticeably greater than at the beginning. She 
hates the thought of going back to the box factory and begging a 
new person each day to keep her baby. Told her that visitor would 
make a new plan for her and that things would soon be better. Visitor 
gained her consent to see the husband’s relatives, but was warned 
that they would not help. The only rich relative is Mrs. Stephen 
Kruszka, Mr. Kruszka’s aunt-by-marriage, sister of Mrs. Pytrycek 
(who is one of the Welfare Agency’s clients), and Mrs. Kruszka said 
that if she would not help her own sister, she is sure she will not 
help a niece by marriage. That even if she will help, she is the one 
relative from whom Mrs. Kruszka will never accept money. She 
prefers to starve first. Told her about Juvenile Court “Aid to 
Mothers” Pension and promised visit before December 8. 

December 5, 1919.—Visited. Left card to County Agent and told 
Mrs. Kruszka that we were applying for a Juvenile Court “‘Aid to 
Mothers” Pension for her. She was quite upset over the fact that 


452 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


at last she was going to accept public aid. Left grocery order on 
Blake’s instead of Novak’s as Novak had known her in her better days 
and it would be less humiliating to go to Blake’s. 

December 12, t919.—Mrs. Kruszka called to visitor as she was 
getting off car on Commonwealth Avenue. She asked visitor to come 
back home with her. She had just been to the County Agent’s and 
he had promised to call December 13. She needs coal. Told her to 
speak about this to the County Agent when he called. She has 
recently been down to see her brother-in-law, Mr. Wilt. He thinks 
there is some possibility of her collecting a thousand-dollar life insur- 
ance which her brother-in-law Thomas carried. Her husband was 
Thomas’ beneficiary. If the lawyer, Mr. Everett, in the Wentworth 
Building, can prove through Michael McGuire, the police officer who 
shot Thomas, that Joseph outlived Thomas, Mrs. Kruszka will get 
the money. If not, the money will go to the estate to be divided 
among the seven heirs. The insurance company is the New York 
Life, and Mrs. Kruszka will know within two or three weeks how the 
money is to be disposed of. She had received her marriage certificate 
from Holy Cross Church, Glenwood, Ohio. She will get a statement 
from the Union of St. Gabriel of the insurance already paid to her 
and also the baptismal certificates for her four children. Explained 
to her that if she gets the thousand-dollar life insurance, she will not 
be eligible for a pension until this and the money from her estate is 
used up.t. She must keep receipted bills to prove that she was not 
extravagant in the expenditure of this money so that when it is all 
gone, she can apply for her pension. 

December 13, 1919.—Invited boys to a Christmas party. Mrs. 
Kruszka got them washed and dressed in no time. 

December 15, 1919.—Took the following clothes for Edna: coat, 
two sets of underwear, two underslips, one hood, sweater, nightgown. 
Mrs. Kruszka will receive county supplies during the afternoon. 
The County Agent promised her coal, but it has not come yet. As 
visitor was on her way to the County Agent’s said she would let John 
come with her and would see that he got supplies and coal. Mrs. 
Kruszka has heard nothing more about the insurance from her 
husband’s brother-in-law. Visitor will take this up with Mr. Everett, 
the lawyer. 

t{Mrs. Kruszka’s intelligence and her understanding of English made this 


explanation simple. See below, p. 478, for the way in which a similar explanation 
was understood by a woman whose English was less sufficient.] 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 453 


Later.—Called at County Agent’s, who said coal would be sent 
in sometime during the afternoon. John given supplies. 

December 18, 1919.—Telephoned Mr. Everett and secured the 
following information. He is the lawyer for the Kruszka estate, 
which was filed in the Probate Court March 10, 1919. ‘The estate 
consists of $1,500 in the bank and the house in which Mrs. Kruszka 
lives. The estate will be settled very soon after March 10, 1920. 
Mr. Joseph Kruszka was insured in the St. Boniface Union for $g900— 
only $450 of which he thinks has been paid to Mrs. Kruszka so far. 
Thomas was insured in the New York Life Insurance Company for 
$1,000 with Joseph his beneficiary. If Mr. Everett can prove through 
Mrs. Kruszka and Officer McGuire that Joseph outlived Thomas, 
Mrs. Kruszka will receive the $1,000. Mrs. Kruszka says that her 
husband died only five minutes before the ambulance returned with 
Thomas’ body. Thomas had died before he got to the hospital, 
twelve blocks away. Mr. Everett says that he is trying his best to 
have the insurance company decide in favor of Mrs. Kruszka, of 
whom he spoke very highly. Mr. Everett will be glad to talk the 
case over with visitor at any time. 

December 19, 1919.—Gave name of family to Gertrude Club for 
Christmas and asked them to send milk for a month. 

December 22, 1919.—Called. ‘The three boys said their mother 
was washing over at Mrs. Malachowski’s. 

Later.—Called at Mrs. Malachowski’s. Mrs. Kruszka said the 
two young women from the Gertrude Club had called the previous 
night and said they would bring her Christmas basket December 24. 
They invited her to come down to the Club Christmas afternoon for 
their Christmas tree celebration, but she will be unable to accept this 
as the boys have no heavy overcoats. She has received county 
supplies. She has seen Michael McGuire, the police officer, and he 
says that he will swear that Mrs. Kruszka’s story is correct. He 
can be reached at the Tenth Precinct police station. It is true that 
Mr. Kruszka was insured for $900 in St. Boniface Union. Only $450 
of this has been paid to Mrs. Kruszka. The other $450, Mrs. Kruszka 
says, is being held for the children. Mr. Koskowski of the Northern 
Bank at 95 East Street, who paid her the $450, will know about this. 

December 24, 1919.—Gertrude Club sent check for $4.55 for milk 
for one month for this family. 

Later—Mr. Everett telephoned, asking visitor to get Mrs. 
Kruszka’s story and witnesses if she could. 


454 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


December 29, t919.—Called at Mrs. Malachowski’s, where Mrs. 
Kruszka was washing. Mrs. Kruszka received the $450 life insurance 
which remained to be paid from St. Boniface Union, December 26. 
She went down and made out papers which she gave to Mr. Everett 
December 27. This money is now in the Western Trust Company of 
Illinois and she will know some time this week in what amounts it is 
to be paid her. 

Later —Called to see Mrs. Ella Barat and Mrs. Anna Zobek, 
Mr. Kruszka’s sisters. Stephen Kruszka from Kenwood, Indiana, a 
young fellow of about twenty, was also in the house. All three agree 
with Mrs. Kruszka’s story but say that Thomas undoubtedly outlived 
Joseph. 

Later—Saw Father Lewandowski. He says the family do not 
belong to St. Gabriel’s Church, but that he did go there the night of 
June 1, 1919. He says that Thomas was a cripple. 

Later.—Obtained transcript of Coroner’s verdict! in the cases of 
Joseph and Thomas Kruszka, as follows: 


State of Illinois, County of Cook, 


An Inquisition was taken for the people of the State of Illinois at roth 
Precinct Police Station in the City of Chicago in said County of Cook on 
the 2nd and roth day of June and July 16th a.D., 1919, before me, James M. 
Hultmann, Coroner in aforesaid County, upon view of the body of Thomas 
Kruszka, then and there lying dead, upon the oaths of six good and lawful 
men of the said County who being duly sworn, to inquire on the part of the 
people of the State of Illinois into all circumstances attending the death of 
said Thomas Kruszka and by whom the same was produced, and in what 
manner and when and where the said Thomas Kruszka came to his death, 
do say, upon their oaths as aforesaid, that the said Thomas Kruszka, then 
lying dead at 4832 Harvard Avenue in said City of Chicago, County of 
Cook, State of Illinois, came to his death on the 1st day of June, A.D. 1919, 
at the South Side Hospital from shock and internal hemorrhages due to 
bullet wounds in abdomen inflicted from a revolver held in hands of one 
Michael McGuire, a Police Officer of the City of Chicago, on the rear steps 
of deceased’s home, number known as 4832 Harvard Avenue, as the deceased 


«(This record has several interesting features. Perhaps the most interesting 
is the item with reference to the exoneration of the police officer and his recommenda- 
tion to his superiors for efficiency in killing an escaping cripple. See on this subject, 
Edith Abbott, ‘‘Recent Statistics Relating to Crime in Chicago,” Journal of 
Criminal Law and Criminology, XIII (November, 1922), 329 ff., at p. 356, “‘ Homi- 
cides Committed by the Police.”’] 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 455 


was in the act of descending the said stairway after he had shot his brother, 
Joseph Kruszka, now deceased, in the above mentioned home June rst, 
A.D. 1919 about 11:05 P.M. From the evidence presented to the jury, we 
believe the said Michael McGuire, as Police Officer of the City of Chicago, 
was in the performance of his duty and justifiable in his act, and we exonerate 
him from all blame, we further recommend the said Michael McGuire, 
a Police Officer of the City of Chicago, to the commendation of his superiors 
for his efficiency. 

In Testimony whereof the said Coroner and the Jury of this inquest 
hereunto set their hands the day and year aforesaid. 


Copy of Findings of Coroner: 


State of Illinois, 
County of Cook. 


An Inquisition was taken for the people of the State of [Illinois at roth 
Precinct Police Station in the City of Chicago in the said County of Cook 
on the 2nd and roth day of June and July 16th A.D. 1919 before me, James 
M. Hultmann, coroner in aforesaid County, upon view of the body of Joseph 
Kruszka, then and there lying dead, upon the oaths of six good and lawful 
men of the said County, who being duly sworn, to inquire on the part of the 
people of the State of Illinois into all circumstances attending the death of 
said Joseph Kruszka and by whom the same was produced, and in what 
manner and when and where the said Joseph Kruszka came to his death, 
do say, upon their oaths as aforesaid, that the said Joseph Kruszka then 
lying dead at 4832 Harvard Avenue, in said City of Chicago, County of 
Cook, State of Illinois came to his death on the 1st day of June A.D. 1919 at 
the home of a sister, number known as 4832 Harvard Avenue, from shock 
and hemorrhage due to bullet wounds of breast and abdomen, said wounds 
inflicted from a revolver held in the hands of one Thomas Kruszka, brother 
of the defendent, now deceased, in the rear kitchen of the above mentioned 
home following a quarrel on June 1st A.D. 1919 about I1 P.M. 

In Testimony whereof the said Coroner and the Jury of this inquest have 
here unto set their hands the day and year aforesaid. 


January 11, 1920.—Mrs. Kruszka received letter from Juvenile 
Court Pension Department, asking her to make application for a 
pension last week. She wanted to find out from visitor when to go 
down. She will apply for her pension January 13. Miss Woodward, 
Gertrude Club, called when she was out and left clothing for the boys. 
None of it fitted any of the boys, so Mrs. Kruszka asked that visitor 
telephone Miss Woodward and ask her if visitor could not give it out 
to other needy families. Promised to do this. 


456 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 20, 1920.—Letter written Chief Probation Officer of the 
Juvenile Court: 


We have known Mrs. Kruszka since November 8, 1919. On June 1, 
1919, her husband, Joseph, was shot by his brother, Thomas, after a quarrel. 
As Thomas was running from the house, Officer McGuire, toth Precinct 
Police Station, fatally shot Thomas. Four months previous to this, 
February 8 and 20, 1919, the father and mother of these young men had 
died of influenza. They left an estate consisting of $1,500 in cash and 
the house in which the Kruszkas live, which is valued at approximately 
$3,000. 

This estate was filed in the Probate Court March ro, to19, and cannot 
be settled until after March 10, 1920. It is to be divided among Mrs. 
Kruszka and the five other heirs. 

Joseph Kruszka was insured for $900 in the St. Boniface Union (verified). 
Shortly after his death Mrs. Kruszka received $450 of this, out of which she 
paid the undertaker, Fifty-third and Barkey, $256, which covered her 
husband’s entire bill of $188 (verified) and $68 in part payment of Thomas’ 
bill. The rest went for household expenses. The other $450 was put in 
the Western Trust Company of Illinois in the trust fund for the children 
(verified). Mr. Everett in the Wentworth Building, lawyer for the Kruszka 
estate, recently secured a court order whereby Mrs. Kruszka has received 
$5.00 a week from this fund for each of the four children since about January 1 
(verified). ‘Thomas Kruszka was insured for $1,000 in the New York Life 
Insurance Company. This has not been settled because it has not yet been 
proved which of the brothers died first. The insurance policy was made out 
to Joseph. If it can be proved that he outlived Thomas, Mrs. Kruszka 
will get this insurance. Otherwise, it will be turned over to the estate to 
be divided among all the brothers and sisters. 

Mr. Joseph Kruszka was employed as a rigger by James Leslie and 
Company, boiler makers, who speak very highly of him, saying “he was a 
hard worker, very capable in his line, and a good man in all respects.” 

Mr. and Mrs. Kruszka were married June 12, 1907, in Holy Cross 
Catholic Church, Glenwood, Ohio (verified). Although both Mr. and Mrs. 
Kruszka were born in Russian Poland, they are citizens by reason of their 
fathers’ naturalization. 

We have the following relatives, of whom only Mrs. Wilt, a sister-in-law, 
is in a position to give much assistance: 

Stephen Kruszka, Kenwood, Indiana, brother to Mr. Kruszka 

Mrs. Josephine Wilt, 1442 Rose Street, sister to Mr. Kruszka 

Mary Kruszka, 1442 Rose Street, sister to Mr. Kruszka 

Mrs. Ella Barat, 4832 Harvard Avenue, sister to Mr. Kruszka 

Mrs. Anna Zobek, 4832 Harvard Avenue, sister to Mr. Kruszka 

Mrs. Malachowski, 4944 Burlington Avenue, sister to Mrs. Kruszka 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 457 


Mrs. Safanski, 5324 Esmeralda Street, sister to Mrs. Kruszka 
Eleanor Sabodka, 5324 Esmeralda Street, sister to Mrs. Kruszka 
Mrs. Stanley Kruszka, 5112 Burlington Avenue, aunt to Mr. Kruszka 


January 21, 1920.—Telephoned Mr. Everett to ask what had been 
decided about Thomas’ insurance. He stated that as he had never 
received visitor’s letter on the subject, nothing had been done. Sent 
another copy of the testimony, asking him to telephone if this was not 
received. Mrs. Kruszka has received her $80 from the Western Trust 
Company of Illinois for January. 

January 27, 1920.—Saw Mr. Everett. He is working on insurance 
case. Reports that testimony sent was very satisfactory. 

February 2, 1920.—Saw Edward’s birth certificate, bearing date 
as follows: March 5, ro12. 

February 3, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka is going to move to 
49560 Essex Street, second floor, where she lived before she lived at 
present address. ‘The rooms are much lighter and dryer and the rent 
is only $9.00 a month. The only objectionable feature is that rooms 
are over a saloon. Mrs. Kruszka will live there only until she can 
get some better place. She has been doing her sister’s washing each 
week, making $3.00 extra in this way. She has heard nothing from 
Juvenile Court nor from Mr. Everett. She very much needs a new 
suit and hat and a chiffonier. Told her visitor would try to think 
of some way to get those for her. 

February 5, 1920.—Got school reports for the three boys. They 
are very good in all respects. 

February 14, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka’s new rooms! are 
bright and sunny and thoroughly desirable. 

February 25, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka is getting along very 
nicely, doing Mrs. Malachowski’s washing each week, for which she 
is paid $3.00 and occasionally helping out her sister-in-law. Took her 
some waists for the boys. 

February 27, 1920.—Notification received, Juvenile Court Aid to 
Mothers—‘ Dismissed—Has money.”’ 

March 2, 1920.—Saw baptismal certificates for all four children. 
John, Charles, and Edward were baptized in St. Gabriel’s Church. 
Edna was baptized in St. Cecilia’s. 

March 8, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka was stitching garters. 
She gets $1.85 for 144 pairs. It takes her a day and an evening to do 


t [The new dwelling was a block west and a block south of her previous dwelling, 
It was just under the tracks of the railroad.] 


458 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


this. Suggested that it would pay her better to do fancy work for 
the Woman’s Exchange than unskilled work like garters. She will 
copy a luncheon set of visitor’s and take it to the Woman’s Exchange. 

March 30, 1920.—Telephoned Mr. Everett, lawyer. As he has 
been too busy to work on the case, he has turned it over to one of his 
assistants. He will be willing to have us take the matter up with 
Legal Aid Bureau. He apologized for having done nothing on the 
case so far. 

March 31, 1920.—Took Mrs. Kruszka down to Legal Aid Bureau. 
Members of the staff conferred on case and decided that it was too 
complicated for Legal Aid. At visitor’s suggestion, attorney made out 
legal form which visitor is to try to persuade all the heirs to sign. 
If they refuse, visitor is to refer Mrs. Kruszka to Mr. McDowell, 
an insurance lawyer who will take the case probably on a 25 per cent 
contingent basis. Attorney thinks that while Mr. Everett is undoubt- 
edly a fine type of man, it would be unethical for him to represent 
Mrs. Kruszka, as he is the lawyer for the estate. 

Later.—Case presented at» Advisory Committee. Decision: 
Endeavor to persuade the relatives to sign the following statement 
releasing their interest in Thomas’ insurance policy to Mrs. Kruszka 
and make an effort to secure half-time work for her at the Acme 
Department Store, using Mrs. White’s recommendation. 

Copy of paper to be signed by relatives, prepared by attorney 
of Legal Aid Bureau: 

We, the undersigned, being all the heirs of Thomas Kruszka, deceased, 
for and in consideration of Mrs. Joseph Kruszka’s having assumed the 
funeral expenses arising out of the death of Thomas and for other valuable 
considerations in hand paid, do each of us individually and jointly, hereby 
release, relinquish, and assign to the said Mrs. Joseph Kruszka for the use 
of herself and her children all rights, interest and title to a certain claim 
against the New York Life Insurance Company arising out of insurance policy 
No. 43271 issued by the Insurance Company aforesaid on life of Thomas 
Kruszka and payable to Joseph Kruszka as beneficiary. And we do further 
authorize Augustus Wilt as administrator of the estate of Thomas Kruszka 
aforesaid, to pay the sum or sums recovered by virtue of the aforesaid 
insurance policy over to Mrs. Joseph Kruszka for use of her children and 
herself, if the Insurance Company pays the sum called for by the policy 
over to him as administrator. 


A pril 6, 1920.—John, Charles, and Edward sent to circus on pass 
given by Chicago Daily Republican. ‘Transportation furnished by 
Great Lakes Steel Company. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 459 


April 7, 1920.—Took clothing for boys. 

April 9, 1920.—Visited Mr. Everett. Mrs. Kruszka was in to 
see him April 8 and asked that he proceed with her affairs as he had 
originally intended. He will make her a very nominal charge if 
visitor will take the matter up with the insurance company when the 
case has been worked out. He made no charge for securing the money 
from the St. Boniface Union for the children. 

April to, 1920.—Visited. Talked with Mrs. Kruszka in regard 
to position at Acme Store. She will think this over while she is 
finishing the luncheon set. 

May 3, 1920.—Mr. Vale, in Mr. Everett’s office, telephoned to 
say that he had letters of administration and certified copies of findings 
of coroner’s inquest. He would like visitor to have conference with 
Mr. G. E. Woodman, 835 Belmont Avenue, who represents the claim 
division of the New York Life Insurance Company. 

May to, 1920.—At visitor’s request, Mr. Woodman, New York 
Life Insurance Company, dictated in visitor’s presence a very clear 
and urgent letter to the main office of the New York Life Insurance 
Company, inclosing all of our evidence and asking that the matter 
be settled as soon as possible. Mr. Woodman reports that there are 
two points to be considered in the award. First, to determine whether 
Thomas’ death at the hands of the policeman could be construed as 
“death by his own hand or act” and second, to determine which of the 
brothers died first. He will notify visitor as soon as he hears from 
the claim department. 

June 1, 1920.—Luncheon set finished; sold for $15. 

June 10, 1920.—Mrs. Kruszka has at last found a satisfactory 
position as pantry woman in the Tremont House, working from 9:00 
to 5:00 and making $75 a month. 

June 18, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka has at last been awarded 
Thomas Kruszka’s insurance by the New York Life Insurance Company. 

June 21, 1920.—Visited. Insurance has been received ($977). 
This Mrs. Kruszka has banked; but before she uses any of it, it must 
go through the Probate Court. Then she will follow visitor’s advice 
and invest at least half of this money in Liberty Bonds. 

June 30, 1920.—Edward, John, and Charles sent on country 
outing for two weeks. Medical blanks signed by Dr. James B. Lane, 
5320 Essex Avenue. 

November 9, 1920.—Mrs. Kruszka in office. She is getting along 
well and continues to work at the Tremont Hotel. She asks aid in 


460 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


regard to her boys’ health. John has been ruptured since birth and 
Eddie needs glasses. Mr. Everett charged her $100 for his services, 
but Mrs. Kruszka does not want office to take the matter up with him 
until after her father-in-law’s estate is settled. 

November 18, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka was at home. She 
gets one day off every other week and spends her day cleaning house. 
She said they would go to the dispensary for examinations if we make 
the appointment. Eddie has glasses which he got through school. 
Mrs. Kruszka said we could leave a message for her any time at her 
sister’s, Mrs. Malachowski’s. Mrs. Malachowski takes care of her 
baby for her. The boys have lunch at school so ordinarily there is 
no one at home during the day. 

December 4, 1920.—John was examined at West Side Dispensary 
by Dr. Berry. He was diagnosed as having a hernia and in need of 
an operation. 

December 18, 1920.—John will let visitor know a few days before 
he wishes his operation so that arrangements for a bed at the hospital 
can be made. 

December 21, 1920.—Sharpe and Company took Eddie’s facial 
measurements and prescription for glasses. 

December 29, 1920.—Mrs. Kruszka, by telephone, asked what 
hospital John was to go to for his operation. As Mrs. Kruszka is not 
working this week, she would like to have John operated on while she 
is home. She requested a visit to talk the matter over. 

December 30, 1920.—Visited. Eddie’s glasses have been delivered. 
Mrs. Kruszka would like to have Charles’s eyes examined. His 
glasses have been broken and he has gone without them for some 
months. Mrs. Kruszka thinks that the boys will do much better in 
their school work if their eyes are fitted with proper glasses. Eddie’s 
teacher told her that his eyes were very poor and that as a consequence 
he was behind in his work. Mrs. Kruszka would like to have John 
operated on at a hospital on the South Side where she can more easily 
visit him than at the County Hospital. 

January 3, 1921.—Visiting Nurse will visit with the intention of 
having John re-examined at a hospital on the South Side preliminary 
to an operation. 

January 18, 1921T.—Visiting Nurse reports that John was operated 
on at Sinai Hospital (a South Side Hospital). 

February 11, 1921.—Charles was referred to Visiting Nurse, who 
will see to it that his eyes are examined and properly fitted. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 461 


February 23, 1921.—Mrs. Kruszka telephoned to report that, 
due to the falling off in restaurant patronage, she was laid off. In 
addition John is just back from Sinai Hospital, where he has been for 
six weeks paying $10.50 a week. Charles needs a change of glasses 
probably as he complains a great deal about his eyes. 

February 27, 1921.—Mrs. Kruszka spent a very pleasant day with 
visitor, at whose home she came to dinner. She has improved greatly 
in every way during the past year and is extremely ambitious for her 
boys. ‘The reason John did not receive free care at the hospital was 
not because of the negligence of the Visiting Nurse, but because John 
felt so strongly about the matter and because Mrs. Kruszka was eager 
to have John in a hospital where she could get to see him while 
she was working. Mrs. Kruszka feels very badly about leaving her 
children all day long. John is a remarkably responsible boy and 
takes almost entire charge of Edna after school hours. However, 
she deplores the fact that during the next five or six years when 
supervision will mean so much to the children, she will be unable to 
oversee them. | 

_ April 4, 1921.—Mrs. Kruszka telephoned that in spite of every 
effort she has been unable to find work. Asked visit and suggestions. 

April 6, t921.—Charles was taken to St. Bride’s Hospital where 
he had his eyes examined. He was given a prescription and told to 
return. The prescription was filled by Welfare Agency. 

April 8, 1921.—At Mr. Everett’s request, took him evidence 
submitted to insurance company establishing kinship. This will be 
needed in Probate Court. 

April 12, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka is still looking for a job. 
She will call at the office and let the visitor get in touch with various 
hotels to see whether anyone of them will take her on their force. 
Mrs. Kruszka needs clothing for the boys. 

April 20, 1921.—Visited. Charles is still having to go to the 
St. Bride’s Hospital in regard to his eyes. Mrs. Kruszka appreciates 
the effort Welfare Agency is making in Charles’ behalf, getting him 
to the clinics, etc. 

April 29, 1921.—Mrs. Kruszka has gone back to her old position 
at the Tremont House. She has worked already three days. 

June 15, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Kruszka is very anxious to have 
John, Edward, and Charles go for summer outing where they were 
last summer. As Mrs. Kruszka is working, she cannot accompany the 
children on a summer outing. 


462 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


20. The Family of Mary Legaikas 
(A Lithuanian Widow with Five Children under Ten) 


[The house was on a quiet and attractive street running north and 
south. The street was narrow and ungraded; but it was overgrown 
with clover, and there were houses on only one side, so that it seemed 
rather likea country road. The family lived in the rear of an old frame 
house with a high brick basement, one story, and an attic. From the 
outside it looked very decent. The windows of the basement were 
of fairly good size. A well-kept lawn surrounded the house on three 
sides. Along the road on the same side of the street there were nice 
grass plots and quite tall oak and other shade trees. ‘The frame houses 
at the south end of the block are older than the more attractive 
cottages to the north. However, almost all the houses had nice 
flower and vegetable gardens, as well as front lawns, and the houses 
were built a considerable distance from the sidewalk. 

The people living in this neighborhood are mostly Americans 
and Germans, but toward the east they are mixed and toward the 
south there are a good many Hollanders.] 

July 3, 1918 (Wednesday).—Miss Ellis, Visiting Nurse, telephoned 
asking immediate investigation. The family is without food. Miss 
Ellis can be reached by telephone next week at South Side 209 during 
the noon hour. [No agency was registered on the case.] 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas is a widow with five children: 
Nicholas (born March 24, 1909), Martin (born January 3, 1011), 
Elizabeth (born November 13, 1912), Victoria (born May 13, 1915), 
and Gladys (born August 22, 1916). Mr. Legaikas was taken ill 
with pneumonia. When he recovered from this, doctor diagnosed 
his case as gallstones. Took him to St. Augustine’s Hospital. He 
lived two weeks after the operation. Physician, Dr. Burley, 5685 
Green Street. Mrs. Legaikas feels very bitter toward Dr. Burley, 
as no gallstones were found after the operation was made and Mr. 
Legaikas was too weak to recover. He died June 22. 

She had just received a bill from the doctor for $250, also one 
from the hospital for $75. Showed bills to visitor. 

Mr. Legaikas was employed at the Car Repair Shops. He 
worked by the piece, earning from $75 to $100 a month. Carried 
no insurance. Took out naturalization papers two years ago, but 
these Mrs. Legaikas cannot find. He belonged to the St. Gabriel’s 
Benevolent Society, Spauda M. G. Balutis, 438 Kenton Avenue, 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 463 


secretary. Received $5.00 a week sick benefit during Mr. Legaikas’ 
illness. They also looked after the funeral expenses and have in 
addition given Mrs. Legaikas $25, of which she still has $10. 

Mr. Legaikas bought a Liberty Bond at the Car Repair Shop 
and paid $6.50 on it. Mrs. Legaikas worried about further payment. 
Promised to investigate same and see if a refund could not be secured. 
She had only her window card to show that this purchase had been 
made. She owns property—in the hands of a Lithuanian Building 
and Loan Company, 848 Marshfield Avenue, Spauda J. A. Zelius 
and Sons. There is still $800 mortgage on property, value of which 
Mrs. Legaikas does not know. She is moving into basement rooms. 
Plans to rent first floor. Five rooms in good condition. Inspected 
same. Plans to rent these for $12 a month. 

She has but one relative, a brother, John Vasiliankas. He works 
in the Car Repair Shops and lives, she thinks, at State and Iowa. 
Mr. Legaikas has a brother somewhere in the United States, but he 
has not heard from him in years. Mrs. Legaikas does not look at all 
strong. Very depressed and worried over her responsibilities. Has 
a very good garden and eight chickens. The only debts she has aside 
from the doctor and hospital bills are $54 to Calumet Butcher and 
Grocery Store and $30 to her brother. Promised later visit. 

July 9, 1918.—Telephoned Miss Ellis, Visiting Nurse. Gave 
report. She is very anxious to co-operate if: medical attention is 
needed. Will visit Mrs. Legaikas and arrange for her to have an 
examination at North Side Dispensary. She visited, following one 
call which was made by the county doctor. Mrs. Legaikas then did 


«(This first interview sets out vividly the distressed and confused state of 
mind of this non-English speaking immigrant mother of five children, the oldest 
of whom is nine, bereft a fortnight before by the sudden illness and death of her 
husband. The visitor learns from her the facts relating to (1) Mr. Legaikas’ 
illness and death, (2) Mr. Legaikas’ employment and earnings, (3) insurance and 
funeral costs, (4) the ownership of the house including the relations with the Lithu- 
anian Building and Loan, (5) the name and address of her brother, (6) citizenship, 
(7) indebtedness, (8) the attempted purchase of the Liberty Bond. There are 
three men to whom the visitor can turn for advice and council, the brother and 
the secretary of each of the two societies, the St. Gabriel’s Benevolent and the Lithu- 
anian Building and Loan. It will be a long time before the nine-year-old boy can 
go to work, and the problem is one of a mother’s allowance, probably under the 
Mothers’ Aid Law. This possibility throws out the two questions: (1) Is Mrs. 
Legaikas a fit mother? (2) Is she sufficiently necessitous? The second of these 
questions is attacked first by the visitor, and she hunts down the twe secretaries 
before seeking the brother.] 


464 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


not seem strong but seemed more worried over situation in family 
than to be suffering from any organic trouble. 

July to, 1918.—Endeavored to locate Spauda M. G. Balutis and 
Spauda J. A. Zelius. Learned from Mr. Balutis, who has a printing 
establishment at 438 Kenton Avenue, that ‘“spauda” is a Lithuanian 
word for ‘“‘printed by”’ (since all the other matter printed on the card 
was in Lithuanian, his name was mistaken for that of secretary). 
Referred visitor to Charles Smolczynski, 124 Colorado Street, for 
Lithuanian Building and Loan and to Mr. Ezerkis, 12180 Myrtle 
Avenue, regarding the Benevolent Society. 

July 12, 1918 (Friday).—Visited Mr. Ezerkis.t! He is not a 
member of St. Gabriel’s Society. Referred visitor to Mr. Thomas 
Lepelis, 55 Pennsylvania Street, who is president of the society. 
Mr. Ezerkis is a member of the Holy Name, of which Mr. Legaikas 
was also a member. At his death, society gave Mrs. Legaikas $75. 
Have $80 more to pay her. Benefits are collected by each member 
paying into the society $1.00 for each member in behalf of the family 
of the deceased member. It usually takes three months before the 
money is all paid into the society. He will take up with the society 
at its next meeting, which will be Sunday, July 21, the matter of 
paying this amount to Mrs. Legaikas in instalments before the 
whole amount is paid. Any plan of co-operative paying that the 
Welfare Agency can work out with St. Gabriel’s, for the benefit of 
Mrs. Legaikas, Mr. Ezerkis will be glad to take up with Holy Name 
Society. 

July 15, 1t918.—Visited Mr. Smolczynski. After third visit, 
found him in office. He is a member of the board of the Lithuanian 
Building and Loan Company.? They have a meeting tonight. He 


™|The methods of the foreign benefit society are illustrated well by this as by 
the Chiesa case, p. 27, and the Juraitis case, p. 36. See regarding these cases, 
etc., Breckinridge, New Homes for Old, pp. 187-218; John Daniels, America via 
the Neighborhood, pp. 96-107. . These entries also show the good will and intelli- 
gence that might be made use of by the General Family Agency, at least to make 
known the purpose and aims of the organization.] 


2 |The following description of the methods followed by the building and loan 
societies is taken from the Ninth Annual Report of United States Commissioner of 
Labor, “Building and Loan Associations,” pp. 12, 13. 

“The stockholder or member pays a stipulated minimum sum, say one dollar, 
when he takes his membership and buys a share of stock. He then continues to 
pay a like sum each month until the aggregate of sums paid, augmented by the 
profits, amounts to the maturing value of the stock, usually $200, and at this time 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 465 


has none of the books at his real estate office. Will get description, 
etc., of property for visitor. Arranged to call on following day. 
Thinks Mrs. Legaikas should sell her property as soon as matter 
can be arranged, as the Loan Association would be obliged to foreclose 
if regular payments were not made. 

July 16, 1918.—Visited Mr. Smolczynski. Building and Loan 
Company has loan of $1,100 on Mrs. Legaikas’ house and two lots. 
Mr. Legaikas had paid $286 on this mortgage, balance of $814 due. 
Valuation, $2,000. Frank Nauseidus of the Nauseidus Real Estate, 
121 Myrtle Avenue, also a board member, has a buyer for the property. 
Will sell the property for $2,000. This, Mr. Smolczynski thinks, is 
a good bargain, providing the real estate company does not demand 
a high commission for sale. 

Later.—Visited Nauseidus Real Estate Company. Mr. Nauseidus 
has made all the arrangements for sale at $2,000. Mrs. Legaikas is 
very fortunate to have a buyer at this time. Mr. Nauseidus will 
charge only for cost of abstract. Property will have to go through 
the Probate Court, probable cost, $200. Transaction will take at 
least three months. After mortgage is settled with the Building 
and Loan Company, and the debts incident to sale, Mrs. Legaikas 
will realize about $900. Since the property constitutes Mr. Legaikas’ 


the stockholder is entitled to the full maturing value of the share and surrenders 
Pieysames his ; 

‘fA shareholder who desires to build a house and has secured a lot for that purpose 
may borrow money from the association of which he isa member. Suppose a man 
who has secured his lot wishes to borrow $1,000, for the erection of a house. He 
must be the holder of five shares in his association, each share having as its maturing 
value $200. His five shares, therefore, when matured, would be worth $1,000, 
the amount of money which he desires to borrow. .... In a building and loan 
association the money is put up at auction usually in open meeting on the night or 
at the time of the payment of dues. Those who wish to borrow bid a premium 
above the regular rate of interest charged, and the one who bids the highest premium 
is awarded the loan. The man who wishes to build his house, therefore, and desires 
to borrow $1,000, must have five shares of stock in the associaton, must bid the 
highest premium, and then the $1,000 will be loaned him. To secure this $1,000, he 
gives the association a mortgage on his property and pledges his five shares of stock. 
To cancel this debt he is constantly paying his monthly or semi-monthly dues, 
until such time as the constant payment of dues, plus the accumulation of profits 
through compounded interest, matures the shares at $200 each. At this time, then, 
he surrenders his shares and the debt upon his property is cancelled.” 

See also United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Bulletin, No. 55; also, 
Proceedings at First International Congress of Building Societies, 1914, pp. 40 f.] 


466 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


whole estate, Mrs. Legaikas will be given the entire amount rather 
than a widow’s third. 

Later.—Visited Thomas Lepelis, president St. Gabriel’s Benevolent 
Society, who, not being a member of the committee in charge of the 
financial arrangements for Mrs. Legaikas, knew nothing about the 
amount paid. However, it is customary for the society to allow $50 
on the funeral expenses and also for each member to contribute $1.00 
each in behalf of the widow. Funeral expenses, he understands, were 
taken care of jointly by the Holy Name Society and St. Gabriel’s. 
Referred visitor to Mr. Smolczynski, who is treasurer of the society. 

July 17, 1t918.—Visited Car Repair Company. Time keeper 

or superintendent of employment not in. Learned that all payments 
on Liberty Bonds secured by employees were paid at the Security State 
Bank. ; 
July 20, 1918.—Visited Mr. Smolczynski in regard to Mrs. 
Legaikas’ benefit from St.Gabriel’s. Mr. Smolczynski showed receipts 
for $17.30 paid in her behalf to the undertaker, Mr. Norris, West Street 
and Ontario Avenue; priest $10; grave $15—total $42.30 for funeral 
expenses. Balance of undertaker’s bill was paid by the Holy Name 
Society. Following Mr. Legaikas’ death, $37.70 was paid to Mrs. 
Legaikas in addition to the $35 sick benefit during Mr. Legaikas’ 
illness. There is a balance of about $70 which the society will have 
to give to Mrs. Legaikas. It is not customary to pay this until the 
whole amount has been collected. However, Mr. Smolcyznski will 
make arrangements with the society whereby all the money which is 
received following the meeting July 21 will be paid to Mrs. Legaikas 
soon after; likewise, the money collected at their next meeting which 
will be the first Sunday after the fifteenth, will be paid to her. It will 
be impossible for the society to hold this amount and to give a cer- 
tain amount each week.’ 

Later.—Visited Mr. Ezerkis. He had talked over the matter 
with a number of the members of the Holy Name Society, and they 
have decided that they too would pay to Mrs. Legaikas the money 
which they collected at each monthly meeting. Gave visitor her 
brother’s address. This brother had seen Mr. Ezerkis about the 
benefit. He had heard about the arrangement for the sale of the pro- 


t (Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 3, sec. 75; chap. 39, sec. 1, 
par. 4; chap. 41, sec. 1.] 

2[The idea of trusteeing these moneys was in the visitor’s mind, but the 
society does not undertake that responsibility.] 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 467 


perty and is very anxious to see Mrs. Legaikas move where she will 
be nearer a Lithuanian school.? 

July 24, 1918.—Telephoned Legal Aid. - According to the new 
state law, property held jointly must be probated. This is a necessary 
expense and cannot be avoided. 

Later.—Visited Security State Bank. Showed the Liberty Bond 
window card of Mr. Legaikas. Mr. Whitney looked up his record, 
found he was employed in the steel department, his number being 92578, 
that he had bought a Liberty Bond upon which he had paid $6.50. 
Gave this to visitor to give to Mrs. Legaikas. Gave receipt for this. 

July 26, to18.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas had left to purchase 
shoes for herself. Waited until her return. She still complained 
about “‘much troubles.” Had purchased shoes which from the 
appearance of those she wore, she needed very badly. Paid $2.00 
for these. Received $17 from St. Gabriel’s this week but nothing 
from the Holy Name. Did not appear to know about her property 
transaction but seemed rather pleased to learn of the purchase of the 
new property. Had looked in vain for a place in Pineland which 
she could rent. Had decided that it would be better to purchase 
property. Mr. Nauseidus, real estate agent, had property which 
answered her purpose very nicely for $1,100. Mrs. Legaikas had 
heard of the Mothers’ Pension but was very uncertain as to just what 
she could expect from this and how she would go about securing the 
same. Told her it would be better if she rented the property but 
that visitor would talk over matter with Mr. Nauseidus, see what 
arrangements could be made, and report to her later. Gave her the 
$6.50 refund received from the Security State Bank on Liberty Bond. 

July 27, 1918.—Visited Mr. Ezerkis. Feels certain that it will 
be impossible for Mrs. Legaikas to rent property in that neighborhood. 
Tried himself to locate family, and the only way he could do was to 
rent the property himself and sublet to the family he was interested in. 
Feels that Mrs. Legaikas is very much worried over her situation 
because she does not understand and does not know that she can 
trust the Welfare Agency. Advised that we make such property 
arrangements with Mr. Nauseidus as would make it satisfactory 
with the Pension Department. Advised that her brother could 
understand English better and that he would be able to assist in giving 
the instructions to Mrs. Legaikas about spending her money, keeping 
receipts, etc. 


1 [Nicholas was attending a Polish Catholic school.] 


468 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later —Visited Mr. Nauseidus. Has sold property to Mrs. 
Legaikas for $1,125. This cottage, although small, is in good repair, 
and the street assessment for the present year is paid. ‘There is a 
$500 mortgage on the property which is not due until 1920. Had 
advised Mrs. Legaikas to pay for property up to this mortgage. Mr. 
Nauseidus has found that he can secure abstracts and deeds for pro- 
perty she wishes to sell without taking the matter through Probate 
Court. The burial certificate from undertaker will be sufficient to 
show Mrs. Legaikas’ sole ownership. ‘The property that has been 
bought more recently has not yet been recorded, and it will be 
a small matter to record this in her name. When the transaction 
is all made, she will have from four to five hundred dollars, which 
will Jast her until pension is granted. If the Welfare Agency advises, 
he can put the purchase on a contract plan; but unless this is necessary 
the original plan would be advisable, as it would be a source of annoy- 
ance to Mrs. Legaikas to have to pay off the contract by monthly 
payments plus interest. Asked that visitor report later whether or 
not this plan would affect her getting the pension.’ 

July 29, 1918.—Telephoned Mr. Nauseidus. Reported that it 
would be satisfactory, owing to the valuation of the property, for 
Mrs. Legaikas to pay for property up to the mortgage of $500. 

Later—Telephoned County Agent. Mrs. Legaikas receives her 
supplies [$3.00]. 

July 31, 1918.—Visited. Reported that it would be a satisfactory 
arrangement so far as Mothers’ Pension was concerned and for her 


t[This planning with reference to eligibility for Mothers’ Pension illustrates 
the effect of legal definiteness. The plan is carefully worked out so that as large 
a share of her little property as can be managed is put into the home with the reason- 
able assurance of an allowance when the surplus is exhausted. The earlier pension 
law rendered ineligible any woman owning property. The amendment allowed an 
amount equal to that exempted from claims of creditors under the homestead 
exemption law. Jllinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 52, secs. I-12. 
The point is that the visitor thought that the value of her interest must be kept 
below $1,000. The phrasing of the Mothers’ Aid Law is “A mother shall not receive 
such relief who is the owner of real property or of personal property other than 
household goods, but no mother who shall be the owner of personal property, or the 
holder of, or entitled to a homestead under the exemption laws of this State, or who 
is the holder of, or is entitled to a dower right in real estate, provided the fair cash 
market value of .... said real estate . . . . is not more than $1,000, shall be 
denied relief under this act’’ (sec. 11 [6]). See also I/linois Revised Statutes (Smith- 
Hurd, 1923), chap. 120, sec. 297. Under the revenue law, real property is valued 
at fair cash value and assessed at one-half that value.] 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 469 


own welfare to buy the cottage, paying for the property up to the 
mortgage of $500. ‘The balance that she receives she will deposit in 
the bank and check out as needed for current expenses. Gave her a 
book, with instructions to keep very carefully all her receipts. Told 
her Welfare Agency would visit her occasionally to see how she was 
getting along and would file application for her for the pension when 
her money had all been spent up to about $200. Mrs. Legaikas 
has not been able as yet to find Mr. Legaikas’ first papers. Told her 
if she did not find these when she moved, visitor would accompany 
her to the County Building, where she would take out her first papers. 
She plans to move the middle of August. Is feeling much better. 
She is looking much better than on first visit. Visiting Nurse had 
suggested that she go down town to the Dispensary. She feels, 
however, that this is too far and that she would be worse for the trip. 
Will be very glad if arrangements could be made to have an examina- 
tion nearer home. 

August 9, 1918.—Met Mrs. Legaikas on the street. She moved 
this week. Very anxious for visitor to come and see her in her new 
home. Promised visit next week. She did not find her husband’s 
naturalization papers.? Asked her brother about them, and he did 
did not even know from what court Mr. Legaikas had taken them out. 

Later.—Telephoned Miss Ellis, Visiting Nurse. She was unable 
to persuade Mrs. Legaikas to go to Dispensary, as it was a very long 
trip. Visiting Nurse telephoned Dr. Estill, county doctor, who had 
been called to see Mr. Legaikas before his death. Reported her in 
a run-down condition due to worry, but he did not think she had any 
chronic trouble. Would be very glad for Welfare Agency to arrange 
examination in the neighborhood. Felt Welfare Agency could per- 
suade her to have this done, as Mrs. Legaikas has expressed to the 
Visiting Nurse her confidence in the Welfare Agency. 

August 12, 1918.—Telephoned Dr. Anderson [whose office was 
in the loop]. She is out of town on business. Will return on the 
afternoon of August 14. 

August 15, 1918.—Telephoned Dr. Anderson. She will be very 
glad to examine Mrs. Legaikas any Friday afternoon that is convenient 
to her. 


t[The requirement of the Mothers’ Aid Law concerning citizenship and the 
practice of the Agency in the matter of the widow taking out first papers has been 
discussed above, see p. 91. See United States Annotated Statutes, Second Edition, 
VI, 938.] 


470 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


August 22, 1918.—Telephoned Juvenile Court, Pension Depart- 
ment. Mrs. Legaikas, though Lithuanian, may go to either the 
Circuit or Superior Court, fourth floor, County Building to take out 
her first papers, preparatory to getting Mothers’ Pension. This 
would be better than searching for Mr. Legaikas’ papers. 

Laier.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas is very well located in her new 
home. The four rooms are unusually clean, and the cottage is well 
decorated. She discovered after moving in that the sills and joist 
on the northeast corner are badly rotted. These will have to be | 
repaired at once, as this corner is beginning to sag. She has spoken 
to the real estate agent, Mr. Nauseidus, about this and tried to change 
the sale, but it was too late. He has promised to arrange for repairs 
although it will have to come of her receipts. Property otherwise is in 
very good condition. Cement sidewalks in front and leading to both 
front and back doors. 

She tried to keep most of her receipts but finds it impossible to 
get all the receipts of butcher and grocer.t Showed visitor receipts 
which totaled $124.97; these visitor listed in book which she had 
given Mrs. Legaikas for that purpose. Eighty dollars of this amount 
had been paid to her brother. Said she feared his anger and dis- 
pleasure if same were not paid. She is very indefinite about amount 
she received from benefit societies and real estate agents. ‘Seemed 
rather unreliable in regard to this information. Martin’s and Victor- 
ia’s faces were badly broken out. Gave her letter of introduction to 
Dr. Anderson for examination Friday, August 23. Advised that she 
take the children with her and have their faces examined. 

She is very anxious to take out her citizen papers. Advised 
that she be ready to go with visitor to Superior Court, Monday, August 
26, at 9:00 A.M. 

August 26, r918.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas was ready to go with 
visitor. She was dressed very nicely in a black serge skirt, black 
silk waist, and a hat with large widow’s veil. Went as directed to 
Dr. Anderson’s office last week. Dr. Anderson had given her three 
prescriptions, filled, two for herself and one a salve preparation to 
apply.on the children’s faces. Advised that her trouble would improve 
and that an operation was unnecessary; also that the salve would be 
sufficient for the children’s trouble. She requested Mrs. Legaikas 

*[The careful habits looking toward the Mothers’ Pension again indicate 


the effect of definite requirements. Mrs. Legaikas is to give the court positive 
evidence that she is a ‘‘fit”’ mother.] 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 471 


to return to her office in two weeks; this she will be glad todo. Ap- 
preciated examination by Dr. Anderson and appears to have great 
confidence in her. 

Mrs. Legaikas told visitor a little of the early history of her life. 
She lived in a little village in Lithuania, Russia. The family was 
poor, and she never attended school; she had to work on the farm 
daily. Her brother came to this country about thirteen years ago. 
In this country he met Mr. Legaikas, arranged for the marriage, 
and sent for her. She was forced to come, although she did not want 
to marry and, in particular, she did not want to marry Mr. Legaikas. 
He had sent his picture, and she had disliked it from the beginning. 
When she arrived in this country, she refused to marry him; but her 
brother threatened to hang himself if she did not. She arrived in 
June and married the same month here in the city. Said after she 
had been married for a time she learned to like Mr. Legaikas better. 
Said she missed him very much now that he was gone but more 
because she had the responsibility of the children. Has always been 
very fond of children and at one time was anxious to have a large 
family. Now feels the responsibility of her children very greatly and 
says many times she does not like her children at all. Says that chil- 
dren in this country are too “fresh”; they are unwilling to work as 
they do in the Old Country. Mrs. Legaikas never regrets coming to 
this country, would not think of returning to the old home and customs. 

At the Superior Court, the clerk made out papers giving the facts 
of intention for Mrs. Legaikas. Paid $1.00 for them. 

Mrs. Legaikas claimed money that she had so far received from 
benefit societies and the first $100 received from real estate agent 
at the time she moved has all been spent, and she had to borrow $10 
from her brother. She was very nervous about being in the city, 
very much frightened at riding on elevators, and felt certain she would 
get lost. Put her on car which would take her directly home. 

September 20, 1918.—Following letter written to Mr. H. H. Ezerkis, 
Holy Name Society, and a similar one to Thomas Lepelis of St. 
Gabriel’s Society, by district superintendent: 


We are very much interested in Mrs. Mary Legaikas and family, 
living at 205 West Montenegro Street. This family, we understand, you 
have been interested in during Mr. Legaikas’ illness and later in the general 
welfare of the family following his death. 

We are particularly anxious to have Mrs. Legaikas keep a careful 
account of all money she has had and expended since her husband’s death, 


472 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


as this will count very much in her favor when the Juvenile Court makes 
their investigation for the Mothers’ Pension. 

Mrs. Legaikas cannot state definitely how much she has received from 
the Holy Name Society. Will you kindly inform us as to the amount she 
has received and whether or not you plan to assist in the future? It will 
probably be many months before she will receive the Mothers’ Pension, 
although she has her citizen papers and her application. has been filed. The 
delayed investigation is due to lack of funds and the large number of appli- 
cants ahead of Mrs. Legaikas. In view of the fact, will it be possible 
for you to give any assistance in addition to your regular amount in behalf 
of this family? We shall greatly appreciate a reply. 


September 23, 1915.—The following letter received from secretary 
of St. Gabriel’s Society: 

In reply to your letter of the 2zoth addressed to Mr. Thomas Lepelis, 
Chairman, St. Gabriel’s Society, of which I am secretary, in regard to Mrs. 
Mary Legaikas. 

Beg to advise that up to this time Mrs. Legaikas has received from the 
Society the sum of $104, which is the total amount due her. In the future 
she will receive no help from this Society. 

I trust that this is the information desired and that you will be able to 
do something for Mrs. Legaikas in the near future. 


September 24, 1918.—Visited Nauseidus Real Estate office. Mrs. 
Legaikas has a balance of $236.25, which she has not as yet drawn. 
Showed visitor account up to date of which the following is a copy: 


Cash on property sold........ PR nr HEAT $2,000.00 
July 17, commission on deal and clearing of title. . 100.00 
DERLN COLCA LOice aac, «as ee ee eS ee .50 
August 8 to Mrs: Legaikas—cashy.°..... ss. s oe 100.00 
TO 1OLMicr AADCUOL ot, Sere Peat ee ke eee eae 562.50 
August 26, cash to Mrs. Legaikas... 00.020... 100.00 

August 26, to Building and Loan Company balance 
on loan ont property’). Diineve fart Tim. ons 835.50 
Recording of warranty deed... is. 2.0) 00.0 vee oe KS 
Title-and Trust;Company~, .7 bie ae hed. nee 13.50 
Revenue stanins 4.-« ao thutiat Naren deatetnal cate 1.00 
September 17, cash to Mrs. Legaikas............ 50.00 
Balance’due-Mrs.Legaikas’., Sb. 2229s, Gani, 236.25 
$2,000.00 


Mrs. Legaikas originally agreed to pay $1,125.50 for property. 
After having moved, she tried to back out because she found property 
needed new sills on one side. The former owner came down $50, 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 473 


the amount needed to cover the necessary improvements. Mr. 
Simkus, secretary of St. Gabriel’s Society, was the agent in Mr. 
Nauseidus’ office who made the sale for Mrs. Legaikas. 

October 30, 1918.—Telephoned Mr. Nauseidus. Mrs. Legaikas 
drew $50 on October 7, which left a balance of $186. Arrangements 
have all been made to have house raised and to have new posts put in; 
probable cost $150. Improvements will be completed probably in 
a week or ten days. | 

November 6, 1918.—Visited Mr. Ezerkis on another case. He 
reported that Mrs. Legaikas had called to see him, asking if Welfare 
Agency has secured information regarding her affairs from him. Also 
requested that he give a false report as to the amount of money which 
the society had given. He attributes this to ignorance on her part, 
and the desire to get from all sources all that was possible. He advised 
her that she must be truthful to the Agency or she would get no 
assistance whatever. 

December 4, 1918.—Young girl in neighboring store telephoned 
for Mrs. Legaikas. Said she had no money, no food, and the children 
need shoes. Asked visit. 

December 5, 1918.—Visited Nauseidus Real Estate Company. 
Improvements on house will cost $300. Mortgage has been raised 
$100. Mrs. Legaikas drew out $50 November 13. Has $136.25 
left. This will go to pay for the improvements on the house, and she 
will have no living expenses. Mr. Nauseidus is worried about Mrs. 
Legaikas. Willing to aid in any possible way. Is not charging for 
his services and will have to put in some of the money for the house. 
He may be able to sell it. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas claims she has not a cent left. 
Showed receipts of expenditures made, except groceries. Grocery 
receipts she could not get. Visitor went into pantry and inspected 
food. She had a large sack of potatoes, which she purchased from 
a vegetable peddler, and enough staple groceries to last until county 
supplies are delivered the tenth. Has no lard, butterine, or meat. 
The milkman is still delivering milk, but she will have no money with 
which to pay him this month. Said she owed Mrs. Papkas, a neigh- 

* [Note Mrs. Novotny above p. 175. This attempted dissimulation is not to be 
wondered at. The position of this visitor is so much more favorable than that of 
the visitor in the Novotny case because she knows the facts. Mrs. Legaikas soon 
learns that the visitor does know and that misrepresentation does not pay. The 


difficulty then is one of understanding. See entries January 27, 1919; January 
30, 1919; February 13, 1919; February 20, 1919; February 21, 1919.| 


474 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


bor, $5.00. She spent $2.75 of this for pants and $2.00 for shoes 
for one of her boys. . Her gas bill amounts to about 75 cents a month. 
Uses one stove. Elizabeth and Nicholas need shoes. Visitor advised 
her to apply to County Agent for coal and shoes. Has received letter 
from Washington, stating that she should attend night school, pre- 
paratory to taking out second papers. Will be unable to do so, as 
there will be no one to take care of the children at night. She took 
Nicholas’ shoes to the shoemaker to be fixed for $1.86. As he has 
new shoes he will not need these at present. 

December 7, 1918.—Telephoned grocery store, and ordered one 
pound of lard, one pound of butterine, and two pounds of Dar DUraSe 
steak, in all amounting to $1.20. 

December 9, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas very much pleased 
with the county shoes she had received for the boys, and very grateful 
that visitor had told her about it. Has also received coal from the 
county. The neighbor she borrowed $5.00 from is a Mrs. Papkas. 
Visitor again looked over receipts. Mrs. Legaikas has receipts for 
water bill, $2.07; last gas bill, 96 cents; $5.00, $2.50, and $5.00 for 
clothing; $3.90 milk. Told visitor she had purchased china cups for 
$1.13; a wagon to haul groceries from County Agent’s office for $7.00; 
potatoes for $3.75; coal for $6.50; wool with which to knit stockings, 
$3.00. In all, the above articles mentioned amount to $40.81. 
Elizabeth came home from school. Is a sweet-looking little girl, 
very neatly dressed, but her coat is too small. Left grocery order 
on Boorman for $5.00. 

December 11, 1918.—Visited County Agent. Family are receiving 
rations. 

December 15, 1918.—Visited John Vasiliankas, brother of Mrs. 
Legaikas. Lives in a very nice cottage, but there is a mortgage of 
$800 upon it. Makes about 55 cents an hour in the Car Repair 
Shops, but he has a large family to support. Does not think he is 
able to do anything financially for his sister but is very willing to 
help her in any other way possible. Very often works for her all 
day Sunday, chopping wood, etc. He intends to paint the new founda- 
tion for her house, and will furnish the paint himself. Is very sorry 
for his sister and is very sorry he cannot do more for her. Said it 
was the doctor’s fault that Mr. Legaikas died. He was always a 
strong, healthy man. Mrs. Legaikas, however, is not strong. 

December 20, 1918.—Mrs. Legaikas in office saying food all gone. 
Had 17 cents yesterday, which she used for the last food which she 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 475 


has had. Showed grocer’s check for same. She would like to 
change butchers because Mr. Boorman would-not call up Welfare 
Agency office for her yesterday. Told her to talk it over with visitor. 
Gave grocery order of $3.00 on Boorman. | 

December 30, 1918.—Mrs. Legaikas very grateful indeed for lovely 
toys brought to children Christmas and for excellent dinner received. 
Children have never had such a Christmas before in their lives, and 
she was very happy. Showed several doll beds, three or four dolls, 
books, and games. A large roast was sent in, nuts, apples, vegetables, 
can of corn, and several glasses of preserves and jam. Mrs. Legaikas 
complained about treatment received from grocer. Promised to 
write down articles bought from grocer. Nicholas would do it. 
Seems very anxious to co-operate. Left cash grant of $5.00. 

Later.—Visited St. Vincent’s Church. Father Norus is well 
acquainted with Mrs. Legaikas. Spoke highly of her. Promised 
to take up matter of securing aid, and visitor to call again for report. 

Later.—Visited school. Children well cared for and in regular 
attendance. | 

December 31, 1918.—Ordered one quart of milk daily for one month. 

January 2, 1919.—Visited to make budget. Mrs. Legaikas cannot 
bake any more and does not like to build hot fire in the stove, as the 
lining is burned out. Seems to be very economical about use of coal 
and light. Makes very good use of county supplies. Cooks oatmeal 
one hour. Does not care to give the children much meat. Thinks 
the cereals with milk are much better for them, and they like to eat 
them. She expressed appreciation of what the Agency had done 
for her. 

January 3, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas’ brother was there 
fixing the stove, as it was burned out. Found stove too hot to fix 
then but would return January 5. She has $1,000 fire insurance, 
costing $6.00 per year. Took out policy through Nauseidus. 
Ordered one quart milk daily for the month of January. 

Later.—While visiting Mrs. Pesek (case), learned that she owes 
Mrs. Legaikas $5.00. Mrs. Pesek is quite well acquainted with Mrs. 
Legaikas. Formerly loaned her $50, which has been paid. Knows 
Mrs. Legaikas to be destitute at present. 

January 7, 1919.—Visited. House looked very nice and clean. 
The floor is all covered with a new piece of linoleum, which was pur- 
chased with the house. The improvements on the house look very 
well done, and Mrs. Legaikas’ brother promised to paint the whole 


476 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


house for her in the spring. Has been very much kinder and more 
interested in her welfare since visitor called on him. He fixed the 
stove inside and yesterday gave her $1.00 for food. Paid the gas 
bill of 59 cents up to December 27. Is by nature inclined to be close 
with his money. 

The children are all well except Victoria, who has been having 
trouble with her ear. Mrs. Legaikas showed visitor receipts for 
groceries. Gave further instructions on approved and disapproved 
foods. She got along nicely on $5.00 until January 4. Gave cash 
grant of $5.00. She will keep receipts. . 

January 14, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas having difficulty 
in getting along on $5.00 allowance. Showed visitor receipts. Pur- 
chased eggs twice. Promised to bring menus and receipts for cheaper 
foods on next visit. Gave cash grant for $5.00. 

January 16, 1919.—Visited. Ordered an additional quart of milk 
daily, January 17 to 31, inclusive. 

January 21, 1919.—Visited St. Vincent’s School. Spoke to 
Sister Veronica, who complained that Martin and Nicholas were very 
mischievous, although Elizabeth was a well-behaved little girl. The 
boys do not do very well in school, and Sister Veronica would appre- 
ciate it greatly if visitor would speak to Mrs. Legaikas concerning 
their home work. 

Later.—Visited Father Norus, who received visitor cordially. 
Is very grateful to Agency for caring for family. Has taken matter 
up with Parish Relief Society, although their funds are not ready for 
disbursement for a few more months. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas seems to be quite hopeless in her 
attitude. Does not know how to manage very well and is constantly 
worrying. Showed visitor receipts for money spent. Was grateful 
for additional quart of milk each day as they have always been used 
to drinking a great deal of milk. Her brother painted the foundation 
of the house very nicely. He also repaired the children’s shoes. from 
the county. Gave her a book in which to enter accounts. Left two 
nightgowns and two under-garments for Gladys, a coat for Elizabeth 
which Mrs. Legaikas will be able to shorten. Mrs. Legaikas needs 
shoes. Children are not insured. Left cash grant for $7.00. 

January 25, 1919.—Visited Mr. Nauseidus. Improvements on 
property cost $176. Mrs. Legaikas has balance of $140. Interest 
on property is $18 every six months. Taxes amount to about $10. 
Mortgage is $600. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 477 


January 27, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas claims she did not 
know she had any money left in the bank. Was unwilling to believe 
it wasso. Seemed rather nervous about visitor knowing this. Visitor 
spoke to Nicholas and Martin about behavior at school. ‘They prom- 
ised to attend to lessons more faithfully. Gave Mrs. Legaikas re- 
cipes for cheaper foods. Explained to her she must be very careful 
to keep account of expenditures in the future. 

January 28, 1919.—Committee decision: To put in regular 
allowance due according to budget. 

January 30, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas at first refused to 
admit that she had money in the bank. Asked visitor who told her, 
and visitor said she could figure up accounts without being told and 
did not admit that Mr. Nauseidus had given the information. She 
then said she did not think she had money in the bank and told visitor 
to see Mr. Nauseidus again. Said she had no groceries in the house 
and did not know what to do. 

Later—Telephoned Nauseidus’ Bank. Mr. Nauseidus asked 
visitor if Mrs. Legaikas would not be allowed to retain some money 
in the bank in case of emergency, and visitor explained that money 
would have to be used before the Agency could give any aid. Mr. 
Nauseidus then said he had made some mistake in giving statement 
of money to visitor, as a $50 withdrawal of money by Mrs. Legaikas 
had not been entered by the stenographer, and refused to give account 
of this money, as he was busy. 

Later. —Visited. Explained to Mrs. Legaikas that she would 
have to use her money, and she said that Mr. Nauseidus had told her 
she hada little money in the bank but that it did not amount to much— 
$soorso. Explained very carefully to her that she would have to use 
it and that she should be very accurate in telling visitor how she used 
this. She promised to do so. She said she had not realized that she 
had money in the bank and that all transactions had been made 
through Mr. Nauseidus, so that she had not always been informed 
as to the exact amount. Mr. Nauseidus had refused to tell her how 
much money she had in the bank when she had been in, January 28, 
as he had been so busy. Advised her to go to Nauseidus’ Bank at 
once and make withdrawal, and keep all receipts of the money. Will 
do so. 

February 1, 1919.—Met Mrs. Legaikas on the street. She has 
made a withdrawal of $50 and will use money with care. Is very 
much pleased that she still has some money of her own. 


478 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


February 13, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas had wanted visitor 
to call. Had receipts of articles which had been purchased or showed 
visitor the articles with the price marks. Had purchased a bed, 
mattress, and spring for $25, comforter for $6.75, embroidery for a 
dress, and several articles which were quite unnecessary. She did 
not have money enough left to purchase food for the following day. 

February 17, 1919.—Visited Nauseidus Real Estate office. Mr. 
Nauseidus not in. 

February 18, 1919 (Tuesday).—Mrs. Legaikas telephoned asking 
visit some day this week. Promised visit the twenty-first. 

February 20, 1919.—Mr. Ezerkis telephoned. Mrs. Legaikas 
had come to him asking help. Said Welfare Agency told her no help 
could be given until money was spent. Now money is spent and help 
is refused. Reported expenditure of money. Promised visitor would 
see him. 

February 21, 1919.—Visited Mr. Ezerkis. Gave report of Mrs. 
Legaikas’ expending money for bed and other articles. Mr. Ezerkis 
asked visitor to visit her and explain to her that she should not have 
spent money so rashly. 

Later. —Visited Mrs. Legaikas. Said she had been without funds 
but had borrowed $5.00 from her brother. This morning her brother 
refused to give her another cent. Showed visitor a book in which the 
money spent had been entered. 


Expenditures: 
Two pairs’of shoesiescat . sees Urey aCe eee $10.50 
One remnant, 52 cents, one 67 cents, one 36 cents 1.55 
i1One dress USI). AAR OB, I, Fee 1.29 
Three waists 202. J os\J.latt GIVI ets wiaw bSanceicD 3.00 
Onespreadizey. .eacls' a1.400.0096 “iw oct Bhd 3.98 
One,scomtorter: bard.ada Licesagl Ps «pe aaah meee 6.98 
Shirt and Manisias eam o<4.> bee dash therh ales nl ea 7.00 
ES {ae RR. jae ot ag aE Me eee tly Tee mene Ho mf 25.00 
GaSe ces Bice cad: auhleccsatt * a Ree Caanaiae eg 
Newspaperorone-vear 7). pone ne cate ee eee reel 3.00 
Jishes 4 Re iy ees ahh estes ee ee Suna eh arn eee 1.30 
MK ae etree. Bele sits ded aries oie neg hte Semonacand 5.83 
Sheets and: pilloW Cases. rei.d. toek sy Caaekte Eel were ele | 2.00 
Embroidery ¢ijiviavlucve tele eee 0 eae eo a eee sas 
Light!) 324.00) OP. 2PA Balk FIG. POR a Lo} 55 
Thread? GA OMOL GO. Sei. HW ie OP ee de). See, ie) 
Food... AR Fe. 1G wader aan aailiifeoae bee 16.00 





THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 479 


She said she understood that if she spent the money she would 
again have help and said she had needed articles purchased. Visitor 
‘told her bed could have been procured free of charge, and she should 
try to return bed to dealer and visitor would procure another bed 
for her. She will make attempt to return bed. She asked visitor 
if she would speak to dealer, but visitor told her she must do this 
herself. 

Told her visitor would credit her with $2.00 worth of groceries. 
She complained of grocer’s treatment, and said she would never have 
anything to do with him again. Gave name of Thomas Kasko, 
grocer, who had been very obliging to her. 

Later.—Visited Thomas Kasko. ‘Told him to credit Mrs. Legaikas 
with $2.00 worth of groceries. Will do so. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Papkas, a neighbor.t Was busy preparing 
supper. Had little to say regarding Mrs. Legaikas but stated she 
_ was a very good mother, though not in a physical condition to care 
for her children. Feels very sorry for her and wishes she could help 
in some way, but Mrs. Papkas has a family of her own to support. 

February 25, r919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas has not spoken 
to furniture dealer regarding bed but will do so. Promised visit in 
a few days. Left grocery order of $2.00 on Kasko. 

Later.—Visited Nauseidus. Mrs. Legaikas drew out $20 on Febru- 
ary 2. Has no more money left in bank. He stated he was too busy 
to give statement of her withdrawals. 

February 28, 1919.—Telephoned Thomas Kasko to grant Mrs. 
Legaikas $3.00 worth of groceries. 

Later.—Two quarts of milk reordered for month of March. 

March 3, 1919.—Visited. House rather upset but clean. Mrs. 
Legaikas said she is getting along very nicely and needs nothing except 
food. St. Veronica’s Society to which she belongs meets monthly. 
The main function is the insurance, but social functions are also con- 
nected with it. In May will have & large picnic. Children are all 
going to school regularly. Gave cash grant of $8.75 and advised her to 
keep careful account of expenditures. She is very grateful. Has 
been to dealer who sold the bed. He refused to take bed back. 
Family has sufficient bedding. 

March to, 1919.—Neighbor telephoned for Mrs. Legaikas saying 
the children were ill. Promised to send county doctor. 


(This is the first visit to a present neighbor. The visitor is evidently puzzled 
over the problem and wants help. It is a kind entry.] 


480 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


[From this time until May 19, 1919, the care of the family proceeds 
without extraordinary incidents. The two little girls, Victoria and 
Gladys, get diphtheria and have to go to the hospital for contagious 
diseases. The visitor sees to it that Mrs. Legaikas is kept informed of 
their condition. She also on the advice of the Legal Aid Society 
undertakes to obtain an estimate of the value of her property made by 
an authoritative agency. On May 109, 1o19, the following letter was 
written to the Chief Probation Officer of the Juvenile Court:] 


We are referring to you as an applicant for assistance under the ‘‘ Aid 
to Mothers Act” Mrs. Mary Legaikas, 205 West Montenegro Street. 
Although Mrs. Legaikas’ property has been valued by the party from whom 
she purchased it at $1,125, we believe the real value to be less than this 
amount. There is, moreover, a mortgage on the property of $600, 

We are writing this note at the suggestion of the Head of the Aid to 
Mothers Division, with whom we have conferred in regard to Mrs. Legaikas’ 


property. 


May 20, 1919.—Visited John Vasiliankas, who is now in the grocery 
business. Talked over situation. He is very willing that his sister 
receive goods at a discount. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas showed visitor gas plate which 
she received from her brother. She had told him that the Agency 
had said he must purchase it for her. Cost was $10. Children all 
well. Mrs. Legaikas attended English class May 15. Gave cash 
grant of 85 cents and grocery order of $6.00. 

May 26, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas sound asleep. House 
in great disorder. Said she was very tired because she had gone to 
cemetery in the morning to visit her husband’s grave. Gave grocery 
order of $6.00 and cash grant of $5.20 from which she will pay gas 
bill of 41 cents; carfare to English class, 20 cents; English primer, 
28 cents; water bill, $3.57; and the remainder 74 cents for household 
incidentals. 

May 31, t919.—Ordered two quarts of milk daily for month of 
June. 

June 2, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas did not go to English 
class because she heard the teacher was ill. Had just bathed children, 
who are always very nicely kept. House was rather dirty and in 


t [Conditions are such that eligibility may be claimed for a Mothers’ Pension. 
The Welfare Agency has led her along ten months. But the way is not wholly 
smooth. See entries of June 23, 1919; July 15, 1919; July 18, 1919; July 24, 1919; 
July 30, 1919; August 7, 1919.] 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 481 


great disorder, however. Left grocery order of $6.00 and cash grant 
of 65 cents. 

June 9, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas went to Juvenile Court 
to make application for Mothers’ Pension but was refused because 
of owning property. Later received a letter telling her to come again 
which she did. Was unable to give any further information about it. 
Gave grocery order of $6.00 and cash grant of 65 cents. Mrs. Legaikas 
gave visitor bill for special assessments of $36.30. 

Later.—Visited Nauseidus Real Estate office. Mr. Nauseidus 
not in. Clerk gave information. Mr. Nauseidus has abstract of 
title which will be kept until the mortgage is paid. Mortgage will 
be due in four years and two months. 


[The Welfare Agency record may be interrupted here to make 
place for excerpts from the Juvenile Court record. Mrs. Legaikas 
had gone to the court on June 5. The following correspondence 
brings out the relations between and among certain agencies:] 

June 6, 1919.—Letter written by Chief Probation Officer to execu- 
tive officer of Charitable Corporation: 


Mrs. Mary Legaikas, who is B-112 on our waiting list, was recently 
notified to come in and make application for a Mothers’ Pension. When 
she called yesterday, we found, upon questioning her, that she owns property 
valued at $1,150; and we were, therefore, unable to take her application, 
and so informed her. She called again today, saying that she had been 
asked to do so by your office, and we are writing this letter to explain the 
matter to you. The law does not allow us to take the applications of 
women who own property worth more than $1,000. 


June 9, 1919.—Letter received by the Chief Probation Officer 
from Charitable Corporation: 


In reply to your letter of June 6, regarding Mrs. Mary Legaikas, we wish 
to state that in compliance with a letter received from the head of the 
Mothers’ Aid Division several months ago, requesting us to notify all those 
whom we were assisting, that they must present themselves at the court 
when notified, otherwise their names would be dropped from the list, 
Mrs. Legaikas’ name was on the list which we received June 4, and, accord- 
ingly, we notified her to appear in court, so that she would be entitled to a 
hearing when her turn came on the list. 

In reference to the property, the information which we first received 
regarding this family from the Family Welfare Agency of Chicago, is as 
follows: 

“Mr. Legaikas was a member of the Holy Name Society as well as 
St. Gabriel’s Society, and $104 was received from the latter, but we have 


482 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


been unable to obtain the exact amount given by the Holy Name Society, 
but understood it to be similar. 

“He owned his home, valued at $2,000 but there was a mortgage upon 
this of $800. The house was sold, and after the mortagage was settled with 
the Building and Loan Company and after the debts incident to the sale 
were paid, Mrs. Legaikas realized about $900. Another house was 
purchased, valued at $1,125, upon which there was a mortgage of $500. 
It has been necessary to make improvements upon the property, and the 
cost of these was $300. The improvements on the house necessitated 
raising the mortgage $100. 

“Mrs. Legaikas has used up the last of her resources on hand, making 
it necessary for her to obtain outside help until her Mothers’ Pension is 
received. 

“Her brother, Mr. John Vasiliankas, is unable to help her financially. 
She was even obliged to return the $80 she had borrowed from him. 

“Tt will probably be many months before Mrs. Legaikas receives the 
Mothers’ Pension, although she has her citizen papers, and her application 
has been filed. In view of this fact, would it be possible for you to give 
any assistance? ‘There are five children between the ages of two and nine, 
and we provide $49.39 in addition to county supplies, which amount to 
$13.26 a month.” 7 

When our visitor called, the information received from Mrs. Legaikas 
was practically the same as that given us by the Welfare Agency. Hence, 
it would appear that the property to which she has a title, is valued at 
$1,150, whilst her equity in this property is not over $800. Consequently, 
if those statements are true, in asking for a pension, she is within the limits 
of the law, as set forth in your letter of June 6. 

We would like to know whether you investigated and found out the 
equity that Mrs. Legaikas has in this property. A reply at your earliest 
convenience will be appreciated. 


June II, 1919.—Letter written by the Chief Probation Officer to 
the Charitable Corporation: 


In reply to your letter of June 9g, relative to property owned by Mrs. 
Mary Legaikas of 205 West Montenegro Street, am quoting paragraph six 
of the ‘‘Aid to Mothers Act” or the 1917 amendment thereto. 

“A mother shall not receive such relief, who is the owner of real property 
or personal property other than the household goods, but no mother, who 
shall be the holder of, or entitled to, a homestead under the exemption laws 
of this state, or who is the holder of, or entitled to a dower right in real 
estate, provided the fair cash market value of said real estate is not more 
than One Thousand ($1,000) Dollars, shall be denied relief under the provi- 
sions of this Act.” 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 483 


As Legaikas’ property is mortgaged for $800, and the market value of 
this property is $1,150, she is not eligible to a pension. 

June 16, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas had been canvassing 
for church. Made $1.60 commission. Spent $1.10 of this for having 
Elizabeth’s shoes repaired. Left grocery order of $6.00 and cash 
grant of 65 cents. 

June 30, t919.—Ordered two quarts of milk daily for month 
of July. 

June 23, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas cannot get Mothers’ 
Pension because of property and is now planning to sell house. House 
very dirty and upset. Mrs. Legaikas washing. Complained she 
was not getting as large an allowance as some of the other women in 
the English class. Visitor explained basis of budget. She requested 
stockings for the children. Showed visitor old stockings which she 
had patched and repatched. Promised same. 

She gave visitor bill received from Mr. Nauseidus for interest 
on $600 loan on property which was $18. Gave grocery order of 
$6.00 and cash grant of 65 cents. 

June 26, t919.—Letter written Mr. Nauseidus, inclosing check for 
$35.46 in payment of special assessments. 

July 1, 1919.—Visited. Invited Mrs. Legaikas to go on outing 
with children. Did not seem eager to go. She sold gas plate given 
her by her brother and received $10 for it. Bought several pairs of 
overalls for children and a dress for herself. Gave grocery order of 
$6.00 and cash grant of 65 cents. 

July 7, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas had just finished painting 
the bedroom a bright yellow. Had put one coat on the kitchen of 
light blue but did not like it and started to repaint it bright yellow 
also. Her brother is unable to favor her to a very great extent, as 
his partner is unfavorable. Gave grocery order for $7.00 and cash 
grant of 65 cents. 

July 15, 1919.—Telephoned Aid to Mothers Department. The 
court will reply on the assessor’s valuation. If that is less than $1,000, 
they will take Mrs. Legaikas’ application, but otherwise can do nothing. 

July 18, 1919.—Letter written Board of Assessors by district 
superintendent: 


May we please have a report from you as to the assessment of the prop- 
erty of Mrs. Mary Legaikas? ‘The assessed value is the determining 
condition upon which she may or may not receive her Mothers’ Pension. 

We shall appreciate the courtesy of an early reply. 


484 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


July 24, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas has finished painting 
all the rooms in her cottage. She is very much distressed that her 
best room must be so dirty. The paper is a very dark, dirty, and 
faded green; and the paper on the ceiling has fallen. She is confident 
that if she had the paper she would be able to put it on herself. She 
is very eager not to have to dispose of the property, but in the event 
that she will be unable to get the pension except by doing so, she will 
follow any plan suggested by the Welfare Agency. She, as well as 
all the children, look very well. 

July 29, 1919.—Ordered two quarts of milk daily for the a it 
of August. 

July 30, 1919.—Following letter written by district superintendent 
to Chief Probation Officer, Juvenile Court: 

Mrs. Mary Legaikas is coming to you to make her application for the 
pension. The Board of Assessors have valued her property: land, $160; 
building, $250; total, $410. 

As you have suggested, Mrs. Legaikas would then be eligible for the 
assistance under the “Aid to Mothers Act.” 


August 7, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas was very pleased that 
her application had been accepted at the Juvenile Court. She dislikes 
very much to take the children on the street car, and for this reason 
would not appreciate tickets for park trips. ‘There are woods a short 
distance from her home. Frequently on Sundays she will take the 
entire family here for a picnic dinner. She tries to take them here 
at least once a week. The children are always happy over the trip. 

August 14, 1919.—Visited. Investigator from Juvenile Court 
has visited the Legaikas’ home. 

Later.—Called upon her brother and advised that it would be 
necessary for him to contribute $3.00 a week to make up budget for 
Mrs. Legaikas.t Mrs. Legaikas tearfully explained that her brother 
would be unable to do this, and she feared that they would, therefore, 
not grant her the pension. 

August 15, 1919.—The following letter written by district superin- 
tendent to Chief Probation Officer, Juvenile Court, Chicago: 

Mr. Legaikas, Lithuanian, died at St. Augustine’s Hospital, June 22, 1918, 
following an operation for gallstones, performed by Dr. William J. Burley. 
Mr. W. W. Norris, 9824 Ontario Avenue, was the undertaker. His bill 
amounted to $92.30. Mr. Legaikas belonged to two fraternal societies, 


* (The brother is liable under the Pauper Law. See entry of August 20, 1919 
and also of August 28, r919.] 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 485 


Holy Name, Mr. Ezerkis, 12180 Myrtle Avenue, chairman; and St. Gabriel’s, 
Mr. Charles Smolczynski, treasurer. Mr. Ezerkis reported to us that Holy 
Name paid $50 to Mr. Norris, undertaker, and in addition collected $1.00 
from each of the eighty members. Mr. Smolczynski of St. Gabriel’s showed 
us a receipt of $42.30 paid to the undertaker. In addition, they paid Mrs. 
Legaikas $104. 

At the time of Mr. Legaikas’ death the family lived in a cottage 
valued at $2,000, which they were buying through the Lithuanian Building 
and Loan Company. 

Mr. Charles Smolczynski, who is also president of this company, advised 
that it would be necessary for the company to foreclose. Mr. Frank Simkus, 
a friend of Mrs. Legaikas’, and employed at Nauseidus Real Estate Com- 
pany, secured a buyer for the property. He also arranged for Mrs. Legaikas 
to purchase a smaller cottage, upon which Mrs. Legaikas paid $562 down 
and assumed a mortgage of $500. 


ash-onibropenty Sold nilaiAl «atlas area tan’ ad orp $2,000.00 
July 17—-Commission on deal and 
Clearin® OL title. ot os 1h wdale auiee'ans $ 100.00 
Tuly. 57—Death certificate... . «c'-hie- « .50 
August 8-To Mrs. Legaikas—cash..... 100.00 
August 8-To former landlord........ 562.50 
August 26—Cash to Mrs. Legaikas.... 100.00 
August 26-To Building and Loan Com- 
pany balance due on property...... 835.50 
August 26—Recording of warranty deed rns 
August 26-Title and Trust Co......... 13.50 
August 26—-Revenue stamps.......... 1.00 
September 17—Cash to Mrs. Legaikas 50.00 
Sasa Tt ib 103075 
Balance due Mrs. Legaikas .......... 230, 2% 
$2,000.00 


After the purchase it was found necessary to put sills underneath the 
new home. ‘This was done at a cost of $176. To cover this in part, Mr. 
Nauseidus raised the mortgage to $600. 

We kept in close touch with Mrs. Legaikas during this time and 
endeavored to keep informed of her expenditures. February 7, Mrs. Legai- 
kas made her last withdrawal amounting to $20 from the balance due her 
on the property sale. 

In March we made a plan for regular help to the family and since that 
time have spent a total of $251.92. Pending our budget plan we spent a 
total of $52.59. The taxes which we paid amounted to general $7.49 and 
special $35.46. 


486 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Legaikas was very worried and run down physically following 
the death of her husband. Dr. Anderson made an examination for us at 
this time and prescribed a tonic, which Mrs. Legaikas took. Victoria and 
Gladys were ill with diphtheria this spring. In general the children are 
very robust. The standard of living is good. The only relative known to 
us is John Vasiliankas, brother of Mrs. Legaikas. He is now engaged in 
a grocery business. 


August 20, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas said the relations 
between her brother and herself were very strained because the brother 
is being forced by Welfare Agency and Juvenile Court to contribute 
toward her support. 

Later —While visiting Mr. Nauseidus, he told visitor that Mrs. 
Legaikas had come to him in tears yesterday telling him that she was 
afraid her brother would commit suicide. Mr. Nauseidus knows 
Mr. Vasiliankas personally, although he told Mrs. Legaikas that he 
could not in any way interfere with Welfare Agency plans. He told 
visitor that Mr. Vasiliankas is really a very poor man. He borrowed 
the money with which to set up his business, besides having four 
children to support, and must keep up his payments on this loan. 


[The following letter, dated August 25, 1919, to the Chief Probation 
Officer of the Juvenile Court, from the Public Bureau, which 
co-operates with the County Agent and the County Court in enforcing 
the Pauper Law, under which brothers and sisters are laid under a 
duty to support each other, illustrates the method by which the Juve- 
nile Court informs itself in such cases:] 


On June 6, 1919, Mrs. Mary Legaikas came to this Department regard- 
ing assistance from her brother, Mr. John Vasiliankas. 

Investigation showed that the brother, who had a partnership in a small 
business, was helping her out by allowing supplies at wholesale prices, and 
stated that he was positively unable to do any more. 

The Welfare Agency was at that time giving $6.00 a week. 

The family of Mr. Vasiliankas, consisting of himself and wife and three 
dependent children, were living in the rear of the store. He owned a cottage 
valued at $2,000, mortgaged for $1,200, and renting for $22 a month. 
This brother’s income did not warrant action by this Bureau, and as there 
were no other relatives to be considered, the matter was referred back to 
the Juvenile Court for assistance under the ‘‘Aid to Mothers Act.” 


August 28, r1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas in a very happy 
frame of mind. Juvenile Court visitor had called and told her that 
the court would not withhold pension because her brother could not 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 487 


help her. Mrs. Legaikas understands that this was the case. She is 
to go to the court September 2, and is very eager to do just what the 
court asks of her. She said this time that her brother’s attitude 
toward her was friendly. He cannot come to see her because he is 
busy. 

September 4, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas went to the County | 
Building September 2 to file her application. Court visitor will notify 
her when she has to go for the Dispensary examination.t She thinks 
she has kidney trouble. 

She was making over clothing for the children. Martin’s and 
Mrs. Legaikas’ shoes needed mending. Visitor took same and also 
increased her allowance so that she could get a broom. She had to 
sweep her floor with a dry mop. 

She asked whether the Agency would give her money to pay her 
dues of 25 cents a month for three months in arrears in her Benefit 
Society. | 

September 5, 1919.—Notification received from Juvenile Court 
that Mrs. Legaikas has been granted $55 pension.? 

Later.—Telephoned the court. Mrs. Legaikas will be notified 
that she is to call for first half of the pension October 8. 

September 10, r919.—Visited. Left Mrs. Legaikas’ and Martin’s 
shoes, which were very nicely mended and looked as good as new. 
Mrs. Legaikas was very pleased with them. The family was hav- 
ing a noon lunch of bread, milk, crackers, and fried potatoes mixed 
with small cuts of pork. Probation officer has told Mrs. Legai- 
kas to bring all her children to the court the nineteenth, so that the 
judge may see them. This is the only thing she will have to do further 
before she receives her pension. 

September 13, 1919.—Charles Smith (case) delivered wall paper 
to Mrs. Legaikas. 

September 18, r919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas went to the country 
with all her children today. Everyone was very carsick. She has 
been given a card telling her to call at the County Agent’s office 
October 8 for the first half of her pension, and thereafter the twenty- 
third and eighth of each month. Mrs. Legaikas was hoping that she 


t (See Administration of Aid-to-Mothers Law in Illinois (U.S. Children’s Bureau 
Publication No. 82), pp. 29, 30.] 

2[This was evidently the action of the committee recommending the pension. * 
The judge’s ‘‘seeing the children” is the realaward. The amount was the maximum 
then possible. The budget worked out by the court was $89.50, besides rent.] 


488 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


would get at least $75. She afterward expressed the opinion that 
probably she was much better off now than she would be after awhile. 
She had received the wall paper, but had not yet put it on, as she 
thought there was only half the quantity that she needed. Explained 
that double rolls had been purchased instead of single rolls. 

September 25, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas in the midst of 
cleaning her front room preparatory to putting on the wall paper. 
She was very much distressed as she did not know how to make paste. 
She showed visitor a notice she had received for special assessments 
amounting to $34.89. She does not know how this will be paid. 
Asked for coal. 

October 2, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas has her card with 
instructions to call for her pension the eighth and twenty-third of 
each month, begirining October 8. She is very discouraged lest she 
be required to support her family on only $55 a month. She has not 
put on the wall paper as she feared to risk papering the ceiling herself, 
and a neighbor friend has offered to help her. The room is still torn 
up, as she must await his convenience. Her brother has purchased 
a small heater for her, so that she hopes to be very comfortable. 

[The following letter, dated October 9, 1919, from the Chief 
Probation Officer to the executive of the Charitable Corporation has 
been taken from the Juvenile Court record:] 


We should like to refer to you the case of Mrs. Mary Legaikas, widow 
of Nicholas Legaikas, 205 West Montenegro Street. Mrs. Legaikas has 
five children, all under ten years of age. We are inclosing an environment 
sheet. 

Her pension was granted September 15, ro19g ($55). Mrs. Legaikas 
is living in a cottage on which she has made a payment of $500. It is mort- 
gaged for $600. She pays $36 a year interest on this. Her budget is as 
follows: 


Rent ah ee ee Cay ERS Bee eee Own home 
Clothing Aare eS ASS, Soe ete ee $23.00 
Fudlanin Visa, 19 i 08 PARR 7.00 
Houwsehold'supplieswis .ediehadeteiins tee 5.00 
Carfateius apt sesiicn nM, acta. ie 1.00 
Ediicationsenee..08 fu: (One eae. cee hee 1.00 
RECreatOny-Raey aie at fete ee eee Pee Rea 1.50 
Care Of JCA Ete ts. wy tise oxida ie aes oe Tso 
TOG See es eo cee eee ee ae eat ant eee 49.50 





Potalah cgueeeay vrei edn whtemheee H $89. 50 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 489 


asnicd  Fouwards send. phon. ALi gidaaieuae ets $89.50 
She had additional expenses 
PANS es ees Wake Sit Bie PaO Od, N: $10.00 
Peer eS eti ALO eS Se h OSE . 3.00 
DHLBeSt Ae. M2, 2e ee AAs ee a RL) OB 3.00 
Potal teatro ns. dour ajesl Asevear Kida 16.00 
$105.50 


There is no income. Mrs. Legaikas is a good mother, keeps her home 
and children very clean, and is at present greatly distressed because she 
cannot make the $55 granted by the court meet her needs. She has hitherto 
been cared for by the Family Welfare Agency. 


[The record of the Family Welfare Agency may be supplemented 
by extracts from the record of the probation officer who took charge 
of the family after the allowance was granted. That record will not 
be given in full. The entries trace the weekly visits to the home, 
the school reports, the medical supervision, etc. A problem that pre- 
sents itself at an early date is that arising from the difference between 
the budget requirements of the family and the court’s allowance. A 
later problem arises from the difficulty with which Mrs. Legaikas is 
made to realize that she must qualify for her second papers. This 
obligation she takes rather lightly until on July 13, 1922, the pension 
is stayed “because her second papers are overdue.”’ The probation 
officer’s entries bringing out these aspects of her relationship with 
Mrs. Legaikas are quoted:] 

February 10, 1920.—Met Mrs. Legaikas at County Agent’s 
office. She said the doctor and nurse had come to take care of her 
children; all are well now. Send one quart milk daily. 

March 4, 1920.—Own home—open neighborhood—good cottage. 
Whole family recovering from “‘flu.”’ First papers August 26, 1918. 
Children at St. Vincent’s School. Martin and Elizabeth in first grade. 

See September 3, 1919. 


PA a Os ae ee a ee oe A A $105.50 
POLSON su ues as Acc a B 55.00 
BD CUCIG og eRe eee one « 50.50 


Mrs. Legaikas is a good mother, goes out to work to supplement ~ 
budget, has been ill, and finds it hard to get along. Children well 
kept. Charitable Corporation has given a little irregular help. 

March 17, 1920.—St. Vincent’s School reported that Martin, 
Nicholas, and Elizabeth are attending regularly. Saw them and found 


490 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


them very neat and apparently in good health. Saw Victoria and 
Gladys at home. House very neat. Mrs. Legaikas reported that 
she has an opportunity to work at the Car Repair Shops at $4.00 per 
day, three days per week. That she can make arrangements for 
care of children with a neighbor, whose address she will furnish later. 
Said that taxes and debts worry her to such an extent that she wants 
work. Approved her plan on condition that older children are kept 
in school and younger ones receive good care. Buys one quart of 
milk daily in addition to that furnished by Charitable Corporation. 

March 24, 1920.—Made appointment with Mrs. Legaikas for 
medical examination to determine amount of work she is able to do. 

March 29, 1920.—Physician stated that Mrs. Legaikas is physically 
able to work as laborer at Car Repair Shops three days per week. 

April 30, 1920.—Saw three children at St. Vincent’s School. 
They were well dressed and in excellent physical condition. Did 
not find Mrs. Legaikas at home; the neighbors reported that she works 
three days per week and that her sister cares for the children. 

May 1, 1920.—Report from St. Vincent’s School for March showed 
Nicholas perfect in attendance and doing excellent work. Martin 
had missed two and a half days excused, doing good work. Elizabeth 
excused for one day’s absence with excellent work. ‘The April report 
showed perfect attendance with scholarship unchanged. 

May 25, 1920.—School reports from St. Vincent’s School for 
Nicholas and Elizabeth satisfactory. Martin was graded fair, only. 
Interviewed Mrs. Legaikas at County Agent’s office. She stated 
that she would work only two days per week, hereafter, as she does 
not wish to have her pension reduced. 

June 4, 1920.—Household accounts show adequate use of milk 
and vegetables. Mrs. Legaikas is now using baker’s bread and other 
prepared foods as she is working away from home. ‘Too much sugar 
is used. Explained these mistakes to Mrs. Legaikas. 

June 10, 1920.—Accounts submitted showed excessive purchase 
of sugar, cheap vegetables, and dried fruits. Food cost is increased 
by use of baker’s bread and cooked meats for school lunches, owing 
to the fact that Mrs. Legaikas works in a factory and has little time 
* to prepare food. 

June 24, 1920.—School report for Martin for June only fair. 
Nicholas’ report entirely satisfactory. 

Called at the home but Mrs. Legaikas was not there. Victoria 
stated that she had gone to the store. Victoria was in good condition. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 491 


June 29, 1920.—Found the children in good condition and the 
home well cared for. Reminded Mrs. Legaikas to complete her natu- 
ralization papers by August 26. She reported that she is not working 
at all at present as her children required all her care during vacation. 
Martin has been truant and disobedient. Talked to him about his 
conduct. Mrs. Legaikas was very despondent owing to receipt of 
bill of $34.40 for special street assessment on property. Explained 
to her she must market more economically. She has just purchased 
a watermelon. 

July 9, 1920.—Mrs. Legaikas stated that she is not working at the 
present time; Nicholas is 55.7 inches tall, weight 77.7 pounds, normal. 
Martin is 53.5 inches tall, weight 66.5, 83 per cent underweight. Vic- 
toria is 44 inches tall, weight 41.5, 6.9 per cent underweight. Elizabeth 
is normal. 

July 16, 1920.—Called about 5:00 p.m., and found all the children 
excepting Martin at home, clean, happy, and well behaved. They 
reported that their mother was at the store, and they had no idea 
where Martin was. 

July 26, 1920.—Mrs. Legaikas reported that she is working in 
the Car Repair Shops. She has not been studying questions for 
citizenship. She promised to send Martin and Victoria to Nutrition 
Clinic but cannot attend herself. 

July 29, 1920.—Committee decided to allow Mrs. Legaikas to 
continue to work for Car Repair Company for sixty days in order 
to pay for her street assessment. 

October 25, 1920.—Mrs. Legaikas stated that she is still employed 
at Car Repair Shops but will give up work as she wishes to keep her 
pension unchanged. She hasapplied for her second papers. 

October 27, 1920.—Found three children attending St. Vincent’s 
School regularly. They are very neat and well clothed. Nicholas 
is doing unusually good school work but Martin gives considerable 
trouble. 

November 9, 1920.—Called at employment office of Car Repair 
Company. and learned that Mrs. Legaikas earns 45 cents per hour 
and is supposed to put in 50 hours a week.t She was absent three 
days in September, fourteen days in October, and has not reported 
for work in November, though considered an employee. This is 
evidently Mrs. Legaikas’ way of working part time as company will 
not give short-hour work. Martin and Victoria are attending nutri- 


«(The mother is doing surreptitious work!] 


492 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


tion class and show great improvement. They are only slightly 
below normal weight now. 

November 12, 1920.—Found no one at home. Neighbors reported 
that Mrs. Legaikas is not working but had gone out marketing. 

November 13, 1920.—Found three children in the best of physical 
condition and the home was neat and clean. Mrs. Legaikas’ first 
declaration of intention to become a citizen was No. 23579, Superior 
Court. She applied for her second papers in August, saw communi- 
cation from Washington saying that as she arrived in the United 
States since 1906, she must await their securing of her certificate of 
arrival before applying for second papers, that she would be notified 
when to apply. She has not received notice up to date. She will 
not work at Car Repair Shops this winter. .... 

February 18, 1921.—Found the home in excellent condition. 
Mrs. Legaikas is keeping Victoria at home from school in the afternoon 
as she cries easily and is not in good health. Martin’s conduct has 
improved although he still smokes stubs of cigars which he finds 
in the street. Mrs. Legaikas is having trouble with her application 
for citizenship as she entered this country through Quebec. A Lithu- 
anian real estate man who works for Nauseidus and Company [Mr. 
Simkus] is helping her to get the matter straightened out. .... 

March 7, 1921.—Household accounts showed well-balanced diet 
and economical expenditure. . 

April 8, 1921.—Found Nicholas at home; he was in excellent 
condition. Later met Mrs. Legaikas on the street. She stated that 
she is not working; is going to try to get her brother to pay her special 
assessments. Her application for citizenship has now been filed 
correctly she said. She reported the children in good condition but 
complained of pain in her arm. Advised her to go to Dispensary 
foradvice? Dai 

May 20, 1921.—Found the home in good condition, the older 
children were in school, but Gladys was clean and in the best of health. 
Mrs. Legaikas stated that both Nicholas and Victoria have been 
recommended for tonsillectomy by Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Dispensary. She is willing to have this work done. She has not heard 
from Washington, but her application for second papers has been made. 

June 14, 1921.—¥ound Victoria and Gladys at home receiving 
excellent care. Mrs. Legaikas was worried because Martin still 
smokes; believes that he wants to give up the habit but is unable to 
do so. Officer promised to get prescription for cure of cigarette habit. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 403 


Mr. F. U. Simkus of Nauseidus and Company stated that he assisted 
Mrs. Legaikas to fill out her naturalization papers for Washington. 

June 16, 1921.—Household accounts were satisfactory; reported 
rent at $9 and income from mother’s work, $23.25 (Budget: $92.50). 

June 18, 1921.—Found the children in the care of Elizabeth as 
her mother had gone out to make arrangements for a new house. 
The household goods were packed to move; Elizabeth stated that 
the family was leaving because of lack of water. 

July 6, 1921.—Found all the children but Martin at home and 
receiving the best of care. Mrs. Legaikas did not know Martin’s 
whereabouts. Mrs. Legaikas reports that she is not working, and her 
relatives do not assist her; is much worried about her special assess- 
ments. As the children are in such good condition, officer believes 
that there is some resource besides the pension. Mrs. Legaikas and 
Victoria have received dental care recently at Municipal Tuberculosis 
Dispensary. Mrs. Legaikas is a very intelligent woman. She 
stated that as a child she was compelled to work on a farm from the 
time she was seven years old. She learned her letters from her brothers 
and taught herself how to read and write Lithuanian. However, she 
is unwilling to try to learn how to read and write English as she believes 
that anxiety and poor health have injured her memory. She speaks 
English well. She has not heard from her citizenship papers. 

July 22, 1921.—This family is now living in a suitable cottage of 
four rooms supplied with city water and an indoor toilet. The children 
and home were untidy as Mrs. Legaikas was away at work. They 
appeared to be in good health and were very well behaved playing 
with their toys with which they are generously supplied. 

July 25, 1921.—Mrs. Legaikas stated that she is now earning 
about $8 per week and that the Town Supervisor is giving her supplies 
amounting to $8 per month. Asked her to remain at home with her 
children as much as possible. She said that the farm in Czecho- 
Slovakia which she has inherited with the two children of her deceased 
sister as joint heirs does not produce any income for her as the taxes 
are so heavy. She could not sell it to any advantage for according to 
her statement $15 of their money is like 60 cents of ours. [She has 
moved outside the city limits. The County Agent seems never to 
have learned that she was the owner of property in the Old Country. | 

August 8, 1921.—Called at office of Anti-Cigarette League and 
secured a copy of cure for cigarette habit which was mailed to Mrs, 
Legaikas. 


494 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


August 11, 1921.—Household accounts showed well-balanced diet. 

August 12, 1921.—Mrs. Legaikas was suffering from indigestion; 
the house was untidy because of illness. She had tried to make the 
home attractive with the bouquet of cut flowers and blooming house 
plants. Elizabeth and Victoria. were swimming at the City Nata- 
torium. Mrs. Legaikas stated that she had been receiving regular 
contributions from her brother-in-law, Nicholas Legaikas, a watchman 
at Gary, Indiana, whose address she does not know. ‘The Society of 
St. Vincent’s School occasionally contributes clothing. She hopes 
that her brother, John Vasiliankas, will pay her street assessments. 

September 14, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas not at home. Chil- 
dren at home from school and Elizabeth doing the home work. Said 
mother was visiting a cousin. Left card with Elizabeth for mother 
to submit budget at Cook County Agent’s. House in disorder, beds 
unmade, but home showed evidence of cleanliness. 

Later —Mrs. Legaikas had all lower teeth extracted one month 
ago and has not been well since. Budget shows well-balanced diet. 

Mrs. Legaikas has five small children. She does no remunerative 
work; her brother, John Vasiliankas, has helped her with her taxes 
and the upkeep of her home; says he is now unable to assist any longer. 
She receives $55 pension. 





10 G E el Reet icy ee ieee $96.95 
PENSION vite nds bse boc eter ate ek 55.00 
$ 41.95 


This family should be given increase. 

October 30, 1921.—Mrs. Legaikas home; house in order and chil- 
dren home for lunch. She does not work; promised to give her 
case consideration for increase. 

November 14, 1921.—Mrs. Legaikas was doing a washing when 
officer called. Said she was able to do but one wash a week; the home 
was in order and children in school. Promised Mrs. Legaikas to 
give her consideration for increase in pension. Reports from St. 
Vincent’s School show perfect attendance and deportment for children. 

November 28, r1921.—Visited. Welfare Agency telephoned to 
say that Mrs. Legaikas had asked for shoes for her children. Visited 
Mrs. Legaikas, who said her pension was inadequate for her family 
needs; that she was in debt to her brother John Vasiliankas for 
$70 borrowed to pay her assessments. Visited Mr. Vasiliankas, 
who said it was impossible to do any more for his sister and her family; 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 495 


he keeps a market on Michigan Avenue; his wife has just returned 
from the hospital, and he has all he can do to make his own expenses. 
Will recommend this family for increase. Visited school and received 
reports on children’s attendance. Sister states children always clean 
and well cared for; attendance perfect. 

December 8, 1921.—Case before committee. Recommendation: 
Increase from $55.7 

December 12, 1921.—Served notice on Mrs. Legaikas to appear 
in court with children; she seemed delighted at the prospect of receiv- 
ing an increase in pension. 

January 21, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas was doing her Satur- 
day baking; the children were all home, and the house in order. She 
did not receive her increase in her last pension check and was much 
disappointed; promised to look into the matter for her. Mrs. Legaikas 
is trying to complete her citizenship and has written Washington 
some six months ago for bill of landing but has heard nothing as yet. 
Children are attending school regularly. . 

February 23, 1922.—Served notice on Mrs. Legaikas to appear 
in court March 2. Overdue citizenship papers. She says she has 
made a third application to Washington for her second papers and 
has heard nothing. 

March 8, 1922.—Mrs. Legaikas was at home; had just finished 
washing; the children were all in school. Gladys had been sick with 
a severe cold. Mrs. Legaikas says she is studying hard to complete 
her citizenship. 

April 21, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Legaikas had received word 
from Department of Labor at Washington that they have no record 
of her entry into the United States. She received a card to go to 
the Federal Building, which she did. Mrs. Legaikas is in despair 
over her citizenship. She is illiterate; can neither read nor write 
and says it is impossible for her to learn. She speaks English fairly 
well. Said there was no use sending another English teacher into her 
home as she felt it was impossible for her to learn. She is a devoted 
mother and gives her children excellent care. Told her she should put 
her best efforts into her English that she might complete citizenship. 

May 10, 1922.—Mrs. Legaikas has received word to call at 
United States Department of Labor, Federal Building, May 16, with 
her witnesses to complete citizenship. 


(An amendment to the Aid to Mothers Law became effective July 1. 1921. 
Under this amendment more generous allowances were possible.] 


496 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


May 25, 1922.—Mrs. Legaikas has filed application for second 
papers. Petition No. 96854, April 25, 1922. Notified Mrs. Legaikas 
to be in court June 1, as her case for completing citizenship comes 
up on that day. 

June 1, 1922.—Mrs. Legaikas in court this morning. She has 
filed petition for second papers. Case continued one month by Judge 
Benedict. 

June 7, 1922.—Called. Found Mrs. Legaikas not home. Neigh- 
bor next door said Mrs. Legaikas had gone to do some shopping. 

Court Order, July 13, 1922.—Pension stayed, July 15, 1922. [It 
should be said that the practice of staying pensions in situations like 
that of Mrs. Legaikas has probably been abandoned by the court. 
The statute allows seven years, and in the absence of gross negligence 
and of other evidence of unfitness the court would probably allow the 
‘same amount of time. 

Mrs. Legaikas obtained her second papers October 6, 1922; in 
December she was restored to the Mothers’ Aid Roll, this time with 
a grant of $85. During the interval the Family Welfare Agency 
assumed the responsibility for her care. On March 21, 1923, however, 
Nicholas became fourteen, and his allowance of $15 was stayed.] 


21. The Family of Theresa Parzyk 
(A Polish Widow with Four Dependent Children) 


March 2, 1922.—Mrs. Parzyk in office asking assistance with rent. 
She is working nights at the Western Union Telegraph Building, 
making $11 a week. Mr. Parzyk is ill with asthma and has been 
unable to work fora month. Dr. Senn, corner Ashland Avenue and 
Noble Street, is attending. Mr. Parzyk has worked irregularly 
several years, and Mrs. Parzyk has supported the family. 

March 8, 1922.—Visited. Family have lived for two years in a 
five-room second-floor apartment for which they pay $11 rent. The 
sanitary conditions are good. There are four children: Clara (born 
November 7, 1911), Eddie (born June 5, 1914), Joseph (born No- 
vember 25, 1915), Felix (born February 2, 1917). Mrs. Parzyk came 
from Austrian Poland in 1904 and Mr. Parzyk in 1907. They were 
married in Chicago October 5, rgro. 

Visiting Nurse Association (May 3, 1916) and the Infant Welfare 
Association (March 12, 1917) were registered on the case. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 497 


Mr. Parzyk started to work two days ago at the Gas Building, 
Adams and Michigan, making $125 a month. The family appear 
to be of a-very high type. The home and children were neat and 
clean. 

September 14, 1922.—Mrs. Parzyk in the office asking for short- 
hour work. Mr, Parzyk died April 2. She received $1,000 from 
Prudential Insurance Company and has $50 left. Funeral expenses 
were $387, Mr. Pacholska, undertaker. She returned a loan of $85 
to Mrs. Bernatowicz, her sister. She had about $500 remaining after 
all debts were paid. She has worked very little during vacation, but 
would like short-hour work now that the children are in school... Mrs. 
Parzyk is attending citizenship class at the Settlement as she wishes 
to Secure her second papers. She has her money in the bank and will 
show visitor her book when she calls. 

Mrs. Parzyk was given card to Illinois Free Employment Bureau. 
Visitor also telephoned Mothers’ Pension Department and put her 
name on the waiting list (No. 863). (She had been down during the 
summer to apply for a Mothers’ Pension. She was. accompanied 
by two public-school teachers who had been interested in her.) 

September 18, 1922.—Visited. Rooms clean and in very good 
order. Mrs. Parzyk is above the average height; has medium brown 
hair, which she combs very becomingly. (She says her boy tells her 
to comb her hair “‘nice,”’ as he likes to see it that way.) Mrs. Parzyk 
had on a clean house dress. She speaks English, and apologizes 
often in the midst of her conversation for her poor English. 

History—Her parents were Galician peasants. Her mother 
died when Mrs. Parzyk was only a year old. She was taken care of 
by her sister, Mrs. Bernatowicz. She did not attend school, but went 
out and worked in the field just as soon as she was able. She came 
to the United States in 1904 with her brother. They stopped first 
in Pennsylvania and her brother died there, and later she came to 
Chicago. She has worked in restaurants and in cafeterias. She 
learned how to cook food in the American way; she can bake fancy 
cakes and corn bread and make most any dish. She related an incident 
of how one of her employers corrected her for putting a table cloth on 
upside down. He asked her if she put her dress on in the morning 
wrong side out. She says she has never forgotten that. She has 
worked a great deal since she was married as her husband was never 
very well. She does not sew very much as she hasn’t a sewing- 
machine now. 


498 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Parzyk knew very little about Mr. Parzyk’s parents or past. 
She says that they have always gotten along well. She felt very 
badly when she spoke about his last sickness; said he really should 
not have gone to work when he did. 

Insurance, undertaker, etc—She had receipts from the Prudential 
Company showing that they paid her two different policies—one 
$493.65 and the other $501.84. Policy numbers were 4251808 and 
5342262. 

She had receipted undertaker’s bill of $353.10 from undertaker 
Pacholska. She showed visitor her bankbook, savings account 
No. 6464, in the Atlas National Bank, Chicago and Milwaukee 
avenues, which showed that she deposited $500 on April 29, 1922, and 
that on August 22, 1922, she drew out $247, leaving a balance of $5.00 
in the bank. She has about $55 cash on hand. Her rent is paid to 
October 13. Landlady lives upstairs, but she does not know her name 
and has not a receipt. 

Children.—Eddie came in from school. He wanted his lunch, but 
he had to wash his hands and face before he got it. He was given 
some bread and butter and sat down to the table to eat it. Eddie 
attends Motley School and is in the second grade; goes only a half-day. 

Joseph attends Motley School and is in the second grade. 

Felix is in the kindergarten. 

Clara attends St. Agnes and is in the sixth grade. 

All the children have very nice manners. ‘They were very respect- 
ful to their mother. Mrs. Parzyk seems to worry about leaving them 
alone when she goes to work. She said that one day the boys were 
out in the alley making a fire and another day they jumped on the 
floor and knocked some of the plaster off the of ceiling of the flat 
below. Mrs. Parzyk is planning to have Eddie go to Mozart Park 
for some club. She would like to get part-time work. 

Relatives—Later visited Mrs. Bernatowicz, 127 Anne Street. 
Mr. Bernatowicz is her second husband. She has six children, only 
one of whom is working. Mr. Bernatowicz just started to work 
yesterday. He is a second-class carpenter and works for the Chicago 
Burlington and Quincy Railroad. He was out on strike. He receives 
56 cents an hour. Mrs. Bernatowicz had no plan to suggest for Mrs. 
Parzyk. Felt they could not assist her very much. 

September 19, 1922.—Talked with Felix’ teacher, who said that 
they were trying to arrange for the older children to stay in school all 
day, and, if that is possible, she will keep Felix in kindergarten all day. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 499 


Later.—Learned from Settlement worker that Mrs. Parzyk is 
attending citizenship class on Tuesday and Thursday evening. 

September 21, 1922.—Mrs. Parzyk in oifice to report that she got 
a short-hour job in a cafeteria through a paid employment bureau. 


SUMMARY (MR. PARZYK) 

Heredity ? 

Physical.—Not well for some time before death. Died April 2, 
1922. Cause of death: bronchitis and asthma. 

Mr. Parzyk said by his wife to have provided for his family and 
that he never drank nor quarreled in the home. That he was interested 
in his children was evidenced by the fact that he called at the school 
frequently to see how they were getting along. 

Occupation.—He was a janitor at the Gas Building, worked there 
from April, 1920, to April, 1922. He was reported as a very good 
workman. 

Religion.—Roman Catholic. 


SUMMARY (MRS, PARZYK) 


Heredity.—Mrs. Parzyk’s mother died when she was a baby. 
Father remarried. Mrs. Zurenzcowski (case) child this marriage, 
is a half-sister of Mrs. Parzyk. She is said to drink and to evade 
her debts. 

Physical—Mrs. Parzyk apparently strong. 

Family.—Mts. Parzyk is fond of her children, keeps them clean 
and well dressed, sends them to school every day. She does not want 
them to play on the streets. She does not wish to take a job which 
keeps her away from home when the children are out of school. She 
worked and helped out when Mr. Parzyk was alive. She speaks 
English, and prefers to work in a place where English is spoken. She 
has taken out her second papers since her husband’s death. 

Occupation.—Mrs. Parzyk is working in the Southern Cafeteria, 
doing pantry work. She is reported a very good worker. 

Religion.—Roman Catholic. 

Treatment.—For semi-dependent mother until Mothers’ Pension? 
can be granted: supplement Mrs. Parzyk’s income by paying rent. 

September 26, 1922.—Called at Bureau of Vital Statistics. Found 
Mr. Parzyk died April 2, 1922, death caused by bronchitis and 
asthma. 


t [Mothers’ Pension granted March 22, 1923; first pension paid April 23, 1923.] 


500 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later —Called at Gas Building, where Mr. Parzyk was formerly 
employed as janitor. Employment agent stated that he had been 
in their employ from April, 1920, to April, 1922. He was a very good 
worker. 

October 1-October 27, 1922.—About three visits to the home have 
been made to arrange about Mrs. Parzyk taking a job at the lunch- 
room at Southeastern-Bank. Mrs. Parzyk gave up her $8.00 a week 
job to take a $12 a week—hours supposedly from 8:00 to 4:00. 
Learned after she had started to work that on Saturday she was 
expected to work until 7:00. She did not feel that she could do this 
as she has her own housework to do after she gets home and then she 
is attending citizenship class two evenings a week. She did not 
notify her employer that she was not returning. She has now secured 
a job for $10 a week from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. ‘The first of the 
month Clara hurt her foot while playing at the park. Mrs. Parzyk 
said that it was broken. She got a neighbor, who sets bones, whom 
she has had before, toattend toit. She did not wish to give the name or 
address of the neighbor. She would not hear to having a nurse or 
doctor. Saw Clara the last of the month. Her foot seems to be all 
right. 

On October 24, 1922, Mrs. Parzyk brought in an account of how 
she had spent the $247 she drew out of the bank in August. Her 
niece wrote it for her. 

October 31, 1922.—Eddie is in Grade II A at school. His teacher 
reports him good in deportment and attendance, but he is very slow 
in his studies. He comes to school very neat and clean. 

Joseph is in IA in the morning and IB in the afternoon; made 
arrangements for him to stay all day, as his mother works. His 
teacher reports him very slow in his studies. 

Felix is in kindergarten; report about same as above. — 

Miss McCann and Miss Hadley, former teachers of the children, 
say that they are all exceedingly stupid with regard to their work. 
Mr. and Mrs. Parzyk were always very much interested in the progress 
of the children and came to the school frequently. 

November 9, 1922.—Visited St. Agnes School and talked with 
Clara’s teacher, who reports her very slow in her work. Attendance 
good and behavior good. Clara is in VIA but should be demoted. 
She will not be because there is not any room. 

November 15, 1922.—Visited St. Agnes Church and talked with 
priest. He looked up the record, which showed that Mrs. Parzyk 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 501 


had joined the Parish September, 1922. He does not know the family 
personally. 

November 15—December 5, 1922.—Mrs. Parzyk would like some help 
with her December rent, as she says she has used up all her savings. 
She thinks she can manage on what she earns if the rent is paid and 
she gets coal. 

Mrs. Parzyk was quite embarrassed when asked about her half- 
sister, Mrs. Zurenzcowski, who had applied to Welfare Agency for 
aid. Mrs. Parzyk brought her half-sister to the United States and 
tried to do what she could for her. She has always been quite wild, 
and her first baby was born about four months after she was married. 
Mr. and Mrs. Zurenzcowski fight between themselves and both drink. 
They run up bills, then move to avoid paying them. 

Mrs. Parzyk has made her application for her second papers. 
She said that the clerk who gave her the examination went very slowly 
and was very nice to her. She asked why it was the “English people 
had such nice children and that the Polish people were all bums.” 
Mrs. Parzyk is very anxious that her children behave nicely and learn 
in school. 

On December 4 telephoned Southern Cafeteria and talked with 
Miss McElroy, the director, who reports Mrs. Parzyk a very good 
worker. She is doing pantry work—washing dishes and washing 
wood work. She works five days a week from 8:30 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. 
Two days she stays a little bit later than 3:00. She gets from $9.00 
to $10.75 a week, depending upon the amount of overtime. 

December, 1922.—One visit made to the home and visitor has 
talked to Mrs. Parzyk several times at the Settlement as she goes 
there every Tuesday and Thursday. She has passed her examination 
for her second papers. (This was confirmed by teacher of citizenship 
class.) Following arrangements made with Mrs. Parzyk: The 
Family Welfare Agency undertook to pay the rent and to supply 
the fuel. 

December 30, 1922.—Mrs. Parzyk reports a very lovely Christmas. 
Mann High School brought a large supply of groceries, clothing, toys, 
and Christmas dinner. Mrs. Parzyk said she knew how to cook 
every single thing they brought, and seemed very proud of it. The 
high school also gave her $10. The firm for whom Mr. Parzyk worked 
brought her $59.15. She showed the card with the firm’s name on it. 
Mrs. Parzyk says she is not going back to her old job. Miss McElroy 
is very mean. Mrs. Parzyk will pay her rent next month. 


502 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 4, 1923.—Telephoned Miss McElroy, Mrs. Parzyk’s 
employer. She said that Mrs. Parzyk left of her own accord, but 
that she was glad she was gone as she had tried to run the place. 
Said she upset the other women by talking to them. Miss McElroy 
thought she would have left before Christmas, had she not expected 
a Christmas present. Only concrete grievance mentioned was that 
she refused to finish her scrubbing the Saturday before Christmas. 

January 9-January 31, 1923.—On January 9g called with Mrs. 
Parzyk on Mrs. Taylor at Otis School to apply for job in the lunchroom. 
In the evening Mrs. Taylor telephoned for Mrs. Parzyk to come to 
work in the morning. She started to work January 10. Mrs. Parzyk 
received a notification from Juvenile Court to come down and make 
an application for Mothers’ Pension, which she did on January tro. 

February, 1923.—Visited on the twenty-first and twenty-seventh. 
Mrs. Parzyk complains that she is having a great deal of difficulty 
making both ends meet, altogether she has received $49.50 from the 
school. Mrs. Parzyk was instructed how to keep an expense account, 
and the budget was gone over with her again. She is continuing to 
attend the citizenship class at the Settlement. She also goes to the 
home-coming the first Sunday of the month. The children make a 
great deal of trouble at that time as they insist upon staying with their 
mother when they go to the nursery. 

Eddie was examined by Dr. Rosenbaum of Elizabeth McCormick 
Memorial Fund and found to have two carious teeth. Dental care 
was recommended. 

March, 1923.—Report from Elizabeth McCormick Memorial 
Fund indicates that Eddie is 12.9 per cent underweight and Clara 
is 5.4 per cent underweight. Felix and Joseph are average weight. 

Visited on March 6, 13, and 24. Mrs. Parzyk feels that she 
cannot manage on her income and that $8.35 a week the budget 
allowance for groceries is not sufficient. She has been buying at the 
neighborhood grocer on credit, and paying when she received her 
check. Mrs. Parzyk has kept an account of expenditures, and visitor 
has gone over with her the different items, trying to point out the 
items that are expensive such as cake, oysterettes, cookies, and which 
have little food value. Because of Mrs. Parzyk’s earning part of the 
money herself, arranged to let her have $15 for clothing, this to be 
given in two monthly instalments. ‘The first was given on March 6; 
$5.00 cash for groceries was given so that Mrs. Parzyk would not have 
to run further credit. She used most of the $5.00 to buy clothing so 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 503 


that she really has had $12.50 for clothing in March. She paid $4.00 
for shoe repairs, $4.00 for hat, and other items such as bloomers, 
stockings, and aprons, total $15.82. She quite frankly tells of all 
these things—said she would not go around looking like a tramp, so 
bought the hat. This made her short on money for groceries before 
her next pay day. 

Edward’s dental work was finished on March 12. Children did 
not come to go to the dentist on the nineteenth as had been agreed 
as Mrs. Parzyk felt that it was too cold. They were taken by Mrs. 
Sanok (case) on March 12 and 26. Explained to Mrs. Parzyk early 
in the month about the necessity of Edward’s resting every afternoon 
because of his being underweight. Later in the month Mrs. Parzyk 
said she had not carried out those instructions and did not think it 
necessary. Edward has always been small. The children are taking 
their lunches at the Otis School. 

Mrs. Parzyk went for her final hearing for second papers March 10, 
and she was before the judge in Juvenile Court on March 22 and will 
receive her first pension April 23— $27.50. 

March 30, 1923.—Notification received from Juvenile Court that 
$55 pension has been granted. 

April 2, 1923.—Clara and Joseph were examined by Elizabeth 
McCormick physician. Clara was found to have small and buried 
tonsils. Joseph—some anterior, cervical glands—remains of old rickets 
present—two carious teeth. Dental care was recommended for Joseph. 

April, 1923.—Visited on eighteenth and twenty-fifth. 

Mrs. Parzyk received $27.50 Mothers’ Pension on the twenty-third. 
She was very happy at the time of the visit. She showed a new 
dress which she had purchased for herself to wear to work and a 
Sunday dress for Clara. She plans to leave money with the teachers 
at school to buy milk for Felix and Joseph as she cannot trust them 
with the money as they buy candy. 

Talked with Miss Fry at the Dental Clinic. She says that 
Felix cries so when they try to work on him that it makes it very 
difficult and it has prolonged the work a great deal. They hope to 
finish up both Joseph and Felix in a short time. 

September 20, 1923.—Notification received from Juvenile Court 
that stay has been recommended. (Mrs. Parzyk remarried, to a 
Stanislaus Kolecki.) 

[The following letter, dated December 27, 1922, to the secretary 
of the Ravenswood Woman’s Club from the district superintendent 


504 ' FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


of the Welfare Agency, is one of many to be found in this record and 
in other records like this. The special appeal for the family without 
the normal sources of support must be repeated again and again 
directed to every promising source of aid. The suburban Woman’s 
Club is such a source.] dreuted 


We should like to use the contribution from the Woman’s Club for 
Mrs. Parzyk and her family if that is agreeable to you. Mrs. McGinnis, 
for whom it has been used recently, is getting along very well. Her oldest 
boy still continues at the Braedalbane School and the next child we have 
just sent to the State School for the Feeble-minded. This was. done 
with some hesitation and after a good deal of worry on Mrs. McGinnis’ 
part because of her inability to control the child. This leaves her with only 
three younger children, and her Mothers’ Pension will be more nearly ade- 
quate to care for the family. 

Mrs. Parzyk has been known to us only a few months because of the 
death of her husband last April. She was left with four children under 
eleven years and will be considered for the Mothers’ Pension within the next 
three or four months. 

In the meantime she will probably be able to earn $45 to $50 a month. 
She is a person of a good deal of independence but sufficiently concerned 
about the care of the children to try and plan her work so as to be absent 
only during school hours. We should like very much to help Mrs. Parzyk 
with her rent, $10 a month, with milk for the children and possibly fuel. 
We feel that her standards for the children are very high and that whatever 
we do for her will bring results. 

I have wondered whether the club might be willing to increase their 
monthly contribution so as to cover, for instance, the rent of this family. 
The better industrial conditions this winter have brought to us a fewer 
number of families than last year. They have, however, been families such 
as these two, dependent over a rather long period of time because of the 
death of the father and the family of small children. It is help for families 
of this kind which so taxes our funds but which at the same time we feel 
most worth while. We should be happy to have you consider increasing 
your contribution but if that is not possible, happy also to have you continue 
the amount you have been contributing for some time past. 


22. Mrs. Elizabeth Meyer 
(A Jewish Widow with Three Boys of School Age) 

- [Mrs. Elizabeth Meyer, a widow, born in 1877 in Russia, with 
three boys, Albert (born September 13, 1906), Morris (born December 
25, 1907), and David (born May 7, 1914), was called to the attention 
of the Jewish Welfare Bureau December 26, 1916, by the Hungarian 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 505 


Society. Mr. David Meyer had died of diabetes the previous June. 
He had belonged to a number of organizations, and she had received 
$420 in death benefits and had been living on that sincé his death. 
She was living in a four-room apartment, for which she paid $16.50, 
and had living with her her own parents, who had come to care for 
her during an illness from which she is recovering. Since the birth 
of the last child she had been in need of surgical treatment and in 
December an operation had been performed at Whitfield Hospital. 

The addresses of her brother and sister and of Mr. Meyer’s 
brother were obtained as well as the facts about Mr. Meyer’s employ- 
ment, citizenship, and insurance, and the names and addresses of the 
doctors who had treated her. She was referred to the Funds to 
Parents Department of the Juvenile Court. | 

The usual investigation consisting of visits to relatives and physi- 
cians, etc., followed the first interview, a budget was estimated, and 
the Bureau undertook to pay the rent, furnish coal, and to supplement 
for the time the assistance given by relatives and other interested 
persons. 

On May 15, 1917, she was granted by the Juvenile Court an 
allowance of $30 which was increased in September, 1919, to $35. 
During this period she took in sewing and earned the difference between 
the requirements of her budget (estimated September 21, 1920, at 
$95.16) and the court’s allowance. This meant very steady hard 
work for her; and when the oldest boy, Albert, became fourteen he 
was found to be underweight so that he could not obtain his working- 
papers. In December of 1920 the Bureau therefore decided to supple- 
ment her allowance so that she might rest and undergo a thorough 
physical diagnosis. 

She is a very proud woman and did not wish it known that she 
was compelled to receive charitable aid. She co-operated in every 
way with the Bureau, by taking the children to the Dispensary, 
obeying the instructions given at the Dispensary, helping the children 
with their school work, following suggestions with reference to diet, 
and so forth. The situation became difficult, however, as the older 
boys reached the age of fourteen and their pensions were stayed. 
Mrs. Meyer returned to her sewing, the boys began to earn by working 
after school hours, and the Bureau attempted to treat her as a person 
independent of charitable aid and yet to keep in mind the limitations 
under which minimum budget requirements had to be regarded as 
likewise maximum possibilities. 


506 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Finally the burden seemed too heavy for Mrs. Meyer, and a plan 
was worked out for her employment in the Industrial Workshops so 
that she could earn the income she received and spent. The record 
covering this period of treatment, beginning with November 9, 1922, 
follows. | 

November 9, 1922.—Visited. Found Mrs, Meyer doing a little 
sewing. She explained that she was not well for the past few days, 
and, as she has a little dress to make for a customer, she was doing 
it now. States that she does not earn more than about $10 a week 
at sewing. She would be glad to do more work if she could only get 
the calls for them. She stated that last evening she had to spend a 
whole evening in doing a repair job for a young lady who needed the 
work immediately. She earned $2.00 in this way, and, as she is very 
much in need of the money, she did not want to refuse taking the job. 
Mrs. Meyer appeared to be under a nervous strain. Questioned her 
about it and she stated that she very seldom has a chance to go out 
for any kind of entertainment. Occasionally, when she would like 
to visit friends or her relatives, she is afraid to leave the house for fear 
she would miss the little work that is likely to come in during her 
absence. Suggested to her that it would perhaps be a better plan 
for her to work in our Sewing-Shop, as in that way she would have a 
chance to get away from her household a little, she would be in the 
company of other people, and the little money she would earn would 
be during the day and she would not have to be in constant fear of 
missing her customers. She would then have her evenings free to 
spend with her children, which she desires. Mrs. Meyer accepted this 
suggestion very favorably. She was advised that we would prefer 
to have her re-examined at the Dispensary and to ask the doctor’s 
recommendation regarding this plan. She did not favor the idea of 
returning for another examination, but finally consented to go for 
same next week. Stated that she felt perfectly able to do some 
work. 

Albert and Morris, she stated, have both finished the Hebrew 
School. She is planning to start David, as she is anxious that he 
should learn some Hebrew. 

Later.—Spoke with director of Workshops, who advised that they 
have a vacancy in the Sewing-Shop and that Mrs. Meyer can begin 
work theré immediately. 

November 10, 1922.—Called to ask Mrs. Meyer whether she could 
begin working immediately, but she was in the midst of her Friday 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 5°7 


cleaning. She promised, however, to come the following Monday, 
November 13. 

November 11, 1922.—Morris Meyer in office by appointment. He 
is a well-built boy, bright and clean looking. He is much concerned 
over the fact that his mother worries a great deal. Morris attends 
the Duncan School and brought in the following report: English—G; 
Reading—E; Writing—G; Geography—F; History—E; Effort—E; 
Manual Training—G; and Deportment—E. He promised to do 
better and feels quite certain that next month he will have no “F’s” 
on his report card. He is very anxious to go to high school. He is 
sure that he will make good as his brother did. He thinks that he 
would like to be a dentist when he grows up. He is also interested 
in radio and has joined a radio club, the dues for which are 15 cents a 
month. As yet the club has not enough money to buy the radio 
outfit. The members are selling subscriptions for the Evening 
Republican in order to make enough money for receivers. 

November 13, 1922.—Mrs. Meyer in office. She was taken to the 
Sewing-Shop and began work the same day. 

November 15, 1922.—Director of the Sewing-Shop advised that 
Mrs. Meyer is very readily learning the work and seems to like it. 

November 18, 1922.—Was informed by director that Mrs. Meyer 
is doing very well and can probably earn $2.00 a day from now on. 
She had already earned $2.00 one day in the first week that she 
worked. She enjoys the work and the social contact which she makes 
in the Sewing-Shop, and the other women working with her all love 
her. Her entire attitude is changed, and she is actually radiantly 
happy. 

November 29, 1922.—Mrs. Meyer in office. She is very satisfied 
working in the Sewing-Shop. She feels well and does not wish to 
have physical examination at the present time. Advised her not to 
be too eager and do what is beyond her strength. Mrs. Meyer 
promises to see a doctor when she does not feel well rather than go 
at the present time. She is worrying considerably about financial 
matters. She owes $40 to Mr. Thalheimer, her sister’s brother-in- 
law, $10 to her sister, and $10 to a Mrs. Fishman, and would like to 
get these off her conscience. Explained to Mrs. Meyer that we do 
not pay back debts. However, in order to ease her mind and 
to be able better to work with her it was decided not to change the 
budget? for Mrs. Meyer until the following month. Mrs. Meyer was 


(The worker means the allowance indicated by the budget as necessary]. 


508 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


worried also that the pension from the Funds to Parents Department 
will be cut off. However, the Department must be notified. 

December 5, 1922.—Letter to Scholarship Association referring 
Morris. 

December 6, 1922.—Letter to Funds to Parents Department 
informing them of our change of plan for Mrs. Meyer and asking 
them what steps they are taking in view of the changed situation. 

December 8, 1922.—Called visitor of Scholarship Association 
with regard to Morris. In view of the fact that he is almost fifteen 
years old and only in the eighth grade, she asked that Welfare Bureau 
make a preliminary investigation to ascertain just why Morris was 
retarded in order to know whether or not he isa scholarship “case.” 

January 3, 1923.—Worker had been informed several times by 
the Sewing-Shop director that Mrs. Meyer works often until about 
5:30 and she is probably trying to do more than she ought. Mrs. 
Meyer was requested to come to office on this date. She stated that 
she is very happy since she has been working and that she feels a great 
pride in the fact that she is able to do something toward earning her 
living. When she goes to work and comes home at night with all 
the other people who have been working during the day, she feels a 
certain pride and exhilaration, to think that she too is a wage-earner 
and not so dependent as formerly. Even the children are happier. 

Talked at great length with her asking her to work fewer hours and 
to go home earlier. However, she is very reluctant to do so. Sug- 
gested then that she have a medical examination to determine whether 
she is overtaxing her strength. She finally consented to go to the 
Dispensary on January to. She has been suffering a great deal from 
headaches. 

The probation officer from the Funds to Parents Department 
had visited the home about three weeks ago and mentioned the fact 
that she had been informed of the change which had taken place in 
the family and the fact that Mrs. Meyer was working. However, as 
far as Mrs. Meyer knows, there will be no change in the pension. 

Questioned her with regard to Morris’ retardation. She stated 
that Morris had been out of school a great deal on account of illness, 
and two years ago when he had the ‘‘flu”’ he failed one grade. The 
fact that Morris has changed schools seven times has also been a 
factor in his retardation. 

January 4, 1923.—Budget revised for the Meyer family and it 
was found, allowing for all the necessary extra expense of carfare, 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 509 


laundry, etc., the income in the family is above budget requirements. 
Therefore, removed the family from the list of regulars. 

January 8, 1923.—Background for Mrs. Meyer sent to Dispensary. 

January 10, 1923.—Called at Duncan School to get a report regard- 
ing Morris. He has repeated work several times in different grades, 
but he is showing a marked improvement now and the teacher feels 
that he would do well in high school. He is doing much better work 
than Albert did when he attended the Duncan School. 

January II, 1923.—Mrs. Meyer in office. She complained that 
no check had been sent her this month and that it was impossible for 
her to get along. Worker explained the budget to her, showing her 
that before she was working her total income from the court, from the 
pension committee, and the Bureau was $93.32, which just covered 
budget requirements. Now that she is working, we have estimated 
the extra expense to which she is put and we feel that she must have 
$110. Her income, however, is $10 above budget requirements and 
in view of this fact it is impossible to give her further relief. During 
the past month she paid $18 on the debt which she had owed. 
She bought a mackinaw, shoes, and cap for one of the boys and 
therefore has not enough money left to meet her expenses until 
her next pay day. She cannot seem to manage her financial affairs 
even with the larger income she is now receiving. Since she is 
working and people know this fact she is ashamed to face people to 
whom she owes money and is therefore anxious to pay off her debts 
as quickly as possible. She feels also now that the children should be 
better dressed and they should receive better food and she therefore 
cannot manage on the amount which she receives. Informed her 
that we must assist her in the manner in which we are assisting others 
and put the question to her as to what she thought was the fair thing 
to be done now. She evaded the question. She stated instead that 
it seems no matter how hard she works, how honest she was, or how 
good she tried to be, things never seemed any better. She had 
expected at least she would be given a chance to clear off all her debts, 
and until this is done she will have no peace of mind. For this reason 
only was she working so hard. It was explained to her that we do 
not wish her to overtax her strength, nor to do an injustice to the 
children. They needed her companionship and should she work from 
10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. every day, instead of until 5:30 we would be 
glad to supplement with any amount necessary to bring her up to 
budget requirements. 


510 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 12, 1923.—It was decided, upon conferring with super- 
visor, that $10 be granted Mrs. Meyer since she was unprepared for 
the withdrawal of all relief. However, it must be explained to her 
that nothing can be promised her for the future, nor can any definite 
policy be decided upon until she is examined at the Dispensary. 

January 13, 1923.—Letter from the Dispensary asking that Mrs. 
Meyer report on Monday, January 22, at 1:00 P.M. 

January 15, 1923.—Mrs. Meyer was given $10, and the situation 
was explained to her. She was asked to report to the Dispensary 
Monday, January 22. 

January 24, 1923.—Letter received from the Scholarship Associa- 
tion stating that Morris has been granted a scholarship of $23 a 
month, to go into effect February 1. The report from the Juvenile 
Psychopathic Bureau was as follows: “ Physical age—15.1; mental 
age—13.1. Intelligent quotient—g2. He is considered average.”’ 

January 26, 1923.—Background received from Dispensary. The 
diagnosis made for Mrs. Meyer was ‘“‘Neurasthenia” (a chain of 
symptoms neurological in nature without any physical cause). The 
prognosis was good, and it was stated that the patient may continue 
her present work full time as the work is not harmful. Mrs. Meyer 
was directed to see an eye doctor for the correction of her glasses 
and she may do this on any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday at 
1:00 P.M. 

February &, 1923.—Was informed by director of the Sewing-Shop 
that Mrs. Meyer is unable to work properly as she seems to have some 
trouble with her eyes. Reported diagnosis received from Dispensary 
and promised to speak to Mrs. Meyer with regard to this. 

February 12, 1923—Met Mrs. Meyer on her way to work and 
explained to her the report received from the Dispensary. Mrs, Meyer 
was unwilling to take any time off during the week from her work in 
order to go to the Dispensary. She finally promised that she would 
report next Saturday, February 17, to the Eye Clinic. 

February 20, 1923.—Director of Sewing-Shop advised that Mrs. 
Meyer had been absent the day previously and had not come down 
this morning. | 

Later—Letter received from Mrs. Meyer stating that she has 
been ill with a cold for two weeks and is now sick in bed with the 
grippe. She asked also for coal. 

Verified Mrs. Meyer’s earnings for the month of January. They 
were $69.76. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 511 


March 9, 1923.—Report received from probation officer of the 
Juvenile Court as follows: 

Called and found Albert and David at home after school doing their 
home work for school the next day. They were such perfect little gentlemen 
and were attending strictly to their own business. The mother was at work. 
Morris was still at school. 


March 13, 1923.—Spoke to Mrs. Meyer in the Sewing-Shop. 
She had not reported to the Dispensary for treatment of her eyes, but 
informed worker that she had been to a private doctor, as she did 
not like to wait a half a day in the Dispensary. She promised to 
bring in the name of the doctor who examined her eyes. 

March 14, 1923—Mrs. Meyer in office. Stated that she was 
examined at Hochenberg’s Optical Parlor at 1343 Roosevelt Road. 
She was told to wear the glasses that she now has and to report back 
again within two weeks. As she does not wish to pay another fee, 
she promised to go to the Dispensary the following Saturday, March 17. 

Mrs. Meyer is still working full time in the Sewing Shop and 
consequently has not enough time to attend to her household duties 
and to cook proper meals for her children in the evening, nor has she 
any extra time for recreation, as most of her time is taken up with 
mending and sewing for herself and the boys. Explained to Mrs. 
Meyer that we were opposed to having her work full time in the 
shop. If she is to do full-time work, she can easily get a job on the 
outside. If she will agree to work about five hours a day, she would 
be able to go home about 3:30 or 4:00 and should her income not come 
up to budget, Jewish Welfare Bureau will supplement. At the present 
time, however, taking into consideration her earnings for January, 
Mrs. Meyer was about $16 above budget. Mrs. Meyer strongly 
objected to the plan which was outlined for her. She stated that 
she would not be able to get along on our budget; that even now with 
the extra amount she is earning, she has a very difficult time. She is 
struggling hard to give her boys as much as the others in their high- 
school class have. If she works fewer hours, she will not be able to buy 
the extra things which they need for the Passover holidays, and she 
begged that nothing be done for the present at least. 

March 15, 1923.—Mrs. Meyer informed worker that her rent is 
to be raised. . 

The following statements prepared for supervisor by worker: 

. Mrs. Meyer, a widow, aged forty-five, with three dependent boys, 
sixteen, fifteen, and eight, entered the Industrial Workshops November 13, 


512 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


1922. At that time her monthly income was $58, which included Mrs. 
Meyer’s wage $10; Funds to Parents allowance $25; Albert’s scholarship 
$23. The Welfare Bureau supplementation was $35.32 per month. The 
Dispensary diagnosis of Mrs. Meyer showed ‘‘neurasthenia and general 
debility’’ and recommended no work outside of housework. Despite this, 
Mrs. Meyer, a seamstress, eager to be independent, and to give the neighbors 
the impression that she was self-supporting, never left her home, worked 
irregularly late at night and earned little. The case worker felt that place- 
ment in the Industrial Workshops would regulate her working hours, give 
her social contacts, and would relieve her mind of the worry caused by the 
uncertainty and irregularity of her work. 

Mrs. Meyer first received financial assistance from February, 1917, to 
May, 1917, and then from November, 1920, on. In February, 1923, after 
six weeks in the Sewing-Shop, Mrs. Meyer’s budget was $124.86 per month 
and coal; her income, $140.76, included $25 from the Funds to Parents, two 
scholarships, $46, and her earnings $69.76 working seven hours per day, 
five days per week. The Welfare Bureau supplemented with coal only. 
The Dispensary report showed ‘‘neurasthenia” (a train of symptoms 
neurological in nature without any physical cause), eyes to be examined, 
and work not harmful. Mrs. Meyer’s sons assisted her with the housework 
and prepared their own lunches, making it possible for their mother to 
remain away all day. 

The shop supervisor reported that Mrs. mayan is neat, moderately 
quick in speed; that as far as her knowledge of the work is concerned, she 
could be placed in a factory making plain garments; that she is intelligent, 
co-operative, conscientious, anxious to please, and pleasant with other 
workers and supervisor. 

The case worker stated that the Meyer children are proud of the fact 
that their mother works; that Mrs. Meyer has been made self-supporting 
without injury to her health, and that the family seem more content. 
However, the case worker felt that Mrs. Meyer should not be working so 
many hours per day as she does at present in the shop. 


Recommendation of supervisor: Mrs. Meyer is to remain in the 
shop and work only five hours per day. 

April 21, 1923.—Report from Funds to Parents PEPE Tao as 
follows: 

I have not been able to find Mrs. Meyer at home this month as she has 
been working. But I do find the boys at home studying so nicely and 
quietly and home always neat and clean.—PROBATION OFFICER. 


May 3, 1923.—Mrs. Meyer in office by appointment. She states 
that she is getting along very nicely with her work now. She has been 
to the Dispensary and was told by the doctor in the Eye Clinic to 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 513 


wear the glasses which she has all the time while working and she has 
followed these instructions. She feels that her work is somewhat of a 
strain on her physically, and yet under no circumstances would she 
give it up, nor would she work fewer hours a day. She enjoys the 
work and appreciates the fact that she is allowed to come at 10:00, 
whereas if she were working in a shop not under supervision of the 
Bureau she would be forced to come to work a great deal earlier. The 
boys are very glad of the fact that she has obtained this work, but 
Albert feels too that she is under a physical strain and is worried about 
her. Mrs. Meyer is also worried over the fact that work will stop for 
a few days when the shop will be moved to another building. She 
has not yet paid all her debts. She still owes about $35. She feels 
that when all has been paid she will feel much better. 

Albert is still attending the Art Institute, but is not so interested in 
the work asformerly. He is beginning to think about a business career. 

May 14, 1923.—Called about 4:30 p.m. but found none of the 
boys at home. 

May 17, 1923.—Ascertained from director of the Industrial Work- 
shops the earnings of Mrs. Meyer were as follows: 


February: Cine, wor eee fee tes ENG ED $61. 30 
Wlarchiboye< te itd 2uo. aril). ose vy Mey 
PELICLLYO'S-P ord Ha RIES Bn Aloe: wc al? Sule eo hjuly 75520 


June 8, 1923.—Called at the home. Found Albert ironing his 
blouses and also Morris’. He states that he always does this. A boy 
friend was at the house doing school work. The Meyer family will 
move next week. They learned only last evening that the people 
living in the flat into which they will move are moving out. 

Morris does not wish to go to camp this year. He would rather 
work and then remain in the city for two weeks, not working. He 
believes that he will enjoy the change just as much. However, if his 
mother will go away with David, as he very much doubts, he will 
be willing to go away at the same time with Albert, if such arrange- 
ments can be made. 

Albert is a member of the American Boys Commonwealth, to 
which organization Morris also belongs. Albert belongs also to a 
club of boys, who are interested chiefly in sports, also in meeting just 
socially. Morris belonged at one time to this club, but has dropped 
out as he found that the group of boys were older than he. He has 
his own friends and companions with whom he mingles, but they are 
not an organized group. 


514 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Morris is very anxious to get through with his school work so 
that he may go to work. He is contemplating continuing his educa- 
tion by taking college courses in the evening. He wants to become a 
certified public accountant. 

Albert believes that his mother is feeling much better both 
physically and mentally since she has been working in the Sewing-Shop. 
She is very much happier than before, but she always finds something 
to worry about. The boys help a great deal in the housework, 
ironing, dusting, etc., and manage the housework very satisfactorily. 

June 28, 1923.—Registration received stating that the Mothers’ 
Pension Department of the Juvenile Court stayed the Meyer pension 
on June 20 as the family can be self-supporting. 

August 7, 1923.—Information had been received that Mrs. Meyer 
had been absent from work for several days the week previous. 
Worker called on this date and found Morris and his younger brother 
at home. Morris explained that his mother had been ill for about 
four days and was unable to get up from bed. She was attended by 
Dr. Fink of Roosevelt Road, who informed her that she was over- 
worked, that she should have a good rest and should not work as hard 
as she has been doing. She should stay at home at least a few days 
every month. She should drink one pint of cream daily. Morris 
was much disturbed over his mother’s health. He discussed the 
whole family situation very seriously. He stated that inasmuch as 
his brother Albert had only one-half year to finish at high school, he 
felt that Albert should continue his schooling in the fall, but that he, 
Morris, should stay out of school the next semester and work until 
Albert had finished high school. He stated that he had been thinking 
the matter over and felt that this was the best plan. He does not 
mean to drop his schooling entirely but to do as much as he can at 
night school. He has not discussed these plans with his mother 
nor his older brother. He knows they will object, but in spite of 
their objections he stated quite emphatically he would carry out his 
idea, as this was the only way in which his mother could be relieved 
of a great deal of worry over financial matters. He does not want 
“her to grow old before her time.” 

The rooms in which the Meyer family now live are much lighter and 
airier than those which they previously had. ‘There is much more closet 
space and pantry room. The family are well satisfied. Mrs. Meyer has 
a neighbor who comes in to help the boys and to watch the food which 
Mrs. Meyer sets on the stove before she goes away in the morning. 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN ate 


Albert is working for an insurance concern, the name of which 
Morris did not know, nor did he know his earnings,’ but promised 
to have Albert notify worker. Morris worked for a short time for 
a telegraph company. He was paid on a commission basis, but 
his earnings were very small. He earned about $6.00 a week. His 
hours were from 1:00 to 8:00 P.M. The work was very strenuous 
and for a time he gave it up. However, he intended to go back to 
work on this date so that his mother need not work so hard. 

August 14, 1923.—Called at the Sewing-Shop to speak to Mrs. 
Meyer, who states that she was ill four days. She suffered from a 
severe hemorrhage. She was so badly frightened that she now 
promises to follow Dr. Fink’s recommendation and remain at home 
for a few days each month. She has also been drinking cream every 
day and has gained a few pounds. She still worries about the inade- 
quacy of her income and the fact that it is difficult for her to get along, 
even with what she is earning. She states that she had expected to 
save money to buy coal in winter, but has not been able to do this. 
She did not know where Albert was working, but states that he 
earns $65 a month. ‘The work is not difficult and he enjoys it. Mrs. 
Meyer stated that if possible, she wished to receive no more financial 
assistance from the Bureau. She resented somewhat the fact that 
the pension had been taken from her. She claims that not even her 
own sister knew she was receiving anything from our organization, 
but thought that all aid was received from the county. 

August 23, 1923.—Called on Dr. Fink, 1810 Roosevelt Road, 
but he was not in. Following the instruction of Mrs. Fink, worker 
called again in an hour but the doctor had not returned. 

[During the following months the worker kept track of Mrs. 
Meyer’s hours of work, earnings, and health.| 

October 15, 1923.—Called at the shops. Director informed 
worker that Mrs. Meyer is apparently much satisfied in the shops. 
She has no complaints to make regarding her health lately and seems 
much brighter and happier. 

Spoke to Mrs. Meyer. Although she had the usual complaints 
to make about the difficulty of getting along, and she complained 
bitterly of the manner in which she had been treated by the Funds 
to Parents Department when they withdrew her pension, she now 
states that were they to take her to court and reinstate the pension, 
she would not take it. She would prefer to get along as she is now 
doing. She has bought one ton of coal for the winter. 


516 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Albert is very well liked in the school by his teachers, as well as 
the students, and has been elected president of his class. Mrs. Meyer 
was very proud of his election. He is kept very busy with his school 
work and other duties as president of his class. Morris is looking 
for an after-school job, and Mrs. Meyer is very anxious that he find 
one so that he may help out. She will send him to the Bureau, but 
does not know whether he will come as the boy wished to have as 
little as possible to do with this organization. 

October 24, 1923.—Telephoned Miss Bassett of the Jewish Scholars 
ship Committee. Informed her that Mrs. Meyer is very anxious 
that the boys obtain employment. They, however, are unwilling 
to come to this office or to have anyone know that they are connected 
with the Bureau. Miss Bassett will assist the boys in finding work 
if they are referred to her. If there is no work available at the present 
time, however, she will induce the boys to apply at the Jewish Free 
Employment Bureau. [Letter to Morris and Albert asking about 
their plans for work and offering assistance.] — 

October 27, 1923.—Morris in office in response to letter. He stated 
that Albert is at present working at Einstein’s [a mail-order house} 
after school and half-day on Saturday. He earns about $4.00 weekly. 
Morris has tried to obtain employment through the office at the Board 
of Education but has been unsuccessful. He was referred to the 
Jewish Free Employment Bureau. 

October 31, 1923.—Was informed by Jewish Free Employment 
Bureau that there was no opening available at the time when Morris 
applied, but he was asked to return. 

November 5,1923.—Statement from the Industrial Workshops to the 
effect that Mrs. Meyer has received in wages from the Industrial Work- 
shops, the sum of $88.09 for the period of October 1 to November 1. 

November 8, 1923.—Visited. No one was home. | 

November ro, 1923.—Met Mrs. Meyer and Morris on Roosevelt 
Road. Learned that through the Employment Bureau, Morris 
obtained work at a millinery concern, earning $5.00 weekly for after- 
school hours, and half-days on Saturdays. Both Mrs. Meyer and 
Morris were very glad. 

December 4, 1923.—Statement from the Industrial Workshops, 
saying that Mrs. Meyer had received in wages, the sum of $75.08 for 
the period from November 1 to December 1. 

January 25, 1924.—Morris in office saying that he had been to the 
Employment Bureau to try to get a job for afternoons as his school 


THE WIDOW WITH SMALL CHILDREN 517 


hours were now from 8:00 to 12:00. He is still working an hour and a 
half a day earning $5.00 a week but he is very anxious to get work for 
all afternoon thus earning more. He is now in his first semester of 
his second year high school and advised that Albert was graduated on 
Wednesday, January 21, from the two-year high-school course, and is 
now looking for a full-time job. His mother is in bed with a very 
bad cold today and has therefore not gone to the shops. Advised him 
to call a Dispensary doctor if his mother does not get better. Also 
notified director of the Industrial Workshops the reason for Mrs. 
Meyer’s absence. 

January 31, 1924.—Visited. Mrs. Meyer was still at home as 
she was just recuperating from a very bad cold. She was preparing 
to go back to work in a few days. Mrs. Meyer was feeling very 
despondent over her financial situation. Albert has been graduated 
from a two-year course but thus far has been unsuccessful in finding 
employment. Morris has also as yet not been able to find work for 
the full afternoon. Mrs. Meyer stated that since last summer it has 
been necessary for her to remain at home two or three days out of 
every month. Acccording to her statement, she is not permitted to 
earn more than $4.00 a day at the shops. As this prevents her from 
making up for the days she loses through illness, she has been gradually 
getting herself into debt due to the fact that her earnings are insufficient 
for her needs. Should Albert begin to work she does not wish to use 
all his earnings as she feels that because he is ambitious to continue 
his studies she does not want to put any obstacles in his way. His 
plans are to take a night-school course, in order to complete his high- 
school course. Mrs. Meyer requested that worker intercede with the 
director of the Workshops in her behalf and obtain permission for her 
to be allowed to earn to the fullest of her capacity when she is able 
to work at least for the following three or four months until she should 
be able to get herself out of debt. She asks for no relief from this 
office saying that even should we give her as much as a ton of coal she 
would not receive it as she has made up her mind to be self- 
supporting. 

February 6, 1924.—Letter to director of the Industrial Workshops 
regarding Mrs. Meyer [asking that in view of the fact she must lose 
some time every month, she might be allowed to work up to the limit 
of her strength on the days when she can be at the shops]. 


SECTION V 


THE WELFARE AGENCY AND THE DESERTED FAMILY 


23. The Family of John Malachowski 
(A Deserting Husband Brought Back by the Extradition Process) 


{The family lived in a small, frame structure without a stone 
foundation, barely weatherproof, and very poorly built. The high 
basement is used as a shed, while the flat roof equipped with posts 
and clotheslines serves for laundry purposes. ‘The house is directly 
on the alley and in the rear of a brick flat building, from which it is 
separated by a stone court. In general, there is just enough space 
for a cement sidewalk between the houses in this block, though the 
buildings themselves are clean and well-kept two- and three-story 
brick and frame structures, built for the most part right off the 
sidewalk. On the lots adjacent to this home, there are other rear 
buildings of about the same type—square, flat-roofed, shedlike houses. 
The alley is very uneven and covered with papers and rubbish. 
On the corner at the west end of the block there was a saloon. It is 
a predominantly Polish neighborhood, and there is a Polish Catholic 
church just one-half block east and a block north. 

In this record there are four episodes: (1) September 19, 1913, 
to November 1, 1913, when Mrs. Malachowski is asking help, Mr. 
Malachowski seems to be a “shirk,”? and the Agency refuses help; 
(2) February 17, 1914, an incident; (3) September 9, 1918, to March ts, 
1919, when Mr. Malachowski is reported to have left his family while 
Mrs. Malachowski says that she left him; after three months he 
writes promising to send money every week; (4) March 15, rg1g, to 
April 29, 1920, when the record is closed for a time.] 

September 19, 1913 (Friday).—Woman at office. Says man is 
troubled with rheumatism and has been out of work three weeks 
because he must be employed indoors, and it is difficult to find a 
suitable occupation on account of his affliction. Was conductor on 
Northwestern Elevated five years, but his physician advised him to 
quit to improve his health. Woman seven months pregnant. They 
have mortgaged their furniture to the Fidelity Loan Company for 
$25 and agreed to make weekly payments of $1.00 until $50 has been 


518 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 519 


paid. The Guarantee Loan Company has a salary mortgage for $18 
on man’s wages, and, everywhere he works, his earnings are attached. 
Woman says she has a stepmother but is estranged from her. Has 
been helped with rent and food by a friend. Asks for food and fuel; 
says she has only part of a loaf of bread in the house. There are 
five children, Cassie (born August 6, 1905), Helen (born December 8, 
1906), Mary (born September 13, 1908), Emily (born July 26, 1910), 
and John (born July 27, 1912). Both Mr. and Mrs. Malachowski 
are American-born (Chicago) of Polish parents. He is thirty and she 
is twenty-six years old. His parents, an aunt, and five brothers 
live in Chicago; and she has a father and stepmother and a married 
sister in Chicago. ‘They were married October 1, 1904, at St. Michael’s 
Church, when he was twenty-one and she seventeen years old. The 
three oldest children go to the public school. 

September 23, 1913.—Visited. The family lives in a cottage on 
rear of lot, rent $8.50. Man out looking for work; woman says he 
has been offered several jobs at $10 or $12, but he wants $15. They 
have paid $20 on the furniture and about $30 on salary loan. Showed , 
the visitor a letter from the Fidelity Loan Company,’ saying they 


t{Loans on furniture and other personal goods are made by organizations 
limited by the terms of the following statute: 


“348. Organization. Be it enacted etc., That corporations may be organized 
under and by virtue of this act in the same manner as corporations for pecuniary 
profit under and by virtue of ‘‘An Act concerning corporations,” approved April 
18, 1872, in force July, 1872, as amended, except as otherwise herein provided. 

“349. Capital required—loan limited. Corporations with a capital of not less 
than $25,000.00 may be organized under the provisions of this act in all cities for 
the purpose of loaning money on wage assignments, but in no case shall the amount 
loaned to any one person exceed the sum of $250.00. 

“351. Loans, assignment of wages, rate, no other charges. Such corporations may 
loan money and take and hold as security for the payment of the same an assignment 
of the wages of the borrower, and may charge and collect not to exceed three (3) 
per cent per month as interest and compensation for the use of such money. Beside 
the interest charge herein before specified, no further or other charges for any 
services, or upon any pretext whatsoever by deductions in advance or otherwise, 
shall be asked, charged or in any way received, where the same would in any way 
operate to make a greater charge for the use of the money loaned than the aforesaid 
rate; and where made, any such additional charges shall be taken and held to be 
so much added interest. 

“357. Annual dividends. Any corporation organized under this act may out of 
the profits realized out of its business, declare and pay to its stockholders an annual 
dividend of not to exceed six per cent (6) on its capital stock. 

“358. Governor and mayor to appoint directors. The Governor of this state and 
the mayor of the city in which the principal office of said corporation shall be 
located shall each appoint one director, who shall not be a stockholder or employee 
of such corporation, whose term of office shall be two (2) years, unless sooner 
removed by the Governor or mayor who made the appointment, and said directors 
shall have the same power and authority as the other directors of the corporation. 
The number of directors of any such corporation shall not exceed nine.”’—I/linois 
Revised Statuies (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 32. See also chap. 74., secs. 13-18.] 


520 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


would be around on that day for the furniture. Woman had written 
to say man had no work, and so far no one had come. While visitor 
was there, a neighbor came in, asking for man whose help he wanted 
with some painting; said he could give him several days’ work and 
would try to get him a steady job. Man has applied for position as a 
fireman but could not be appointed until his teeth were fixed, which 
would cost $50. Woman says her husband’s mother helps them some, 
but she is ashamed to go to her every day. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Lorbewicz, Mrs. Malachowski’s  step- 
mother. She said she had not seen her stepdaughter for about a 
year. Had known that the man was out of work but could see no 
reason why he should be unemployed, as he is big and strong and seems 
to have quite recovered from his rheumatism. Said when the family 
had money they spent it lavishly and never thought of saving; while 
Mrs. Lorbewicz will not go over to see the woman, she is willing to 
help her if she comes and asks for help. 

September 27, 1913.—Woman in office asking for more aid; man 
has no work. Says neighbor who had come in while visitor was 
there would give no more than enough to buy beer, so she did not let 
him go there to work. Said her stepmother had spoiled everything 
for her. It was she who put the loan sharks on her husband at the 
places he worked last. She is good talker but will not do what she 
promises. ‘Told woman to go to her mother-in-law for help, but she 
says she applied to her last week and is ashamed to go back. ‘Told 
her Welfare Agency could not help her until she had shown that her 
husband had made every effort to get work and was unsuccessful. 

Later—Woman returned with letter from her stepmother refusing 
aid. Said she has sent children over with a request for help, and this 
was the result. Said she had nothing to eat over Sunday and was in 
great distress. Told her that man must either find work or be arrested. 

September 29, 1913.—Visited Mrs. Thomas Malachowski, mother 
of man, who said she had frequently helped family and felt that the 
man should get a job for himself. She promised, however, to send 
over some food that afternoon. Her husband owns the small property 
where they live, but it is heavily mortgaged. 

October 3, T913.—Visited. Man had gone to work at the Leonard- 
Morton Mail-Order House, and woman thinks he will get $9.00 or 
$10.00 a week. Says her mother-in-law sent her a basket on Tuesday 
containing three loaves of bread, some jelly, cheese, and cakes. 
Today a friend had given her 25 cents, 5 cents of which she had spent 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 521 


for cakes for the children. She says they like them so much better 
than bread. Had only 20 cents left to live on till her husband gets 
his wages. Left card for man to go to Legal Aid about settling his 
loans. 

October 4, 1913.—Woman at office; said she had nothing to eat 
in the house. Stepmother had given her some food yesterday, but 
she would give her no more. Says man went to work at Leonard- 
Morton Company October 2; will not be paid for two weeks. Says 
she can no longer get help from her friends or family. 

October 16, 1913.—Telephoned Leonard-Morton Company, who 
said man is employed there. Could not give the amount of his 
wages. 

October 22, 1913.—Woman in office asking for money to buy food. 
Says her husband got $9.00 last week, $8.50 of which was paid for rent, 
which was already two weeks overdue. The week before he made 
$7.00, and she had to pay some debts with part of that. Says she 
had gone to all of her relatives, and they refuse to do any more for 
her. Her insurance is also due and a payment of $2.00 on her machine. 

November 1, 1913.—Woman in office asking for help with money 
till husband is paid on Tuesday. Last week she had to pay all his 
wages on back rent and insurance and so has only one bucket of coal, 
but landlady told her she would loan her 4o cents to buy a bushel. 
County Agent cannot give her coal until December. Says relatives 
will not help her. She asked her mother and sister-in-law and they 
refused. Advised her to go and ask them again before Agency would 
help her. 

February 17, 1914.—Probation officer in office to talk over neighbor, 
Mrs. Czarnocki, whom Juvenile Court is considering for pension. 
She says that in going about the neighborhood, one or two of the 
shopkeepers have spoken very bitterly of the help received by ‘“un- 
worthy families,” and have quoted the Malachowskis. It is said that 
he is working regularly and still receives help from the county. 
Probation officer reported this at once to the County Agent. 

[December 9, 1914.—James born.| 

[December 24, 1917.—Eugene born. | 

September 9, 1918.—Protective League telephones asking visit. 
Family are to be evicted September 20, 1918, and have no money. 
Mr. Malachowski has deserted. 

Later.—Telephoned Protective League. The family lived at 
1809 Lawrence Avenue. Mrs. Malachowski is to move near her sister. 


522 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


She had her husband at the Court of Domestic Relations; and on 
account of her temper and hasty speech, the judge dismissed the case, 
and it cannot be brought into court again for six months. Said that 
Mr. Malachowski had given his wife $5.00 at that time. Protective 
League does not know where he is. 

September 23, 1918.—Visited. Found address to be home of 
Mrs. Malachowski’s sister, Mrs. Lettman. Casimira was there and 
stated that her aunt was not at home and that her mother was at the 
other place packing. Said that her father had left them without 
anything to eat and that they had been-staying with their aunt for 
three weeks. She had started in at school but was obliged to stay 
at home and care for the baby while her mother was moving. 

September 24, 1918.—Mrs. Malachowski in office. Said she was 
sorry she was not at home the day visitor called. Said she intended 
to move the next day into rooms in rear building at the same address 
as her sister’s. Said she had heard nothing from her husband; 
that she had left him. Promised visit. 

September 25, 1918.—Visited late in the afternoon. ‘The express- 
man was just unloading the last load of furniture. Mrs. Malachowski 
gave him $5.00 for his services. Said she had borrowed money to do 
this. She still had some bills in her purse. 

The rooms are in the rear of basement and are dark, damp, and 
dirty. Mrs. Malachowski seems to think they are all right. Said 
the rooms they moved from were just the same, and her children are 
healthy. She lined them all up for visitor to inspect, and they were 
certainly a set of fine, healthy-looking children. 

She stated that the new landlord had given her two beds, a gas 
range, and heating stove. For this reason she felt obliged to stay. 

She seemed very unconcerned about her husband. Said that 
at the time of the Mexican War, he had gone to the border and learned 
all his bad habits there; that women were running after him and that 
he was drunk most of the time. Said she left him about three weeks 
ago and came to her sister. He had been at her sister’s a week ago 
and stated that he was going to another city. Left $5.00 at her * 
sister’s for her, and that is the last she has heard from him. He was 
in the last draft and was anxious to go to war, and she would not be 
surprised if he had gone. He registered with Local Board 97. She 
intends to go there and have him put in first class. [See below, p. 575, 
for classification of registrants]. She was too busy to bother with 
him, however. She did not seem inclined to favor moving into better 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 523 


rooms, as she pays only $5.00 and as the landlord was willing to let 
her stay and pay rent when she could. Advised her to make every 
effort to find her husband immediately. 

September 27, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski sick with sore 
throat. They had nothing in the house to eat. The house was 
somewhat settled. Prefers to remain just where she is at present. 
She had made no effort to locate her husband, although she thought 
his mother might have heard. Stated that he had promised her sister 
that he would send her money through his mother. Said she would 
send Cassie over on Sunday. 

October 2, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski still sick. Had 
not been able to go to Local Board on account of her throat. Her 
husband’s mother had heard nothing from him. Mrs. Malachowski 
intends to get sewing to do, as she had been a dressmaker before she 
married. Said she did not worry about supporting herself and 
children, and as soon as she felt better, intended to go to work. Said 
she had promised to make a dress for a friend. 

October 5, r1918.—Visited with regard to getting Mrs. Malachowski 
to help Mrs. Doane at Newton Day Nursery. Mrs. Malachowski 
looked very bright and happy. Said she was well. Had been to 
Local Board and had found her husband’s serial number. Clerk 
made a note of his case. Said he had not sent out questionnaire, but 
would get around to it in a week, and see that her husband was 
placed in first class. 

She had her sister and her two children, all her own children, and 
woman for whom she was making a dress, for luncheon. She did not 
want to take a position with Mrs. Doane, although it offered her a 
fine opportunity to place the children in the nursery. Stated that 
she had finished dress for the friend and thought she might be sick 
again if she attempted to do hard work, and the prospect of earning 
sufficient money to pay rent was no inducement to her. She is 
determined to remain in present quarters. Said she would let visitor 
know when she received her husband’s questionnaire. 

October rr, 1918.—Mrs. Malachowski’s sister telephoned that Mrs. 
Malachowski is very ill. Telephoned county doctor. Promised to 
call as soon as possible. 

October 12, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski in bed. Stated 
that county doctor had called in the morning. She was feeling better. 
Said she received postal card, also letter from Mr. Malachowski 
inclosing $15. Children are all at home from school with colds. 


524 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Her sister is taking care of her. County doctor promised to call 
again the following Monday. 

October 14, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski better. County 
doctor had not made a second call. Children were not feeling well. 

Later.—Left word with Visiting Nurse, Miss Clay, to have nurse 
call. } 
October 15, 1918.—Visited Local Board 97. Clerk stated that if 
Mrs. Malachowski would file complaint, he would make an effort to 
have her husband put in first class immediately. Said she could fill 
in affidavit and have it sworn to later when she was able to come down. 

October 18, t918.—Visited. The Municipal Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium nurse was there. Mrs. Malachowski sitting up; temperature 
normal. Children’s temperature also normal. She stated that she 
had paid one month’s rent, and that she had no money left to buy food 
with. She filled in affidavit waiving all claim to exemption for Mr. 
Malachowski. 

October 21, 1918.—Visited Local Board 97. Gave clerk affidavit 
signed by Mrs. Malachowski. Said he would do all he could but 
could not promise to take care of matter outside of the regular order 
of things. Said for her to come in as soon as she was able, to swear 
before a Notary Public. 

November 6, r918.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski at home. Was 
sewing in sleeve linings on boys’ coats. She said she earned 23 cents 
on each garment, and was making about $7.50 a week. Said she 
received $12 from Mr. Malachowski a few days previous. Showed 
visitor registered envelope in which money came. His address is 
_ Carney’s Point, New Jersey, Box 25, Y.M.C.A. 

Mr. Malachowski is working for an ammunition plant. His excuse 
for not sending her more was that he had injured his hand and has 
been laid up. Mr. Malachowski does not know anything about his 
father’s death. His brother Thomas’ wife also died last week. She 
wrote to Mr. Malachowski but gave him the impression that she was 
sick and staying with her sister. Did not wish him to know that she is 
keeping house or that she is working. Said she told him their furniture 
was stored in her sister’s shed. 

She said that she had not been to Local Board to swear before 
Notary Public. She had been too busy going to funerals and sewing. 
She would go the following morning. Mrs. Frost, from the County 
Agent’s, told her she should be getting $72 a month from the Red 
Cross. She receives county supplies. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 525 


She does not seem to think that the indisposition of the children 
and herself is due to their housing conditions, but still feels that it is 
a desirable place to live. 

November 30, 1918.—Mrs. Malachowski in office. Has not heard 
from her husband for two weeks. Has not been able to get coats to 
sew on and has no food or fuel in the house. Had never been to 
Lecal Board to swear to affidavit. 

She would like Welfare Agency to help her until January, as she 
will be able to bring case up in court again at that time, and will have 
a warrant sworn out immediately. 

Suggested that she find something to do which will pay her better 
than sewing on coats; also that she go to Local Board, as they might 
be willing to call Mr. Malachowski home, as she can prove that he 
has lied about his age. 

December 5, 1918.—Visited Mrs. Thomas Malachowski, mother 
of Mr. Malachowski. The home conditions in this place are most 
unsatisfactory. Mrs. Malachowski feels very bitter toward her son. 
Although he has written to her several times, she refuses to answer 
his letters. Sympathizes greatly with her daughter-in-law but does 
not feel able to help her, as she needs all the money she has to take 
care of herself. She owns the property where they are living but 
claims that it takes the income to keep up the taxes and repairs. 
She says that her son Thomas received a letter from his brother John, 
and at the present time he is in Philadelphia in the shipyards. ‘Thinks 
Welfare Agency ought to be able to make him support his family. 

December 6, 1918.—Visited Thomas Malachowski, 1609 Blair 
Street. Found it to be the home of his mother-in-law, who cannot 
speak English. His wife died several weeks ago, and he is still making 
his home with her people. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Malachowski and children at home. Was 
surprised to hear that Mr. Malachowski’s brother had heard from 
him. Said she would go right over and get the address, and send one 
of the children over with it the following morning. 

Helen was obliged to stay home from school because of a toothache. 
Mrs. Malachowski’s sister took her to the dentist and had three teeth 
filled. ‘This took all the money she had, but said she could not stand 
it to have the child crying both day and night. She claims she made 
a little money by sewing last week. 

December 7, 1918.—Helen in office, with note stating that her 
mother received letter from Mr. Malachowski with $9.00 inclosed, and 


526 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


a promise to send money every week after this. (Address: John 
Malachowski, Hog Island Post-Office, Pennsylvania.) 

February 25, 1919.—Vocational Bureau of Board of Education 
telephoned that Mrs. Malachowski had been in office asking for a 
permit allowing Cassie to work at home and take care of children. 
Mr. Malachowski is not adequately supporting her, and she wishes 
to find work and cannot leave baby at home alone. 

March 15, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski in office asking assistance 
with food. Has not heard from her husband for two months. She 
owes four months’ rent and a gas bill of $15, which she is going to take 
up with Public Utility Company. Promised visit. 

March 18, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski at home. Was sewing on 
coats for tailoring company. Said she was obliged last week to 
discontinue this on account of the baby’s illness. She earned only 
$3.00, her insurance of 40 cents a week is due New Haven Industrial 
Company, and $1.80 to the Royal Neighbors, St. Anne’s Council, in 
which Mrs. Malachowski carries $1,000. 

Mrs. Malachowski seemed worried over something but would not 
tell visitor. She very emphatically refused to take her husband back, 
although he had been writing to his people asking that she should do 
so. She says she has only received a small amount from him for the 
past six months. She would like to swear out a warrant for him 
and have him brought home. Advised her that it might be better 
for her to allow him to come home and then take out a warrant 
for him. 

March 24, 1919.—Visited. The children were at home alone, 
getting dinner. Said their mother had gone down to the city hall to 
do electioneering. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Lettman, sister of Mrs. Malachowski, 
attributes Mr. Malachowski’s indifference to interest in other women, 
developed while in army service. Feels sure his postal orders have been 
for small amounts with the exception of $15 and $10 sent several 
months ago. She agrees that Mrs. Malachowski might be making a 
mistake in refusing to allow him to come back, as he has just requested 
to do. His people are said not to visit her, though she goes to see 
them occasionally. Baby is said to be in better health. Mrs. Mala- 
chowski feeds him on Borden’s Condensed Milk. Does not take him 
to Infant Welfare. Mrs. Lettman spoke of three rats having been 
caught in Mrs. Malachowski’s room recently. Also of the fact that 
Mrs. Malachowski paid no rent for months. Gave Mrs. Mala- 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 527 


chowski’s earnings at $6.00 to $7.00 weekly, used to supplement 
county rations. 

April 16, t9r19.—Visited with district superintendent. Mrs. 
Malachowski is willing to take any action against her husband that 
the visitor suggests. She has not heard from him for three months, 
so is not sure just where he is. 

She is anxious to move into more desirable rooms, as she now 
attributes the health of her children to their undesirable housing. 
Casimira weighs only sixty-six pounds, and looks sickly and under- 
nourished. Suggested that she go to the Preventorium. Cassie was 
very eager to go, as one of her schoolmates had been there. Mrs. 
Malachowski immediately consented to allow her to go. 

Advised Mrs. Malachowski to look for more desirable rooms, and 
let visitor know when she found some. Also made arrangements to 
take Casimira to Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary to 
be examined for Preventorium. 

April 22, 1919.—Took Cassie to Municipal Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium to be examined. Diagnosis as follows: ‘‘Slight mitral regurgi- 
tation, a slight enlargement of thyroid, glandular Tb. Cervical Ant. 
and Post., Tracheo, bronchial glands, Underweight, 25 pounds.” 

Later.—Sent in application to Preventorium. 

April 29, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski found rooms. ‘They are 
very desirable. Made arrangements with agent to make necessary 
repairs. 

Later.—Cassie in office saying her mother had secured an express- 
man, who will move her for $5.00. 

A pril 30, 1919.—Visited a previous address of family. The house 
is two-story brick, old but well preserved, with arbor and garden. 
Talked with Mr. Hunt and Mr. Trevor. The former has had a 
store in the neighborhood for years, and the family dealt with him. 
He has known them very intimately, and Mrs. Malachowski still 
comes to see them. Although Mr. Malachowski worked regularly, 
he turned over only one-half of his earnings to his wife. If she had 
not washed and done cleaning almost daily, the children would have 
been without clothing. They feel she is most industrious and ambi- 
tious for her children. When they moved the family owed $50 to 
Mr. Hunt, which Mrs. Malachowski has paid in part by working. 

Mr. Hunt thinks Mr. Malachowski is thoroughly worthless. He 
understood he was an army man before his marriage. He feels Mrs. 
Malachowski should be aided in her efforts to bring up her family. 


528 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


May 1, 1919.—Committee decision, that effort be made to locate 
Mr. Malachowski in Philadelphia and persuade him to support 
family. That Mrs. Malachowski and children be given whatever 
aid is needed in the meantime. 

May 2, t919.—Mrs. Malachowski in office asking that we let 
her pay the expressman for moving her as she feels he will not do it 
for the small amount if he knows the Agency is going to pay for it. 
She secured the same man who moved her to her present rooms. 
Gave her $5.00. 

May 3, 1t919.—Visited Mrs. Malachowski at her new home. 
The children have been transferred to the Sanborn School. The 
landlord did the necessary cleaning. Mrs. Malachowski has polished 
up all her furniture; gotten out all her rugs, curtains, and so forth, 
which she has not been able to use in her former home; and the place 
looks very habitable. 

She has not been doing any work outside of getting settled. She 
has inquired of the neighbors with regard to getting sewing to do, 
and thinks it rather doubtful. There is a large garden spot in the 
back yard, and the children are anxious to make a garden. 

Her sister is looking for rooms in the neighborhood. Said a gang 
of boys had been trying to hold forth in the vacant flat below her. 
She has been given the keys and is taking charge of the renting of same. 

Letter written Philadelphia Society for Organizing Charity asking 
that an effort be made to locate Mr. Malachowski. 

May 12, r919.—Letter received Philadelphia Society for Organizing 
Charity stating that they were unable to locate Mr. Malachowski. 

May 13, 1919.—Visited Mrs. Malachowski at home. The baby 
has a cough and looked feverish, and Mrs. Malachowski says he is 
teething. 

She has two dresses to make, one for a girl who is to be confirmed 
and the other a child’s dress; and she will receive $4.00 for this work. 

She readily consented to assist the Welfare Agency in moving. 
Says her sister will take care of the baby while she is away. 

May 14, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski reported for work. Gave 
her $3.00 for same. Made arrangements for her to make the curtains 
for the office. 

May 26, r919.—Visited Mrs. Thomas Malachowski, Mr. Mala- 
chowski’s mother. The mailman had just left a card from Mr. Mala- 
chowski for his brother who has just returned from France. He stated 
on this card that he was sorry he had missed seeing him in Phila- 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 529 


delphia, but that he’ had had a fall and could not make it. The card 
was postmarked Hog Island, May 24. Mrs. Malachowski says that 
she has not heard from him herself since Christmas time. She refused 
to answer his letter then. Mrs. Malachowski says she has so many 
troubles of her own she cannot bother with a worthless bum like Mr. 
Malachowski. She says that their property is in probate and she has 
barely enough to live on herself or she would be glad to help Mrs. 
Malachowski and the children. 

May 27, 1919.—Visited Mrs. Malachowski at home. She has 
six boys’ waists to make. Thinks she should charge only 25 cents 
apiece. 

She is getting nervous. She says the children drive her wild 
when they are at home from school. ° 

She received a letter from her husband in which he stated he 
would be home in about three weeks if she wanted him to come. 
She claims she will not live with him, but will advise him to come 
home if the Welfare Agency thinks it the right thing todo. Will have 
warrant ready waiting for him. Advised her to wait before answering 
letter until visitor had talked with his brother Tom. Left $5.00 for 
making curtains. 

Later.—Visited Tom in the evening. He is a clean, pleasant man 
to talk to. He did not understand his brother, but felt that drink 
was the cause of his behavior. Said he had written him several times, 
asking him either to send sufficient money to support his family or to 
come home and be a man. ‘Thought Mrs. Malachowski was rather 
hasty and quick tempered, but did not wish to make any excuse for 
his brother on this account. He advised that unless the Welfare 
Agency could see him through their organization in Philadelphia, or 
find out his physical condition, it might not be advisable for his wife 
to allow him to come home. Said the last letter be received from him, 
he wrote that he had: broken his arm and that it was in a plaster cast. 
Mr. Malachowski did not know in which department his brother was 
working, but thought it might be in the riveting department. Said 
this information was not authentic, but was his own conclusion. All 
the letters he wrote were directed to general delivery. 

May 28, t919.—Complaint made to Health Department with 
regard to housing. 

May 31, 1919.—Casimira in office with extra curtain Mrs. Mala- 
chowski made for the office, with note from her asking money for 
food. Gave Cassie $2.00 for food. 


530 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


June 2, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski was sewing, finishing 
up a few things which she took in last week, for which she will receive 
about $5.00. 

She said she received a letter from Mr. Malachowski with a 
money order for $8.00 Saturday afternoon. He also stated he would 
be back in about one month. Mrs. Malachowski will let him come, 
but still insists that the she will not allow him in the house. 

Mrs. Malachowski took all the children to the Municipal Tubercu- 
losis Sanitarium Dispensary on Decoration Day. She received a card 
for extra rations from the county. She gets her supplies on the 
second of the month. 

June 3, 1924.—Visited office of landlord in regard to rent. Paid 
rent from May 3 to June 3 and promised to send check for following 
month. 

June 9, 1919.—Visited [while on vacation] Mr. Malachowski at 
Hog Island Shipyards, Philadelphia. He is a surly person and very 
little concerned, it seems, about his family. . Has been working as 
one of a set of three assistants to the riveters, earning 58 cents an hour. 
Because of occasional slack work, says he has averaged only $22 to 
$26 a week. He lives ina barracks, paying $1.45 a week for his room, 
but his meals in the cafeteria cost him from $10 to $12 a week (a high 
estimate judging from reports from other employees). He injured 
his arm recently, and his leg during the winter. Also had rheumatism. 
He was much more in sympathy with his own difficulties than with 
those of the family. When questioned about money sent Mrs. 
Malachowski, he said it totaled between $200 and $300 since 
September, 1918. Upon request he went to his locker and brought 
back stubs of postal orders totaling $115, dated from September to 
April. He stated he sent $8.50 each of the past three weeks, though 
he had no stubs. Mr. Malachowski made no excuse for himself in 
the treatment of his family. He agreed that he drank heavily and 
was abusive and that his wife has found letters from other women in 
his pocket. He said they got to quarreling about every little thing; 
and when she finally left him to go to her sister’s, he went three times 
to beg her to return. When she refused, he decided he could get 
better work in the yards. He plans to return about July 1 and try 
to get back on the elevated railway. Says his wife had written him 
to come, and he thinks they can patch up their quarrels. She had 
also told him of time of children’s ill health, which seemed to make a 
slight impression upon him. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 531 


Because of the noise of the surroundings, and lack of privacy, it 
was difficult to talk with him further. He promised to continue to 
send money until his return. He blames his sister-in-law, Mrs. 
Lettman, for interfering in their quarrels. Could get along better 
away from her. 

June rt, 1919.—Letter written landlord inclosing rent of $12 for 
rent from June 3 to July 3. 

June 12, 1919.—Visited gas company and paid three months 
back on gas bill. Gas company promised to turn on gas following day. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski said she had received another 
letter from Mr. Malachowski but that he had not sent her money. 
He told her, however, that someone who knew his entire history and 
who had a picture of him had been inquiring for him. He wondered 
who this was, and if it was someone that Mrs. Malachowski had sent 
to look him up. He also stated he would return home in a few weeks, 
and that he would send her money the following week. Mrs. Mala- 
chowski seemed very excited over this news and thought it was 
probable that the visitor was having him arrested. Mrs. Malachowski 
received the bed, gas oven, and some toys from donation received by 
Welfare Agency. | 

Mrs. Malachowski has finished all the sewing she has in the house. 
Said she used the money that Mr. Malachowski sent her the week 
before for food, and the money she had earned sewing she used to buy 
the smaller children shoes and stockings. Gave her cash grant for 
food and told her if she did not receive money from Mr. Malachowski 
when that was gone to let Agency know. 

June 18, 1919.—Letter received from Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium. Mrs. Malachowski, Helen, Mary, Emily, James, and 
Eugene are pronounced non-tubercular. Cassie and John have 
glandular tuberculosis. | 

Later.—Mrs. Malachowski has two dresses to make this week for 
Mrs. Stuckso, a friend who lives at their previous address. She is 
very much interested in her dressmaking and proud of the fact that 
her customers leave the designing to her. 

Mrs. Malachowski received $5.00 from her husband Saturday, 
the fourteenth. He wrote that someone from the Welfare Agency of 
Chicago had been to see him. Mrs. Malachowski said he was con- 
cerned about the children’s health, especially the fact that Casimira 
was being sent to Preventorium. She seems to be willing to give 
information contained in her husband’s letters but will never give 


532 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


visitor an opportunity to read them. She was in hopes that Welfare 
Agency would have Mr. Malachowski arrested after finding him, 
as she is afraid he will get away after returning to Chicago. She 
does not want to take him back since she is beginning to get some 
business, but wants him to be made to help support the children. 

Secured a gas range for Mrs. Malachowski. She will get the same 
man who moved her to call at office for same. 

Gave her a grant to cover the expense of attaching the stove and 
the delivery of same. 

Casimira is having her teeth attended to at the Municipal Tuber- 
culosis Sanitarium. 

July 1, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski in office at our request to get 
some sewing. She received a letter from Mr. Malachowski with 
$7.00 in it, also stated that he will be home July 4. She feels sure that 
he will come, and she is anxious to know what to do. Promised to go 
with her to Court of Domestic Relations the following morning. 

Mrs. Malachowski received $7.00 for making a dress for Mrs. 
Stuckso and a new shirtwaist. 

Later.—Miss Hannah telephoned that she would like to have Mrs. 
Malachowski come out to their camp and cook for them during the 
summer. Informed her of the possibility of Mr. Malachowski’s 
return, which would make it necessary for Mrs. Malachowski to be 
in the city. 

July 2, 1919.—Visited Court of Domestic Relations with Mrs. 
Malachowski. Social worker said she would not swear out a warrant 
for Mr. Malachowski as their records show that Mrs. Malachowski 
was partly to blame. Social worker gave Mrs. Malachowski a talking 
to in regard to her hasty temper; and the best she could do would 
be to write a letter to Mr. Malachowski asking him to appear in 
court on July 8. She did this and gave the letter to Mrs. Malachowski 
to give to him when he arrived. 

July 5, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski brought back sewing for office; 
she said her husband did not return on the fourth; that she had no 
money or food. Gave her $2.00 for her work. 

July 9, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski had gone to the Settlement 
Camp, but had some trouble and returned. Casimira came to office 
with letter from her mother to superintendent, as follows: 


I have left the camp and come home. Is there anything I can sew 
for you? I haven’t got any money at all. I am sorry I could not do and 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 533 


stay for Miss Hannah just is the limit anything I done wasn’t good she 
always had something had me working ten times harder than I do at home. 
I could not stand it. 


July 15, t919.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski is very nervous. 
She is disappointed because Mr. Malachowski did not return. She 
has not heard from him since he wrote her that he was coming on the 
fourth. Her unpleasant experience at the Settlement Camp, she 
acknowledges, is probably due to her temper. She said she had to 
work so hard and she did not feel equal to it. Advised her to go to 
West Side Dispensary and have a thorough examination. She 
promised to do this. She has not received word from her husband. 
She is sure that he has gone some place else since he learned that the 
Agency knew where he was. 

She did not receive the special ration from the county this month. 
Is getting the extra quart of milk from the Infant Welfare Society 
for Eugene. 

July 23, 1919.—Casimira in office with note from her mother asking 
visitor to call. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski said she received a letter 
from Mr. Malachowski but no money. Visitor read letter, in which 
he promised to send money the following Monday, July 28. He also 
states that he is tired of staying away from home and will return as 
soon as he can. The reason he has not sent money before is that he 
had two fingers broken. 

Mrs. Malachowski went to the West Side Dispensary. Says 
the medicine the doctor gave her makes her feel sick. She promised 
to follow doctor’s orders and to return to the Dispensary at her 
appointed time. 

Suggested that she and the children go on boat party July 25. 
All the children were pleased at the prospects of an outing. Asked 
her to drop us a card if Mr. Malachowski did not send her money as 
he promised. 

July 31, 1919.—Mrs. Lettman in office to say that her sister has 
been very ill. Is in bed. Wishes doctor. Gave cash grant for Mrs. 
Malachowski. Telephoned county doctor. 

August 8, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski in office. Is feeling much 
better, but still very weak. 

August 20, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Malachowski still feels bad. 
She is following out the county doctor’s instructions. Has not been 


534 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


back to the West Side Dispensary. Mary and Emily are at Holiday 
Home. Casimira is still waiting patiently for her summons to 
Preventorium. She is not feeling well; has completed her dentistry 
at the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary. 

Helen has been staying with Mrs. Lettman, helping her to move. 
With three children away, Mrs. Malachowski feels she has been able 
to cut down expenses. She expects to start the two boys in school 
in September. 

Mrs. Lettman took advantage of a bargain at the Boston Store 
and purchased several pairs of pants for the boys at Io cents apiece. 

The doctor has forbidden Mrs. Malachowski to wash so she has 
been sending her laundry to the wet-wash every two weeks. This 
costs her from $1.10 to $1.25. 

Mrs. Malachowski received a letter from Mr. Malachowski from 
Camden, New Jersey. He is working at the Dupont Works, Carney’s 
Point, New Jersey, the same position he had before going to Phila- 
delphia. When Mrs. Malachowski was taken suddenly ill, she thought 
she was going to die, so sent for him to come home; and the letter 
which she allowed visitor to read was an answer to her message. 
He stated he had been very sick himself with a fever and was obliged 
to use all the money he had saved to come home to pay doctor bills. 
The letter was full of excuses and very affectionate, but he did not send 
any money or make any references in regard to doing so. 

Mrs. Malachowski is discouraged. She thinks her nervousness 
and unrest is due to the fact that Mr. Malachowski is not supporting 
his family. Mrs. Malachowski has been taking John and Cassie to 
the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary every month. 

August 22, 1919.—The following letter, dated August 20, 19109, 
received from Philadelphia Society for Organizing Charity: 


This is in reply to your letter of July 23, 1919. John Malachowski 
formerly employed in the shipyard as a holder on, terminated his work 
voluntarily on June 27, 1919. He was paid in full. His reason for leaving 
was recorded as being due to sickness. 

On the same date, June 27, 1919, he was rehired as a holder on, and 
was assigned to work in Yard No. 3 under the Badge No. 23. Meanwhile he 
continued to live in Barracks No. 3 as before. This termination and rehiring 
gave Mr. Malachowski all the money due him (one week’s pay is withheld 
all tradesmen) and set ahead the next pay day two weeks. He continued 
working until July 26, 1919, when he again asked for a termination. The 
records show the cause for leaving to be ‘“‘Sickness at home.” 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 535 


The records of the Labor Agent contain no mention of any injury which 
Mr. Malachowski received during the period of his employment. So the 
broken finger incident mentioned as an excuse for not forwarding money to 
his family is a myth and not a fact according to the hospital minor injury 
case record. 

During the early part of July excessive rains prevented work on hull 
construction and may have affected Mr. Malachowski which would account 
for his action in terminating work in order to obtain all money due him. 
And the fact that the next pay day was two weeks hence, may account for 
the broken finger excuse made by way of explanation for his inability to 
make a remittance. 

If John Malachowski is still employed in Hog Island, he is going under 
an assumed name. If in the meantime, he has not returned to Chicago, 
and you have reason to believe he is still here, I will be glad to follow up 
any clues as to his whereabouts. 

P.S.—John Malachowski left no forwarding address at the post-office and 
advised the mail clerk to return any mail received for him in case an address 
was given; otherwise to “‘can it.” He stated that he was going into the 
Merchant Marine and over seas. 


August 31, 1919.—The following letter was written to social 
service worker, Court of Domestic Relations: 


On one or two occasions, we have talked to you in regard to John and 
Martha Malachowski. You will remember, the couple seemed unable to 
get along, due in the first place to his hard drinking and abuse, and perhaps 
equally to Mrs. Malachowski’s hasty temper. However, there are seven 
young children. In the past four months, it has been necessary for us to 
help largely toward their support, in addition to securing county rations. 

Mr. Malachowski is now employed at the Dupont Works, Carney’s 
Point, New Jersey and is living at the Y.M.C.A. barracks. I, myself, was . 
in Philadelphia on June 9 and have hunted him up at the shipyards there. 
Have tried hard, asking him to do more toward the support of the children. 
As the result, he sent $8.00 for three or four weeks, but has since stopped. 

Mrs. Malachowski is under care of the West Side Dispensary and is said 
to have a severe case of neurasthenia. The oldest child we have sent to 
the Preventorium for Tubercular Children. 

In view of the fact that this large family is a heavy charge on the 
community would it not be possible to have Mr. Malachowski extradited ? 

I should be very glad to hear from you by telephone or letter as to what 
you can do. 


September 4, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski in office with Eugene. 
The other children were all in school. Gave her cash grant for food. 
Cassie went to the Preventorium August 30. 


536 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Visited County Agent, who had instructed Mrs. Mala- 
chowski that she could not have county supplies because he understood 
Mr. Malachowski was coming home. Advised visitor to have her 
come in again and he would continue supplies. 

September 29, 1919.—Mrs. Malachowski has been sick with 
tonsillitis and was obliged to go to County Hospital to have tonsils 
removed. Doctor advised that she return in ten days to have them 
removed. 

Mrs. Malachowski received letter from Mr. Malachowski, which 
visitor read. States that he has changed his address. He has not 
been able to send money on account of his sickness. Is doing light 
work at present with small pay. Will send money as soon as he 
can. Expects to be home about November 1. 

October 29, 1919.—Weekly visits have been made to the home, 
in which it was found that both John and Edward are ill. John is in 
the Contagious Hospital with diphtheria, and Edward at Children’s 
Memorial Hospital with an abscessed tooth. Arrangements made by 
Visiting Nurse. 

Mrs. Malachowski has been sewing, earning $3.00 one week and 
$5.00 another. She had bought underwear for children. October 3 
a letter came from Mr. Malachowski saying he would send money 
soon, and might return in a month or two. 

November 12, 1919.—Visited. Eugene was taken to Contagious 
Hospital November to with diphtheria. Child was treated with 
antitoxin and room was fumigated. November 7 another letter came 
from Mr. Malachowski giving his address. Mrs. Malachowski took 
_ out a new warrant November to on a charge of desertion, and Mr. 
Malachowski is to be extradited. 

November 21, 1919.—Case before Judge Cook, Court of Domestic 
Relations. Mr. Malachowski testified that his wife had left him, 
that he offered her several chances to return. He had money-order 
stubs which he showed the judge, totaling about $130 and stated he 
had sent at least $100 more for which he had no receipt. He was 
sentenced to House of Correction for one year, and advised to have 
his people give a property bond for his release. 

The bailiff who arrested Mr. Malachowski said that he insisted 
until the last minute that he was not the man, and almost convinced 
him. His only request was that he be allowed to get one more drink. 

December 23, 1919.—Attended hearing at Court of Domestic 
Relations. Mr. Malachowski was released from House of Correction 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 537 


and placed on probation for one year, to pay $10 a week to his wife 
if he lived away from home and to turn over his complete pay if he 
was with her. 

Roman Malachowski, his brother, and also his brother-in-law, 
were present and turned over to court $500 in Liberty Bonds as security 
for Mr. Malachowski. They were both clean-cut and industrious- 
looking fellows and felt convinced that Mr. Malachowski had had 
his lesson and that they could keep him straight. 

Mrs. Malachowski had decided to give him another chance, 
because of the urging of his people. When questioned by Judge 
Cook as to what he had been thinking about in the House of Correc- 
tion, his only reply was, “what a fool I have been.”” He appeared to 
be in better health and very penitent. 

December 24, 1919.—Visited. After his release, Mr. Malachowski 
sat all day with his head down and refused to eat, saying he did not 
deserve it. He sat by the stove until 1:00 or 2:00 A.M. when Mrs. 
Malachowski permitted him to go to bed with the smaller children. 
Mrs. Malachowski seems much touched by his changed attitude and 
willing to deal gently with him. 

January 2, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Malachowski found work at 
the American Light Company December 26. He continues with 
exemplary behavior. The family will have to move, as the landlord 
wants to improve the house. 

February 25, 1920.—Mr. Malachowski’s pay checks have increased 
from $25 to nearly $33 a week. Mrs. Malachowski takes $20 at a 
time to the Court of Domestic Relations and gets receipt for it. 
She seems to feel it an incentive to continued good behavior on Mr. 
Malachowski’s part. The family is paying no rent because the rooms 
are torn up, owing to remodeling. The house is always in wretched 
condition. Mrs. Malachowski seems restless and wants to go to 
work. Helen vehemently refuses to go to the Preventorium, and 
visitor is not certain that Mrs. Malachowski really wants her to go. 
She says that Mr. Malachowski does not wish it, and she is afraid of 
starting a. quarrel with him. 

April 29, 1920.—Mrs. Malachowski in office asking that applica- 
tion for Preventorium be filed for Helen. Mr. Malachowski is very 
much interested in Cassie’s improvement, and they both wish Helen 
to go as soon as possible. 

Mr. Malachowski, with overtime, continues to earn about $33 
weekly, and Mrs. Malachowski is earning $6.00 to $8.00 by sewing 


538 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


for her old customers. Mr. Malachowski is perfectly quiet and 
agreeable, such as he has never been since she married him, and is 
still a great deal ashamed of himself. 

Mrs. Malachowski was unable to find any satisfactory flat but 
promises to make efforts to move to a less crowded neighborhood. 
She took occasion to express her gratitude for all that had been done 
for her by the Welfare Agency. 

[The Agency spent $124.45 in relief, besides paying Mrs. Mala- 
chowski $10 in wages for work done at the office, and making donations 
of furniture, clothes, toys, etc., and obtaining county rations, medical 
and Preventorium care, and Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts.] 


24. The Family of Stephen Walczak 


(An Iron-W orker Who Takes a Vacation from Family 
Responsibilities) 

[This family lives on the second floor front of a plain but decent- 
looking, two-story frame house facing east. A vegetable patch with 
a small building on the rear of the lot joins it on the north, while a two- 
story frame house occupies the lot immediately to the south. On the 
block are large and small frame cottages, some old, others in good 
repair, owned by the people who live in them. Both oh the east and 
west sides of the block at the north end there are a few small yards 
and patches of grass as well as young shade trees. A public play- 
ground is just a little south and east and is much used by the children 
of the neighborhood. The great Polish church of the district is about 
two and a half blocks to the northeast. ‘The people living on this 
block are mostly Poles, but there is one Irish family. To the north 
there are more Americans. ‘The neighborhood is somewhat congested, 
there being rear houses on many of the lots.] 

May 11, 1920 (Tuesday).—Miss Haynes, social worker at Court of 
Domestic Relations, telephoned asking that a visit be made to Mrs. 
Maggie Walczak, whose husband Stephen deserted a week ago, 
leaving the family without funds. Miss Haynes has no information 
as to Mr. Walczak’s whereabouts other than that they believe he 
went to New Jersey. Mrs. Walczak is sick. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Walczak lives in four neat rooms on the 
second floor front. Her rent $11 was due April 28. Landlady lives 
in same building. A gas bill of $1.92 is overdue. There are two little 
girls, Veronica (born July 4, 1917) and Sophie (born September 18, 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 539 


1918). She receives no county supplies and owes a $60 grocery bill. 
She has no idea where her husband went. The night that Mr. Walczak 
left her he and his brother Stanley got all the wood he had chopped 
and took that and the axe away from her. He also drew out all their 
savings from the bank. When Mr. and Mrs. Walczak had been 
married about eight months (they were married at St. Gabriel’s 
January 24, 1916), Mr. Walczak took his wife to the hospital to find 
out why she had no children. Soon after this she had her first 
child. When her second child was born, her husband disowned it. 
According to Mrs. Walczak that is his reason for not wanting to live 
with her. Mrs. Walczak offered to have him bring to her the party 
he thought guilty, but he never mentioned any particular person. 
Stanley threatens to beat her if she comes near him. He tells her 
that her husband is going to the Old Country. She has been sick for 
the past month. Dr. Bell, 4720 Coyne Avenue, has been attending 
her. Her husband was “sore on her,” because she was sick and would 
not work. Up to the time he left, he was employed as an iron-worker 
for the Great Lakes Steel Company, making as a minimum $6.00 
a day. Although he has two brothers, Stanley, living a few blocks 
away, and Walter, living in the lower floor of the same building in 
which she lives, neither helps her. Another brother, John, lives 
“somewhere on a farm.’’ He is married and has seven children. 
Mrs. Walczak has a sister, Mrs. Slominski. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Walczak are Polish. Left card to County Agent. Two previous 
addresses were ascertained. 

Later.—Saw Father Zwerchowski of St. Gabriel’s. He does not 
know the family. 

Later—Saw Mrs. Walter Walczak. She is a young, clean- 
looking Polish woman, who, like her sister-in-law, speaks no English. 
Her home was neat but poorly furnished. She has three babies. She 
promised to try to persuade her husband to pay the gas bill. They 
will be unable to contribute regularly, however. The landlady, 
Mrs. Pesek, could give no additional information other than that 
Mrs. Walczak was sick and had no income. Mrs. Pesek understood 
she was to go to the Infant Welfare Society with the children and to 
the Great Lakes Steel Company for milk tickets. She does not know 
whether Mr. Walczak belonged to the Goodfellow Club. 

Later.—Reported to Miss Haynes. 

Later.—Letter to Stanley returned. Will send another letter by 
police officer. 


540 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


May 12, 1920.--Security Savings Bank reported that a Stephen 
Walczak had $100 on deposit July 14, t9o19. He withdrew $50 on 
November 1 and another $50 on November 13, 1919, thus closing his 
account. 

Later.—Revisited Mrs. Walter Walczak. Her husband refused 
to pay the gas bill and has returned it to Mrs. Walczak. He works 
in the Great Lakes Steel Mills, but his wife does not know what wages 
he makes nor his work number. 

Later.—Visited Mr. Stanley Walczak. He has two children to 
provide for and says he can do nothing for his sister-in-law except 
possibly take the oldest child, who, he says, could take care of his own 
children. 

Later.—Visited Dr. Bell, 4720 Coyne Avenue. Two months ago 
Mrs. Walczak came to his office. She was suffering from rheumatism. 
He advised her to stay in bed for a few weeks and prescribed a diet. 
She did not stay in bed more than a few days because of domestic 
difficulties at the time. 

Later.—Visited previous addresses. The woman living on the 
first floor rear and the people living next door knew the family only 
slightly. They knew Mr. Walczak had been a barber in the army; 
that he had returned from war; but they did not know that he had 
left again. Mrs. Walczak has a sister, Mrs. Stella Slominski. 

May 15, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Stella Slominski. She is a much 
more intelligent woman than any of Mr. Walczak’s relatives. Her 
home was plain but clean. She has five small children and can do no 
more than keep her own family. Mr. Walczak was good to his wife 
for about a year; then he changed. He got the idea of going to the 
Old Country. Mrs. Slominski thinks that he wanted to get a new wife. 
Mr. Walczak has finally been traced to Milwaukee. His wife received 
a letter from him, saying he would meet her at the precinct police 
station at 2:00 P.M. today. 

May 17, 1920.—Mrs. Walczak’s letter from her husband bore no 
date, but the postmark was undoubtedly Milwaukee. He reports he is 
- working on a boat, earning $135 a month. He said that he was only 
“fooling” and that he still likes Mrs. Walczak and promised to send 
her his address in his next letter. He did not appear at the police 
station as he promised. The officer there told her to wait until she 
received another letter and then come back to the station again. He 
did not inclose any money. : 

May 24, 1920.—County Agent has granted siffitii 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 541 


Later.—Again visited the Stanley Walczaks to run down rumor 
that Stephen Walczak had been seen in the neighborhood. Mrs. 
Walczak was filthy and seemed to be mentally unbalanced. She asked 
what was wanted in good English; but when visitor asked about 
Stephen Walczak or whether he had been in Chicago recently, she 
repeated over and over “I don’t know, I don’t care.” 

May 28, 1920.—Mrs. Walczak examined by Dr. Flower at St. 
Anne’s Hospital Clinic. She is undernourished. She weighs only 
too pounds. Doctor advised better care and food. Doctor also 
advised that part of her hair which is matted be cut out. 

June 9, 1920.—Miss Haynes telephoned that as visitor had 
requested, Stanley Walczak was brought into court this morning.? 
He cried and said he did not know where his brother was, but would 
be glad to take Veronica; that Mrs. Walczak’s sister was the one who 
was constantly making trouble in the family. 

June 14, 1920.—Miss Craven, Great Lakes Steel Company, 
refused milk tickets as it is against the policy of Goodfellow Club to 
give to deserted women. 

June 15, 1920.—Mrs. Walczak and children sent to summer camp 
for two weeks. Medical blanks signed by Dr. Bell. 

June 16, 1920.—Letter written to Mr. Alfred C. Jones, Charity 
Organization Society, Indianapolis, Indiana, by district superin- 
tendent: 

Will you please have your correspondent in Dennison, Indiana, call 


on John Walczak, Box 25, and find out whether he knows the whereabouts 
of his brother Stephen Walczak. Mr. Stephen Walczak deserted his sick 


t[It may be that they brought him into the County Court as an accessory. 
See Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 38, secs. 582-84: 


“582. Before the fact. An accessory is he who stands by, and aids, abets, or 
assists, or who, not being present, aiding, or abetting or assisting, hath advised, 
encouraged, aided or abetted the perpetration of the crime. He who thus aids, 
abets, assists, advises or encourages, shall be considered as principal and punished 
accordingly. 

“583. May be punished independently of principal. Every such accessory, 
when a crime is committed within or without this state by his aid or procurement 
in this state, may be indicted and convicted at the same time as the principal, or 
before, or after his conviction, and whether the principal is convicted or amenable to 
justice or not, and punished as principal. 

“584. After the fact. Every person not standing in the relation of husband 
or wife, parent or child, brother or sister to the offender, who knows the fact that 
a crime has been committed, and conceals it from the magistrate, or who harbors, 
conceals, maintains or assists any principal felon, or any accessory before the fact, 
knowing him to be such, shall be deemed an accessory after the fact, and shall be 
punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term of not less than one year 
and not exceeding two years, and fined not exceeding $500. (As amended by act 
approved June 28, 1919. In force July 1, 1919. L. 1919, p. 427.)”’] 


542 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


wife and two small girls May 5, 1920, taking the family earnings with him. 
Although we have had Stanley and Walter Walczak, the two brothers 
living in Chicago, brought into court, we have been unable to get any clue 
as to where this man has gone, and thought possibly he might be with the 
brother in Dennison, Indiana, or that he might have communicated with 
this brother. Any information you can get for us in regard to this man’s 
past or present, we shall deeply appreciate. 


July 14, 1920.—The following letter received from Dennison 
correspondent of Charity Organization Society, Indianapolis, Indiana: 

In reply to your letter of June 16 wish to say that I have been trying 
to locate the party in question, but my search so far has been fruitless. I 
questioned Mr. John Walczak, who lives near this town, and he doesn’t 
seem to know his brother’s whereabouts at present, claiming that his 
brother came to pay him a visit some months ago and when his brother left 
he was headed for Chicago. 


July 15, 1920.—Mrs. Walczak and children sent to summer camp 
for another two weeks. Medical blanks signed by Dr. Bell. 

July 25, 1920.—Mrs. Walczak is attending Infant Welfare Pre- 
Natal Clinic. Nurse reports her five months pregnant. 

August I1—August 15, 1920.—Mrs. Walczak is not feeling at all 
well, due partly to her condition but more particularly to the fact that 
Mr. Walter Walczak’s family, who live downstairs, ignore her and do 
everything in their power to make her life miserable. She has heard 
nothing from her husband, Stephen. 

August 5, 1920.—Letter written Alfred C. Jones, Charity Organi- 
zation Society, Indianapolis, Indiana: 

Again we are writing in regard to our client, Mr. Stephen Walczak, 
Chicago, who deserted his sick wife and two baby girls May 5, 1920. Mrs. 
Walczak tells us that her husband’s brother, John Walzcak, who lives in 
Dennison, Box 25, owes her husband $150. Mrs. John Walczak was in 
Chicago a short time ago and acknowledged that her husband owed this 
money to Stephen, and said that it had not been paid. Kindly have your 
correspondent at Dennison, Indiana, call on Mr. John Walczak to see 
whether he will not make a payment to our Mrs. Stephen Walczak in the 
very near future. This little woman is sorely in need of funds, and anything 
you can do to assist in this direction will be greatly appreciated by us. 


August 21, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Walczak said that her husband 
returned on Wednesday. She had tried to telephone but had failed 
to reach us. The Polish investigator from the County Agent’s 
office, who was visiting her at the same time, said that Mrs. Walczak 
telephoned them immediately upon her husband’s return, and that 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 543 


they were accordingly stopping supplies. Mrs. Walczak was not 
overly happy about Stephen’s return. She feared that he would soon 
leave again. He was nice to the children, told her that he came back 
only on their account and not because of her. He gave her $7.00 
and showed her checks amounting to $80. He was nervous all the 
time as he feared that he might be arrested. 

August 23, 1920.—Miss Haynes said that it would be necessary 
for Mrs. Walczak to swear out another warrant in order to arrest her 
husband. Mrs. Walczak agreed to go to court and swear out another 
warrant, making her husband answer for his conduct before the judge. 
She did not have faith in her husband’s promises to be good from 
now on. She thought that it would be best to make him responsible 
to someone else besides herself. 

August 25, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Walczak talked the matter 
over with her husband. She told him that we wanted to bring him be- 
fore the judge. Stephen cried, and begged her to let him off this time, 
and to tell us that he promised never to run away again, if we would 
only not bring him before the court. Mrs. Walczak would not go 
to court, and would not therefore appear to prosecute in case we had . 
him arrested on his first warrant. The building has been sold, and 
Mrs. Walczak has been given notice to move. The family do not 
know where to go, and so are very much puzzled to know what is best 
for them to do. 

September 6, 1920.—Letter, dated September 2, 1920, received 
from Dennison correspondent of Charity Organization Society, In- 
dianapolis, Indiana: 

In reply to your letter beg to say that I questioned Mr. John Walczak 
last evening and he had nothing to say regarding the money but assured me 
that his brother, Stephen, is now living with his wife, and that his brother 
was employed on a ship and was away for some time on a trip and when he 
returned he promptly returned to his wife. 


Later.—Visited. Interviewed Stephen in regard to his prolonged 
absence from home, leaving the care of his wife and children to the 
Welfare Agency and the county. He said that he “got sore on his 
wife’ and that was the reason he went away. Visitor told him that 
he had better not try the same thing again, as the Agency would have 
him arrested, as he owed them over $80 now.' He did not like to 

1 {The visitor had no clear idea of the distinction between the civil remedy 


under the doctrine of necessaries and the penal remedy under the Non-Support 
law.] 


544 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


talk on the subject, hung his head, and finally refused to answer any 
questions, but he understood the facts put to him in strong language. 

Later.—Mrs. Gawlinski, grocery-store keeper, informed the visitor 
that Stephen Walczak had purchased a building. She did not know 
the exact address. 

December 23, 1920.—After continued investigation in an endeavor 
to locate the Walczaks’ house, the visitor met Mrs. Walczak on the 
street in front of their new home, which she said her husband purchased 
shortly after his return home after deserting the family. Mrs. Wal- 
czak stated that her husband was very good to them all, and she was 
looking forward with pleasure to her expected confinement. 

December 27, 1920.—Letter written to general assistant superin- 
tendent in charge of case work, by district superintendent: 

After continued investigation in an endeavor to locate Stephen Walczak 
and his family, we at last have found the new address. Mr. Walczak 
purchased this property shortly after his return to Chicago some time in 
October. You will recall that the Welfare Agency assisted the family for 
some months when he deserted. The property looks to be of considerable 
_ value in spite of the poor neighborhood. The family is a thrifty family 

all through and shows decided ability in its methods of fixing up old shattered 
houses, making them rentable. If Mr. Walczak was able to make a payment 
on this property so soon after his desertion, we are inclined to feel that he 
might reimburse the Agency for money expended on his family.2 He owes 
us between eighty and one hundred dollars. You requested this information 
some time ago, but we are only submitting it now for the reason that the 
visitor was continually misinformed regarding the family’s whereabouts. 


July 20, 1923.—Visited last known address. The cottage form- 
erly owned by the Walczaks is a two-story frame house which appears 
rather run down. ‘This neighborhood is much less desirable than the 
former district. It is dreary and desolate with its soot-covered 
houses and sordid streets. ‘The smoke-filled air reminds one continu- 
ally of the presence of the steel mills, just a block east. There are a 
great many saloons on this street. The people here evidently have 
very little pride in improving their houses or planting gardens. This 
block is predominantly Polish, the block north, Hungarian. Talked 


[If the Agency had thought in terms of the common-law doctrine and supplied 
her with appropriate articles, expecting and intending to collect from him, an action 
against him might very well have been brought; but no such idea was in the visitor’s 
mind. As a result of this and similar experiences, the practice was developed of 
giving such relief in the form of a loan, which it may or may not be possible to 
collect.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 545 


with woman and her married son living on the second floor of the house. 
Mrs. Walczak died of tuberculosis at the County Hospital about 
four weeks ago. She had been taken to the hospital soon after 
Christmas. Mr. Walczak did not take good care of her when she 
was sick and seemed little concerned about her welfare. The young- 
est child, Victoria, is at the County Hospital, while the two older 
girls were placed in an orphanage in the vicinity. Mr. Walczak is a 
teamster and works for a House Supply Company. 


A brother of Mrs. Walczak’s died of tuberculosis a short time 
ago. 


25. The Family of Ignatius Pawlowski 


(A Non-supporting Husband for Whom a Term in the House of 
Correction Proves Necessary) 


[The family lives on the second floor of a very decent and well-kept, 
red-brick flat building of three stories, in a district that does not appear 
overly congested. ‘The east side of the block consists of two- and 
three-story houses and flat buildings. There are small green patches 
inclosed with iron fences in front of the majority of them, and this 
house has a well-kept yard in the front and a flower garden just north 
of the building. As there is a vacant, grass-covered lot south of it, 
the flat has very good exposure. ‘There is a public school and school 
yard directly opposite, and there is a saloon at the corner to the south. 
The south end of the school lot is rather disfigured by the remains of 
an old basement, in which there are pools of water, and by a rubbish 
heap. Poles and Germans are living in the neighborhood. Immedi- 
ately to the north the district is not densely built up.| 

December 9, 1919 (Wednesday) —Mrs. Pawlowski, a Polish 
immigrant woman, in office asking help because Mr. Pawlowski, 
has deserted. 

December 12, 1919 (Saturday).—Visited. Family lives in a 
comfortable six-room flat, for which they pay $17. It is fairly com- 
fortably furnished. ‘There is a good parlor set and rug in the living- 
room, and the other rooms also contain a few good pieces. Mrs. 
Pawlowski, who is twenty-seven years old, is of medium height, 
very thin, and does not appear to be very intelligent. There are two 
children, Stephanie (born January 1, 1915) and Veronica (born July 
18, 1918). Walter (born February 14, 1916) died October 1, 1919. 
Stephanie goes to the public school kindergarten. 


546 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Pawlowski said that she had never gone to school. Her 
parents owned a small farm in Russian Poland and she had to work 
on same until she came to the United States in r911. She has one 
sister and one brother in Europe and a sister, Mrs. Ziemski, an aunt, 
Mrs. Miretsky, and two cousins here. On coming to Chicago she 
stayed with an aunt, who has since gone back to Poland. She worked 
in tailor-shops, doing very light work, because she was unskilled. ‘Two 
years later she met Mr. Pawlowski, who her aunt thought was a 
very fine man, because they knew his family in Poland and they were 
very well off. She knew him only one month when they were married, 
and ever since she has had a hard life. Said he was “too high toned 
to put up with her ignorance’ and was very abusive. He has two 
brothers, Vincent in Chicago and Justin in the army, and a cousin, 
Mr. Brodowski, in Chicago. He left her twice, staying away once 
one day and another time two days. About five weeks ago, when 
Walter became ill with diphtheria and scarlet fever, he told her that 
if anything happened to the boy he would leave her forever, because 
he had no use for her or for the other children. He left December 7, 
taking $100 in Liberty Bonds. Mrs. Pawlowski said they had roomers, 
but all left her after Mr. Pawlowski deserted. All savings were spent 
for Walter’s funeral. They were married November 27, 1913, at 
Holy Name Church. Mr. Pawlowski worked for the Acme Express 
Company. [A previous address was obtained. Mrs. Pawlowski 
receives Rations No. 2 from County Agent. | 

Later.—Called on Mr. Brodowski, a barber. He was very much 
disgusted with Mr. Pawlowski. Said that Mr. Pawlowski comes 
from a wealthy family. His parents own a farm and used to employ a 
great many people on same. One sister is married to an army officer 
and two sisters were lost during the war. Mr. Pawlowski and his 
. brother, who is a bachelor, living in Chicago, are worthless men. 
Mr. Brodowski advised that Mr. Pawlowski should not be allowed 
to return to Mrs. Pawlowski. He used to mistreat her; and on one 
occasion he beat her, and a man who saw her afterward told him 
that she was “black” with bruises. Mr. Brodowski thinks that Mr. 
Pawlowski’s mentality is low. They always used to call him “half- 
crazy.” He thinks that Mr. Pawlowski has saved money. Mr. 
Brodowski said he had never seen Mrs. Pawlowski on the street. 
She has always taken care of the home the best she could, and he 
remarked that she is a wonderful woman to bear his insults without 
complaining. Once the neighbors had him arrested for abusing her. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 647 


December 22, 1919 (Monday).—Visited. Veronica had a bad cold. 
Mrs. Pawlowski has not heard anything from Mr. Pawlowski. Left 
Christmas tree there and decorations for it. 

Later.—Put in call for county doctor. 

December 26, t9tg (Saturday).—Called at Acme Express Company 
and talked with Mr. Chalmers, who said that Mr. Pawlowski had been 
employed there up to December 1, 1919. Reason for his leaving is 
unknown to him. 

December 24, 1919.—F amily supplied with basket from Christmas 
fund. 

December 30, to1g (Tuesday).—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski had 
just received a letter from Mr. Pawlowski, postmarked Youngstown, 
Ohio. He said that he was writing only for the children’s sake, 
that it is only the children he feels sorry for and he is teaching Mrs. 
Pawlowski a good lesson; also that she will never find out where he is. 
[A letter was sent to the Youngstown Charity Organization Society 
sending this letter and asking help in finding the deserter. That 
society was unable to find him. See below February 13, 1920.| 

Later —Called on Mrs. Berzewsky, cousin of Mrs. Pawlowski. 
The family live in a nicely furnished four-room flat. Mrs. Berzewsky 
is a very pleasant woman. They have one child. Mrs. Berzewsky 
said ever since the Pawlowskis were married there was always trouble 
in the family. Mr. Pawlowski was very inconsiderate, very abusive, 
liked to spend money on clothing and furniture and never saved any- 
thing. She always told Mrs. Pawlowski to report him for his cruelty, 
but Mrs. Pawlowski did not care to do this because she loves him. 
Mrs. Berzewsky works nights, and her husband is a laborer at the 
Electric Company. Mrs. Berzewsky feels that she cannot do anything 
for Mrs. Pawlowski. 

January 5, 1920.—Visited. Found house quarantined for measles. 
Mrs. Pawlowski had heard nothing from Mr. Pawlowski. The land- 
lord has served notice. 

January 7, 1920.—Called on Mrs. Ziemski, sister of Mrs. Pawlow- 
ski. The Ziemski family own a small house and keep chickens and 
ducks. Mrs. Ziemski is a very fine type of woman. Said Mr. Paw- 
lowski was brutal to her sister, and on one occasion she found Mrs. 
Pawlowski all bruised from Mr. Pawlowski’s abuse. She took her 
to her home and cared for her for two weeks. Mr. Pawlowski came 
over and cried and begged her to return to him. Mrs. Ziemski thinks 
he is not “quite right.” Mrs. Ziemski is unable to help her sister. 


548 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Her husband is earning $23 a week, and they are still paying on the 
house and also paying off some debts that they accumulated during 
Mr. Ziemski’s illness. They have three children, and Mrs. Ziemski 
expects to be confined in the near future. She felt very sorry for 
Mrs. Pawlowski. 

Later —Called at the American Trust and Savings Bank. They 
have no deposits under name of Pawlowski. (Mr. Brodowski thought 
family might have money in bank because of Mr. Pawlowski’s large 
income.) 

January 8, 1920.—Verified marriage at the Holy Name Church. 

January 13, 1920.—Called at previous address. Landlord knew 
family well. While they lived there, Mr. Pawlowski was constantly 
scolding and abusing Mrs. Pawlowski. Thinks that Mrs. Pawlowski 
is rather irresponsible and spent money carelessly. Landlord was a 
member of the same lodge (Justin Garczynski, Group 258), but he 
thinks Mr. Pawlowski had dropped out. 

Later.—Called on friend, Mrs. Gurewicz. She seemed to be a 
good hard-working woman and has three attractive children. She 
knows the family situation only from what Mrs. Pawlowski tells 
her. Mrs. Pawlowski had come to her home several times, crying that 
Mr. Pawlowski abused her and that he cared nothing for her or the 
children. 

Later —Called on Mrs. Darshewski, another cousin of Mrs. 
Pawlowski’s. Said she had heard that Mr. Pawlowski’s brother 
calls on her sister, Mrs. Galezewski. 

Later.—Called on Mrs. Galezewski, who tells about the same 
story as Mrs. Pawlowski and other relatives. Mr. Pawlowski spent 
his money on clothes and furniture, and Mrs. Pawlowski did whatever 
he commanded her to do. They never saved any money. When 
Mrs. Pawlowski came to America, she stayed with an aunt, worked 
in tailor-shops, and continued this work for several months after mar- 
riage. Mr. Galezewski is earning $26 a week. They own the house 
they are living in but are still making payments on it. Mrs. Gale- 
zewski takes in sewing. ‘There are four small children. 

Later.—Called at Acme Express Company and talked with Mr. 
Pawlowski’s foreman and the men on the night shift. They knew 
little of him. Said he was a fairly good worker, but never talked of 
his domestic affairs. He left without giving notice. 

January 14, 1920.—Visited family. Placard had been removed 
from door, and Mrs. Pawlowski is planning to look for another flat. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 549 


Stephanie and Veronica are very attractive. They always look neat 
and seem well nourished. 

January 16, 1920.—Visited and found quite expensive food on 
table and Mrs. Pawlowski said she had earned 50 cents by scrubbing. 

Later.—Called at Wachowski’s Bank and found that Mrs. Paw- 
lowski had had an account there of $157 but drew some money out 
in December, leaving a balance of $60. 

January 22, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski said that neighbors 
told her not to tellabout the money. A few years ago she had boarders 
who were paying her $30 and $35 a month. She saved some of this 
money and at times Mr. Pawlowski would give her a few dollars 
to put aside. They had $300 saved, but during Walter’s illness they 
paid a great many doctor bills and also the funeral bill. 

January 28, 1920.—Called at County Agent’s office, to read record. 
Mrs. Pawlowski stated that she was left destitute. She is receiving 
County Rations No. 2. Gave report to County Agent. 

February 9, 1920.—Called on Mrs. Klemensky, a distant relative 
of Mr. Pawlowski. Mr. and Mrs. Klemensky blame Mrs. Pawlowski 
' for most of the trouble. Mr. Pawlowski used to call on the Klemensky 
family and complain that Mrs. Pawlowski would not cook for him 
and that she was always arguing with him. Some of the boarders left 
on account of her. (A boarder told this to Mrs. Klemensky.) They 
have not heard from family for past two years. Mrs. Klemensky said 
that Mrs. Pawlowski looks badly because of abortions which she had. 

February 11, 1920 (Tuesday).—Called on Vincent Pawlowski, 
who knew nothing about his brother’s whereabouts. Said they are 
both to be blamed. Mrs. Pawlowski is very ignorant and Mr. 
Pawlowski very unreasonable and nervous. While Vincent was in 
the United States Army, he sent money to the family to keep for 
him, but they spent it and since then he has let them alone. He 
said Mr. Pawlowski, about seven years ago, was working in a freight 
house in Youngstown, Ohio, under name of Fred Yankovich, and 
thinks he has gone there again. Visitor suggested that Vincent try 
to locate Mr. Pawlowski and tell him he should make some arrange- 
ment with Welfare Agency for the care of the children. : 

February 13, 1920.—The following letter sent to superintendent, 
Charity Organization Society, Youngstown, Ohio: 

Thank you for your letter of January 5, in regard to the Pawlowski family. 

We have recently interviewed Mr. Pawlowski’s brother (since receiving 
your letter) and he tells us that his brother is probably working in Youngs- 


550 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


town, Ohio, under the name of Fred Yankovich, in a freight house (he was 
not sure that it was the American Express Company). He also told us 
that our Mr. Pawlowski worked in Youngstown about six or seven years 
ago under the name of Yankovich. 

May we ask you again to try and locate Mr. Pawlowski for us, under 
the new name, so that we may take steps to have him brought back 
to Chicago. We are sending Mr. Pawlowski’s picture to you again to 
help in recalling the man to his employer. We are grateful for your interest 


and help. 
P.S.—Would you kindly return the letter written by Mr. Pawlowski 
which we inclosed in our letter to you of December 30? 


February 17, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski has moved into 
a very nice four-room flat. Told visitor that she knew Vincent Paw- 
lowski longer than she knew her husband. She was supposed to 
marry Vincent, when Mr. Pawlowski came to America. She knew 
latter just one week when she married him. Vincent tells her that 
she deserves to be mistreated by her husband because she refused 
to marry him. 

February 26, t920—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski was very much 
upset. Mr. Pawlowski came home and told her that he would not 
live with her but will support the children. He will call in the evening. 

Later.—Visited and found Mr. Pawlowski at home. He is of 
medium height, fairly intelligent, and very neat in appearance. 
Told visitor that they owned a very large farm in Niedzwiadna, in 
Russian Poland, and had four brothers and three sisters. While 
his mother lived they did very well; but his father squandered all 
they had, although the father is now living in good circumstances with 
a sister, who is married to an officer. Mr. Pawlowski had a good edu- 
cation. Mr. Pawlowski said he is very nervous. Mrs. Pawlowski 
annoys him a great deal by her careless appearance and by doing 
housework while he is around. She would wash for several days. He 
loses his temper and is unable to control himself. Mrs. Pawlowski 
said she has not enough money to dress as he wants her to and 
that she does economize because she believes in saving; that Mr. 
Pawlowski calls her vile names and beats her. Mr. Pawlowski 
assured visitor that he would not do so if she did not antagonize him 
with her helplessness. 

Mr. Pawlowski is going to take a day job, as he thinks that working 
at night has caused his nervousness, and is willing to live with Mrs. 
Pawlowski and give her another chance. He seemed very fond of 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 551 


the children and cried while talking of the boy who died. He will 
take Mrs. Pawlowski to St. Anne’s Dispensary for examination. 

March 16, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Pawlowski has been unable to 
keep any position and because of not feeling well he went to a doctor 
who told him that he had contracted a “bad sickness,”’ of which he 
would cure him for $100. Mr. Pawlowski is downhearted and 
threatens to commit suicide. Mrs. Pawlowski complains likewise. 

March 29, 1920.—Visited in the evening. Mr. Pawlowski said 
that a friend in Youngstown, Ohio, induced him to live immorally. 
He has called at Social Hygiene League and realizes that he needs 
treatments. 

Later.—Reported case to Visiting Nurse Association. 

March 31, 1920.—Telephoned Dr. Freeman at Social Hygiene 
League, who said that Mr. Pawlowski is diseased and is calling regu- 
larly for treatment. Mrs. Pawlowski is also having treatments. 
Gave report. 

April 28, 1920.—Miss Frank, Visiting Nurse, reports that she has 
made arrangements for Veronica to go to St. Anne’s Hospital to 
undergo an operation for hernia. Family refuses to have this done. 

April 30, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Pawlowski returned to the Acme 
Express and is working nights. He is keeping up his treatments at 
the Social Hygiene League. Mrs. Pawlowski is greatly discouraged 
as Mr. Pawlowski is nagging all the time. He threatens to desert 
her, which Mr. Pawlowski denies. Mr. Pawlowski said that Mrs. 
Pawlowski is constantly “throwing up” his sickness. He gives her 
whatever he earns, but she is never satisfied. Mrs. Pawlowski is 
very careless, and it is through his efforts that she keeps a clean 
house. 

May 6, 1920.—Visited. (Mrs. Pawlowski had telephoned that 
Mr. Pawlowski was leaving her.) Mr. Pawlowski seemed very much 
upset. He slapped the little girl for calling him. Said he was through 
with Mrs. Pawlowski, that she was constantly nagging at him and it 
upsets him to see her do housecleaning all day long. Mrs. Pawlowski 
said he was dissatisfied with treatments at Social Hygiene League 
as he is not cured yet. He says he-is leaving and will use his wages 
for “real treatments.” 

Later.—In Welfare Agency office, Mr. Pawlowski agreed to take 
another position at day work, where he will have a chance to learn 
a trade. Arrangements were made with Nelson & Company, but 
Mr. Pawlowski did not accept the position. 


552 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


May 9, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Pawlowski still working nights. 
He ran away on the previous day, after a quarrel with Mrs. Pawlowski, 
who had encountered him on the street and made a scene. He is 
now at home. 

May 17, 1920.—Mrs. Pawlowski telephones that Mr. Pawlowski 
is again threatening desertion. Later visitor called with letters from 
Court of Domestic Relations, summoning both to appear in court 
the next day. Mr. Pawlowski said he would not change his mind 
in regard to leaving his family. The first three months he will not 
contribute toward their support as he plans to use his earnings for 
doctors. 

May 18, 1920.—The psychiatrist at the court refused to give Mr. 
Pawlowski a mental examination because of his infectious condition. 
He felt it would endanger his patients if Mr. Pawlowski should sit 
in his office. Advised that Mr. Pawlowski be taken to House of 
Correction Hospital. Said he is a liar and thinks his condition is so 
bad that there is no doubt that he would commit suicide. He also 
made a very superficial examination (because of lack of time) of Mrs. 
Pawlowski and thinks there is no doubt that she is somewhat feeble- 
minded. | 

Later.—Case up in Court of Domestic Relations. Judge ordered 
Mr. Pawlowski to House of Correction for four months,’ until Septem- 
ber 18, 1920. Mrs. Pawlowski, in telling of financial condition, made 
statements differing from those made to visitor in her home. It seems 
that she has the habit of altering facts to fit the immediate occasion. 

May 20, 1920.—Called at House of Correction. Mr. Pawlowski 
was examined and will receive treatments three times a week, but will 
not be confined to hospital. 

May 22, 1920.—Accompanied Mrs. Pawlowski and children to 
Social Hygiene League for re-examination. | 

Tests of Mrs. Pawlowski were negative and the children are also 
in good condition, Mrs. Pawlowski is to continue her treatments. 

June 7, 1920.—Mr. Justin Pawlowski, twenty-two-year-old 
brother of Mr. Pawlowski, in office. He has been serving in the 
Seventy-fifth Infantry for twenty-seven months, overseas most of 
the time, and is on leave of absence, visiting Vincent Pawlowski. 

t [Letters from the Court of Domestic Relations and a hearing for non-support 
mean really commitment for treatment to the House of Correction. It should have 
been hospitalization by the Health Department as was done in the Chiesa case 


or threatened in the Johnson case. See above, pp. 21 and 405. Here, however, 
there are social and moral implications as well as hygienic.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 553 


He wished permission to see Mr. Pawlowski. He is a young, healthy- 
looking boy, and speaks a broken English. He has not been in Chicago 
since 1917, when he was here a few days, though he spent a good part 
of 1916 here. The only explanation he could give for trouble between 
the Pawlowskis was Mr. Pawlowski’s excessive nervousness. 
Later.—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski much upset. Said that Mr. 
Pawlowski’s relatives are very bitter against her because of his being 
in House of Correction. Mrs. Pawlowski said if it were possible she 
would like to have him released but get a divorce. Mrs. Pawlowski 
has no confidence in his recovery or in his attitude toward her and 
insists upon freeing herself from him so that she may remarry. 
Later.—Accompanied Mrs. Pawlowski to Mr. Pawlowski’s cousin, 
Mr. Brodowski, who sides with Mr. Pawlowski’s brothers in regard 
to his release. Mr. Brodowski called visitor aside and told her that 
they learned that Mrs. Pawlowski was on very intimate terms with 
a boarder named Budelowsky and that Veronica is his child. Mr. 
Budelowsky has called on her since Mr. Pawlowski is in jail. Mr. 
Brodowski’s friend called on family one evening and found this man 
there. Mr. Brodowski realizes, too, that Mr. Pawlowski has not been 
fair with his family, and his wife advised that situation rest as it is. 
June II, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski denied the accusations 
made by Mr. Pawlowski’s relatives. Said that Vincent claims he 
has seen her leaving Mr. Budelowsky’s room at night while he was 
living with family. Mrs. Pawlowski said if that were true, Mr. Paw- 
lowski would have known about it. Mr. Pawlowski has always been 
fond of Veronica and only when angry called the children vile names. 
June 15, 1920.—Visited. Stephanie had burned her hand while 
family was visiting Mrs. Pawlowski’s sister. Dr. Schmidt attending 
her. | 
Telephoned Dr. Schmidt, who said burn was not serious. Pay- 
ment for first visit was promised by Mr. Ziemski (Mrs. Pawlowski’s 
brother-in-law). He will give his further services free. 
Told Mrs. Pawlowski to take Stephanie to Dr. Schmidt tomorrow. 
June 29, 1920.—Social worker, Social Hygiene League, telephones 
that Mrs. Pawlowski is using medicine to amount of 75 cents weekly. 
The disease still active. 
July 13, 1920.—The following letter written to the superintendent, 
House of Correction, Chicago, Illinois: 


On May 18, 1920, Ignatius Pawlowski was sentenced to the House of 
Correction for four months. 


554 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Previous to this time he had been under treatment with the Social 
Hygiene League. We were told March 31, that he required regular atten- 
tion. This diagnosis was confirmed by the specialist of the Municipal 
Court. 

I am wondering if at the time of the man’s commitment, special arrange- 
ments were made, as we were told they might be, to ask the necessary medi- 
cal attention for him. 

We understand from the court specialist that it would not be safe for 
him to be with his family, and both we and they would be relieved to feel 
that everything possible is being done for his cure. 

We thank you for any special attention you can give this man. 


July 17, 1920.—The following reply received from the Superin- 
tendent of the House of Correction: 

I have your letter of even date calling my attention to the case 
of Ignatius Pawlowski. 

This letter was referred to our Medical Superintendent, who sent me 
a written report, copy follows: 

“Tgnatius Pawlowski was received with the primary lesion of syphilis. 
He was immediately put on a course of treatment and his condition has 
improved to such an extent that Wassermann is now negative.” 


July 21, 1920.—Visited. A man of about thirty-five was visiting 
Mrs. Pawlowski, who said he was Mr. Czaikowski, a friend of Mr. 
Pawlowski. Mr. Czaikowski said he had known Mr. Pawlowski 
for quite a few years, that he is very inconsiderate of his wife and 
always causing trouble in the family. 

Mrs. Pawlowski said she was willing to take Mr. Pawlowski out, 
but is undecided as to whether she will get a divorce or let him go 
free. Thinks he will be unable to work the first week, as he is much 
run down. 

July 28, 1920.—Visited Mr. Pawlowski at House of Correction. 
He looked very thin. Said he is not receiving treatments as they told 
him his condition is improved. Said he realized what he had done 
in the past, but said Mrs. Pawlowski antagonized him and this made 
him unreasonable. He has also heard rumors about Mrs. Pawlowski 
keeping company with a boarder, which he does not believe. He said 
that both the children are his, but that his wife does not tell the truth. 
When Mr. Pawlowski returned from Youngstown, he gave her $175 and 
a few days later $24 (sent by his employer in Youngstown). He was 
working four days at the Motor Player Company, for which he received 
$30. Then he worked irregularly, but always managed to give her 
money. She must have had $200, which she left with a friend. When 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 555 


he asked about money, she told him that it was all gone, that 
she bought a dress for herself, paying $9.00 a yard for material. 

He begged to be taken out, as he does not sleep nights and cries 
constantly. He is willing to go back to her or do his share toward 
supporting family. He has heard that Mrs. Pawlowski gave $50 to 
Mr. Budelowsky. (See write-up June 7, 1920.) 

July 29, 1920.—Called on Mr. Brodowski, cousin of Mr. Pawlow- 
ski. Both he and Mr. Pawlowski’s brother have tried to take him 
out of House of Correction after he had been there twenty-eight 
days. He refused to appear in court and said he would rather stay 
there than go back to Mrs. Pawlowski. He seemed very irrational, 
and Mr. Brodowski did not persuade him further. Mr. Brodowski 
feels quite sure that the two will never live together. They had a 
witness, a young woman from Gary, Indiana, who wanted to testify 
that Mrs. Pawlowski was the cause of all the trouble. Mr. Brodowski 
thinks that Mr. Pawlowski is childish and needs a stronger influence 
than Mrs. Pawlowski. 

July 30, 1920.—Visited. ‘Talked to Mrs. Pawlowski about 
possible savings. .Said Mr. Pawlowski never gave her the amount 
stated, but admitted that he had some money which he would not 
give to her. Mrs. Pawlowski said he has taught her to lie,t as he was 
always counting out every penny he gave her. Up to the time of 
Walter’s death, Mr. Pawlowski worked hard. Worked not only 
during the day, but also evenings. Walter was a very beautiful boy, 
and Mr. Pawlowski took great pride in him. It seemed whatever he 
did was for the boy’s sake. He would dress him up on Sunday and 
take him out for a walk. When the boy became ill, Mr. Pawlowski 
was very restless and threatened to desert family if Walter died and 
since child’s death, Mr. Pawlowski has been very inconsiderate. 
She has tried to take him out of House of Correction but was told 
she could not do this at present. Her last decision is that they should 
live apart, as she could never live with him because of his sickness 
and she does not believe that he will be cured. 

August 9, 1920.—Visited. Found Mrs. Pyterek, aunt of Mrs. 
Pawlowski, there. (This is the aunt to whom Mrs. Pawlowski came 
from Europe.) Mrs. Pyterek is an energetic woman, although past 
sixty years. She has no children but has taken care of practically all 
of Mrs. Pawlowski’s relatives. She works in a tailor-shop. 


x [Counting out every penny he gave her’ is the explanation of many women’s 
lying. ] 


556 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Pawlowski said they owned a very small farm in the Old 
Country. Her father left them when they were all young children. 
He was a good-looking man; he did not like farm work and, when he 
came to America, he lived with women who supported him. They 
had to mortgage their farm, and Mrs. Pawlowski’s grandfather 
assumed the responsibility. | 

Mrs. Pawlowski’s father was burned while working in a factory 
in the United States. He received a large compensation and with 
this money he returned to her mother. He was so disfigured that the 
children did not know him. At first her mother resented his coming 
back in this condition, but, because of the money, she forgave him. 
He got the farm back, put up new barns and stables, and told Mrs. 
Pawlowski and her sister, Mrs. Ziemski, that they should go to Amer- 
ica, where they would not have to work on farms, but in shops. He 
thought them very attractive and told them they would marry well 
here. He gave them money for transportation and both came to 
their aunt, Mrs. Pyterek. Mrs. Pawlowski’s parents have since died, 
and a married brother has taken over the farm. ‘The youngest sister, 
who is still single, is staying with him. 

Mrs. Pyterek said that Mr. Pawlowski will never live with Mrs. 
Pawlowski, as he has no use for her. She blames Mr. Pawlowski, 
saying that he has no sense, uses vile language, and she would not be 
surprised if he went insane. She does not believe any of the gossip 
regarding the boarders. 

August 21, 1920.—Called at Social Hygiene League. Superin- 
tendent said Mrs. Pawlowski needs an operation and will be an invalid 
if this is not done. 

September 13, 1920.—Called at House of Correction and talked 
with doctor, who said that Mr. Pawlowski was not receiving further 
treatments and therefore condition must be good, but will give him 
final examination. Later talked with Mr. Pawlowski, who seemed 
to have gained more strength physically and in will power. He is 
much more consistent and realizes his situation. Said he is unable 
to say just what he will do until he has seen Mrs. Pawlowski and talked 
things over. 

September 18, 1920.~—Visited. Mr. Pawlowski was not home 
yet and Mrs. Pawlowski much upset at it, thinking that he has left 
the city. Mrs. Pawlowski later telephoned visitor that Mr. Pawlowski 
had returned and they are all happy about it. When visitor called 


t [The day for the release.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 557 


three days later, Mrs. Pawlowski was very happy and said she would 
never have believed that he could change so much. 

September 28, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Pawlowski started to work 
September 27. Gave Mrs. Pawlowski last allowance. Mrs. Pawlow- 
ski said she is very grateful to Welfare Agency. Mr. Pawlowski is 
good to her and the children and is anxious to earn enough money in 
order to make the home as pleasant as possible. Mrs. Pawlowski 
dresses very carefully and tries to meet him in every way. 

September 30, 1920.—Accompanied Mrs. Pawlowski to County 
Hospital. Doctor advised operation and arranged for same. 

October 6, 1920.—Called on Mrs. Ziemski (sister of Mrs. Pawlowski) 
who is caring for Pawlowski children. The Ziemskis exchanged their 
property, which was demolished by recent tornado, after it had been 
rebuilt by the Red Cross. Mr. Pawlowski is taking his meals there. 
He seems very anxious for Mrs. Pawlowski to return from hospital 
as he claims children are on the street too much. Is very bitter for 
having been committed to House of Correction as they are now in 
need of a great many things. Advised him to return to Social Hygiene 
League. Referred him to several places of employment, which he 
refused because of small salary. 

October 28, 1920.—Visiting Nurse reports Mrs. Pawlowski has 
returned from hospital and is in good condition. 

Later.—Called at West Side Dispensary and read chart. Mrs. 
Pawlowski has internal disorder of chronic character. Was operated 
on October 2, 1920, by Dr. Barnes. 

November 4, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski is recuperating 
from operation, looks considerably better, and seems to be quite 
happy for having it done. Mr. Pawlowski helps with the housework. 
Visitor suggested Convalescent Home for Mrs. Pawlowski, but Mr. 
Pawlowski said he will not send children to Mrs. Ziemski again, as 
they were neglected. He realizes after his recent experiences with 
the household that Mrs. Pawlowski is an excellent housekeeper. It 
was finally agreed that Mrs. Pawlowski should stay at home. 

July 26, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Pawlowski had just finished 
cleaning house. The kitchen floor was immaculate as well as the oil 
cloth on the round kitchen table and the freshly starched curtains 
around the sink. The new cooking gas range and large coal stove 
fairly shone. Ice box in one corner of kitchen. The living and bed- 
room adjoining also appeared very clean and tidy. 

Mrs. Pawlowski, as well as the children, was barefoot, but their 


558 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


clothes were clean. Mrs. Pawlowski had difficulty in explaining 
things because she speaks so little English. ‘The little girl, Stephanie, 
tried to interpret. Mr. Pawlowski is working steadily, and the family 
is getting along well. Mrs. Pawlowski was very proud of the fact 
that Mr. Pawlowski had taken out his second papers this year, but 
she now feels ashamed that she cannot speak English. Told her about 
English classes at a neighboring settlement. Stephanie has a rupture 
which causes her considerable pain at times. Mrs. Pawlowski would 
send her to the County Hospital for an operation if a Visiting Nurse 
would take her there. Mr. Pawlowski is not interested in having 
the operation performed. A Visiting Nurse had been to see the family, 
but the family had not then agreed to the operation. Told family 
visitor would get in touch with Visiting Nurse Association, and inquire 
about nurse’s plans. 

May 4, 1924.—Met Mr. Pawlowski on the street. He was very 
well dressed. He said they are very happy now, as they have a boy, 
Stanley, born in February. He is working steadily. Things are going 
very well in the home. He wishes visitor to come to see the baby. 

June 11, 1924.—Visited (in the evening). The flat is well furnished 
and immaculately clean. Mrs. Pawlowski said that, especially since 
the boy was born, things are going very well, as Mr. Pawlowski is so 
fond of the child. She is very careful about the baby. Referred her 
to Infant Welfare Society. She told visitor that, while Veronica was 
putting the baby to sleep recently, she overheard her singing to the 
child: ‘‘Sleep, sleep, little brother, and keep well; if you would die, 
father would leave us again.” 

Talked with Mr. Pawlowski about his partiality to the boy, which 
he denies, saying that he likes to see the girls healthy and well and is 
anxious to have them dressed neatly. He said Mrs. Pawlowski is 
trying her best to keep the home as he likes to have it. 


26. The Family of Stephen Gutowski 
(Whose Wife and Two Children Were Left Destitute When He Was Sent to 
Jail Because He Could Not Give Bonds in a Bastardy Action Brought by 
the Unmarried Mother of His Two Children Born out of Wedlock) 


February 24, 1920 (Tuesday) —Mrs. Gutowski reported by the 
Settlement as in need of food. Mr. Gutowski is in the County Jail, 
because he cannot give bond in Hattie Wolenski’s bastardy action 
against him. 

[See below, p. 896, for the terms of the Bastardy Act. The story of Hattie’s 


action may be briefly reviewed here. In September of 1917, she had given birth toa 
boy baby born out of wedlock, whose father was Stephen Gutowski. The neighbors 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 559 


February 25, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Gutowski lives in two rear 
rooms of a two-story frame building, both of which are light and airy, 
for which the rent is $7.50. She moved here about three months ago, 
to be near her brother, Wojik Kurovsky, who lives in the same house. 
The home was immaculately clean, but Mrs. Gutowski seems to have 
only the most necessary articles of furniture, not even having a kitchen 
stove. The curtains were freshly washed and ironed, and the bedding 
was clean. 

Mrs. Gutowski is an attractive, light-haired woman. She was 
neatly dressed in a coverall apron, and the children, Marya (born 
January 1, 1913) and Elizabeth (born November 4, 1919), wore clean 
dresses. Marya has had some trouble with her eyes and is wearing 
glasses. She goes to the Polish school. The baby is quite a large 
child for her age and seems to be well cared for. 

Mrs. Gutowski came to America from Poland about eleven years 
ago. She went to work making cigars.t She met her husband 
through her brother and knew him for nearly two years previous to 
their marriage on February 27, 1911, at Holy Name. At that time 
he was doing pressing at Goldschmidt and Klein’s. At the time of 
their marriage Mr. Gutowski did not have money saved up, and the 
family went into debt for household equipment. Although she knew 


had called in the Visiting Nurse, and the Visiting Nurse had called in the Wel- 
fare Agency. The two together had got for her hospital care, the Welfare 
Agency had given her some pecuniary aid; the Social Service Department of 
the County Hospital had got a companion in misery to live with her. She 
had either deliberately or unintentionally deceived the Agency about the father’s 
name, and the Agency had let her go in December, 1917. In February, 1918, the 
Infant Welfare nurse had found her and asked the Welfare Agency to have her 
examined mentally, as the nurse thought she might be subnormal. Nothing was 
done, however, at that time. In November of 1919, the Settlement reported that 
she was again an expectant mother, that she has given the name of the father and 
that the Settlement worker had taken her to the Court of Domestic Relations. 
They cannot find the father, however. In the meantime, she needs relief. She 
expects confinement in February. The visitor finally learns the address of the 
father and gives it to the court. He is brought in for the preliminary inquiry in 
December, he is held over until February, when on the twentieth he is ordered to 
pay under the Bastardy Law and, being unable to give bonds, he is committed to 
jail. His wife and two children are then deprived of his support, and the Settlement 
reports them to the Agency.] 

t [There are very interesting points here with reference to the subject of women’s 
wage-earning and the problem of married women’s work. Mrs. Gutowski was 
evidently a competent worker. She married without savings conscious that their 
current earning capacity could meet the necessary payments, and Mr. Gutowski was 
tempted to rely upon her ability to supplement his earnings.] 


560 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


that Mr. Gutowski was a drinking man, she had never seen him 
completely under the influence of liquor; but a short time after their 
marriage he began to drink quite steadily. He has changed jobs 
frequently, giving as a reason that he becomes tired of working in 
the same place. And the family have moved frequently. Mr. 
Gutowski also easily became dissatisfied with their rooms, and for the 
last three or four years they never lived more than a few months in 
one place. About three years ago, Mr. Gutowski bought a milk 
depot at Monmouth and Ohio streets, but kept this only for three 
months and sold it at a loss of $300. Mrs. Gutowski has frequently 
been forced to supplement the family income by working in restaurants 
as dishwasher. There have been five children. Two years ago, 
during the influenza epidemic, two of them became ill and one died 
at the time. The other child lived until the following summer but 
was in very poor health until the timeof his death. The other child 
died as a young baby. Mrs. Gutowski claims that she had never 
known anything about Mr. Gutowski’s relations with Hattie Wolenski 
until after the birth of Walter, and she saw her for the first time when 
the case was brought into court in December, 1919. Mr. Gutowski 
left her for three weeks last spring, and she feels he must have been 
living with Hattie. He was often away from home for a night at a 
time, but Mrs. Gutowski did not think much about this as he was 
an unusually heavy drinker. He has a_ half-brother, Walter 
Morowsky. Since Mrs. Gutowski learned of his relations with Hattie, 
life with him has become unbearable, as he taunts her with remarks 
of how his “girl”? would not treat him as she does. Since the case 
was up in court in December, he has scarcely spoken to Mrs. Gutowski. 
He has always been the type of man who never tells his wife much 
about his personal affairs. She has seldom known where he was 
working, because he changed positions so frequently. Mr. Gutowski 
belongs to the Clothing Workers’ Union, but Mrs. Gutowski does not 
know to what branch. [The visitor obtained various previous 
addresses."] 

*{Any plan for investigation would include (1) her domestic competence 
including her power to hold him in reasonable fidelity; (2) his capacity to meet the 
double obligations of payment to Hattie, the mother of his two illegitimate children 
(both infant daughters were named Elizabeth); and (3) the general possibilities 
of raising the standard of family life. The clues were his brother, her brother, his 
employers, past addresses, the church. The visitor selects the previous addresses 


where the testimony is unanimous to the effect that she is a competent, industrious, 
neat housewife—a Griselda—while he was drunken, irregular, and irresponsible.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 561 


March 1, 1920.—Visited previous address, 825 Mayflower Avenue. 
Family lived here for about four months. Mr. Gutowski supposedly 
worked in a tailor-shop. He was away from home a great deal. The 
baby was born at this address, and at the time of her birth Mr. 
Gutowski remained away from home for several days. From the 
little the neighbors knew of Mrs. Gutowski she appeared to be a neat 
housekeeper and took good care of her children, sending Marya to 
school regularly. They seemed to know little about the family 
because of their short time of residence there. The neighborhood is a 
rather new one and seems to be settled by families who own their own 
homes. 

Later.—Visited parochial school in neighborhood. Marya attend- 
ed school for a period of about eight weeks, and left because the family 
were to move about November 1. She was in first grade and seemed 
to be well nourished and was always neat and clean. She grasped 
instruction readily. 

March 3, 1920.—Visited previous address 1025 Water Street. 
The family lived here nearly a year. Mr. Gutowski was reported by 
the landlady as being irregular as to work and also a heavy drinker. 
Was very abusive to his wife at times, and landlady felt that Mrs. 
Gutowski, who was a neat housekeeper, was far superior to her husband. 
Mr. Gutowski was working in tailor-shops; and landlady feels that he 
did not turn his money over to Mrs. Gutowski, as there were times 
when she would work as a dishwasher in restaurants. 

While family were living here, two of the children became ill, and 
one of them was practically an invalid until the time of his death 
several months later. Mrs. Gutowski did not mingle a great deal 
with the neighbors. 

March 4, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Zenowich, 1027 Water Street, 
friend of the Gutowski family. She has known family for several 
years and knew considerable about the present state of affairs; in 
fact, Mrs. Gutowski had been to see her just a few days previous. She 
also stated that Mr. Gutowski had always been a drinking man and 
that he had never properly supported his family and that Mrs. 
Gutowski had frequently been forced to supplement the income. 
She also knows Mr. Gutowski’s half-brother and his wife. Mr. 
Morowsky seems to be a different type of man. She feels sure that 
Mrs. Gutowski has no resources whatever, as Mr. Gutowski has kept 
most of his salary for himself, although he has earned good wages as a 
presser. Mrs. Zenowich is inclined to blame Hattie Wolenski; she 


562 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


thinks Hattie must have known that he was a married man; she also 
corroborated the statement that Mr. Gutowski was never satisfied 
and that he would frequently move, as well as change positions often. 
Mrs. Zenowich lives in the rear house in a rather run-down neighbor- 
hood. There are three children in the family, the oldest being about 
twelve. Although the baby is possibly a year old, Mrs. Zenowich goes 
out scrubbing. Her husband works in a foundry. Although it was 
almost 6:00, Mrs. Zenowich was preparing to go out and there were 
no signs of an evening meal. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Morowsky, wife of Mr. Gutowski’s half- 
brother.t| Her husband works in a foundry. When Mr. Gutowski’s 
case was in court in December, Mr. Morowsky and Mr. Spacek tried 
to settle with Hattie Wolenski for the sum of $200 in order to get the 
thing cleared up. However, Mr. Morowsky has since decided to 
withhold further assistance as he feels his brother is unreliable. Mr. 
Morowsky came to this country after Mr. Gutowski. Since coming 
here he knows that Mr. Gutowski has not tried to keep in touch with 
the family in Europe, and although Mr. Morowsky has on different 
occasions asked Mr. Gutowski to write a few words to his mother, he 
never does although he promised to do this. After the Armistice 
was signed and it was possible to get money through to Poland, Mr. 
Morowsky attempted to have Mr. Gutowsky send some money to the 
family, but he refused to do this, saying he needed everything he 
made for himself. 

Mrs. Morowsky’s opinion is that Mrs. Gutowski is much too good 
for her husband; that she has made every effort to keep the home 
together, has always been a good housekeeper, clean and orderly in 
her habits, and inclined to humor Mr. Gutowski, who is erratic and 
undependable. When he- has not supported adequately, Mrs. 
Gutowski has worked, either doing home tailoring or going out to 
work in restaurants. She also told of the illness of the two children, 
and the great care that one of them had been to Mrs. Gutowski the 
last year he lived. Shealso stated that Mr. Gutowski is never satisfied 
for any length of time and frequently changed positions. He has 
also forced Mrs. Gutowski to move from place to place, giving trivial 
excuses such as darkness of the rooms, dampness, etc. 

Mr. Gutowski bought a milk depot about three years ago but 
kept it for only a few months, partly because he grew dissatisfied 


t [Visitor follows past history by appeal to his relatives to get the other side. 
His half-brother’s wife testifies to the same effect.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 563 


with the business and partly because his neglect made it unprofitable. 
Mr. Morowsky has had very little real contact with his brother, 
because of his unreliability. Mrs. Morowsky is an attractive, young 
Polish woman, and the family have a small, two-room flat, which was 
cheerful and homelike, although plainly furnished. There were many 
family photographs on the walls, which Mrs. Morowsky took pleasure 
in pointing out to visitor. She showed photograph of Stephen 
Gutowski and his wife and Marya, taken at the time Mr. and Mrs. 
Morowsky were married. ‘There are two children, a boy of three and a 
baby three weeks old. Mrs. Morowsky seems kindly disposed toward 
Mrs. Gutowski, who, she said, came to visit her a few days previous. 

Later.—Visited Ignatius Spacek. Mr. Spacek runs a dairy in 
the rear of his cottage. He has known Mr. Gutowski for about ten 
years. Previous to his marriage, Mr. Gutowski was very much 
interested in women. He has always been a presser, with the exception 
of the time he ran the dairy and when for a while he worked for a 
railroad in one of the suburbs. Although he has made good wages, 
he has not supported his family, and Mrs. Gutowski has been forced 
upon several occasions to go to work. For a while, the family lived 
in a suburb; and then the Spaceks were more or less out of touch 
with them, and Mr. Spacek is of the opinion that Mrs. Gutowski 
did not know of her husband’s affair with Hattie Wolenski until after 
the birth of Walter. Mrs. Spacek claims that Mr. Gutowski was in 
the habit of staying away from home for a night or two at a time, and 
she feels that Mrs. Gutowski must have had some suspicions that 
something was wrong. ‘The Spaceks also told of the trouble Mrs. 
Gutowski had had with her children. They corroborated Mrs. 
Morowsky’s story. After the case was in court in December, Mr. 
Gutowski came to Mr. Spacek and asked him to sign his bond. How- 
ever, when the case came up the second time and Mr. Spacek learned 
that the bond would be a money bond, he decided to withdraw his 
assistance as he felt that Mr. Gutowski was not reliable. Mr. Spacek 
offered Mr. Gutowski $200 to settle with Hattie Wolenski out of 
court. Both Mr. and Mrs. Spacek are of the opinion that Mrs. 
Gutowski has absolutely no resources. She has a brother living in 
the same building, but he is not in a position to assist. ‘The Spaceks 
are evidently on quite friendly terms with Mrs. Gutowski and spoke 
of having seen her recently. ‘They also made the statement that there 
must be ‘something wrong” with Mr. Gutowski to have gotten himself 
in so much trouble, as he was forced to disappear at the time the first 


564 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


child was born. Mrs. Spacek made the statement that Mr. Gutowski 
and Hattie “ would make a good pair.” Mrs. Spacek says that Hattie 
knew that Mr. Gutowski was a married man, for after Walter’s birth, 
Hattie, who was living across the street, told Mrs. Spacek that the 
father of the baby was Mr. Gutowski. Mrs. Spacek told her that 
Mr. Gutowski was married and had children, but Hattie refused to 
believe her, claiming that Mr. Gutowski had been coming to see her 
for many years. 

March 11, 1t920.—Visited Mrs. Kurovsky, Mrs. Gutowski’s 
sister-in-law. Mrs. Kurovsky professed to know very little about 
Mr. Gutowski’s affair with Hattie Wolenski and explained this by 
saying that the family had been living in a suburb and she had not 
seen them. Mr. Gutowski has always been a drinking man and has 
never taken good care of his family. 

She corroborated Mrs. Spacek’s and Mrs. Morowsky’s story about 
Mrs. Gutowski working at various times and also said that she had 
known Mr. Gutowski to stay away from home for several days at a 
time. Mr. Gutowski changed positions very frequently, and she 
gave as a reason for the family’s frequent moves, Mr. Gutowski’s 
dissatisfaction. She could give no names of Mr. Gutowski’s employ- 
ers, but she knew that he had worked most of the time at a tailor’s. 
She did not seem to be interested in the court proceedings, and visitor 
felt that she and her husband wanted to keep out of trouble. Mr. 
Kurovsky works in a leather concern, making leather shaving-strops. 
The family live in a four-room flat, which seems to be comfortable and 
light. Mrs. Kurovsky has two children, one four years old and a baby 
of several months. They have living with them an aunt of Mrs. 
Kurovsky’s whose husband died during the influenza epidemic of 1918, 
This aunt has two children, a girl of ten or eleven and a small boy of 
about five. The aunt works at a tailor-shop during the day, and Mrs. 
Kurovsky looks after the children. ‘They have assisted Mrs. Gutowski 
since her husband was sent to jail but do not feel that they can do 
anything definite, as they are doing a great deal for the aunt and her 
children. 

March 15, 1920.—Visited 2530 Adamson Street, previous address. 
The family lived here during the spring and summer of 1919, and 
neighbor woman thought they moved to Mayflower Avenue from this 
address. Mr. Gutowski was working as a tailor. Mrs. Gutowski 
was clean in appearance; kept the children well, dressed and her 
home in good order. The neighbor stated that she could not visit 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 565 


very much with Mrs. Gutowski as she could speak only Polish. 
While family lived here Mrs. Gutowski had a great deal of trouble 
with one of the children, which the neighbor understood had had 
influenza. Mrs. Gutowski seemed to take very good care of the child 
and managed to get out almost every day for a walk. She stated that 
as far as she knew, Mr. and Mrs. Gutowski got along well, as she never 
heard any unusual disturbances. She also thought that Mr. Gutowski 
was not a heavy drinker, as she never saw him come home under the 
influence of liquor. The family seemed to have a number of friends. 
The neighborhood is quite new, there being only two houses in this © 
particular block. 

March 31, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Gutowski received supplies March 
29 from County Agent. Mr. Gutowski worked for Kahn, Davis, and 
Fleischmann as well as Goldschmidt and Klein, and for the Chicago 
& Northwestern Railroad Company. He has changed his positions 
frequently, and Mrs. Gutowski has not known where he has been 
employed. ‘The family have no bank account; in fact Mrs. Gutowski 
has never had an opportunity to save. After Mr. Gutowski’s trial 
in December, he bought himself a suit for which he paid $40 and a 
harmonica, although Mrs. Gutowski was sadly in need of clothing. 
For the last few years Mr. Gutowski has not been in good health, and 
just after the trial he went to the County Hospital for treatment. 
After the death of her two children, Mrs. Gutowski had a debt of over 
$200, which she has gradually paid off. This was for doctor fees. 
During the illness of both children she changed doctors a number of 
times, as they did not seem to improve. She has had Dr. Fuchs, 
Dr. Kramer, Dr. Drisek, and Dr. Baleuski. Mr. Sladek was the 
undertaker. Mr. Gutowski is insured with the Metropolitan for 
$500, paying his premiums semi-annually. Mrs. Gutowski thinks 
this amounts to something over $5.00. 

Mrs. Gutowski has been working in a restaurant as dishwasher. 
She has also done considerable tailoring at home. Mrs. Gutowski 
feels quite embittered toward her husband because she had made 
every effort possible to keep up the home, has taken particular pains 
to keep it clean and the children well cared for, and has been especially 
careful in preparing foods for her husband, as he has not been well 
for years. She also feels that Hattie has received considerable of 
Mr. Gutowski’s earnings. Mr. Gutowski has paid the lawyer, Mr. 
Lehman, $50. Mr. Gutowski was offered money by Mr. Spacek to 
settle with Hattie Wolenski out of court. 


566 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


April 13, 1920.—Visited Mr. Lehman, the lawyer. Mr. Gutowski 
was referred to him by Mr. Spacek, the bondsman. Mr. Gutowski in- 
dicated to Mr. Lehman that his wife had about $400 in savings, which 
she absolutely refused to allow him to use in settling the case. Mr. 
Lehman does not know if this money was in the bank. He stated that 
it is impossible to secure a bondsman for Mr. Gutowski, as he has no 
personal property and has an unfavorable work record. If Mr. 
Gutowski disappeared, the bondsman would be liable for $1,100 and 
would have nothing for security. It seems that Mr. Lehman has 
dropped the case. There also seemed to be no question in his mind 
about Mr. Gutowski’s being the father of Hattie’s child, although Mr. 
Gutowski always denied the fact. Mr. Lehman does not know Mr. 
Morowsky, Mr. Gutowski’s brother. 

April 15, 1920.—Visited Mr. Gutowski in the County Jail. He 
denies the fact that he is the father of either Walter or Elizabeth 
Wolenski, and reiterated repeatedly that Hattie had many other men 
coming to see her, among whom was Ignatius Spacek, the milkman. 
Mr. Gutowski stated that the reason Mr. Spacek was so willing to go 
on his bond was in order to save himself, and he also stated that 
Mr. Spacek and Mr. Lehman framed up matters in such a way that 
ive would have to go to jail and suffer the consequences of Mr. Spacek’s 
act, who he feels is the father of the baby. 

Mr. Gutowski met Hattie through her brother-in-law, who was 
working with Mr. Gutowski in the tailor-shop. This brother-in-law 
and Hattie’s sister have both died. He stated that Hattie knew from 
the very beginning that he was a married man, that she had often 
seen him walking down the streets with his wife and children. He 
states his reason for going to see her after Walter’s birth (who is also 
supposed to be Mr. Spacek’s child) was due to the fact that he felt 
very sorry for the baby because Hattie left it alone a great deal, 
especially at night. He also stated that he had asked his wife to 
bring up the child, but she refused to do this. The only reason he 
could give for his contact with Hattie was the fact that he was sorry. 
for the baby. He also told visitor that upon one occasion when he 
visited Hattie she locked the door and hid the key so that he was 
forced to stay there for the night. He told of another occasion when 
she had whiskey, and while under the influence of this he was forced 
to remain. He spoke of Hattie as “that woman” and upon another 
occasion he made the remark, ‘‘That damn woman, why should I have 
anything to do with her when I have the wife that I have!” He spoke 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 567 


very highly of his wife. He claims that he has not given Hattie any 
money, except on possibly one or two occasions, but that he did buy 
clothing and toys for Walter because he felt sorry for the youngster. 
He also admitted that he moved Hattie from one address to another 
because he felt sorry for her, and then he moved her still a second 
time. Mr. Gutowski has been in this country about thirteen years. 
He is a presser, has worked for [a list of the great clothing firms was 
obtained]. His health has not been good, and upon several occasions 
he left the tailor-shop and went to work in other lines. Was employed 
in a machine-shop and also worked for the Chicago & Northwestern 
Railroad Company. 

He implied that he had been a good husband and that the family’s 
frequent moving was due to the fact that his wife would always 
select rooms which were cheap as to rent and were usually so bad that 
- he could not stand them and would insist on moving to better rooms. 
They have never been able to save anything as it has taken everything 
he made for living expenses, and they have had heavy obligations due 
to the illness and death of the children. He stated that his half- 
brother offered him the money to settle with Hattie out of court but 
that the half-brother would not do anything for him at the present 
because he and his wife were in sympathy with Mrs. Gutowski. 
He seems to be uncertain as to what his wife’s attitude will be when 
his time is up, as she is distant to him. He would like to return to 
her and seems not to care what might happen to Hattie. 

He states that he is feeling in miserable health, and he asked to be 
sent to the County Infirmary to work on the farm. Mr. Gutowski 
belongs to the Amalgamated Clothing Workers, but he does not know 
to what local, as he has always paid his dues through the concern with 
which he was employed. He also has insurance in the Metropolitan. 
He is a short, stockily built man. He does not seem to have much 
personality or manhood. He cried during the interview and constantly 
spoke of his innocence, saying the whole procedure was a frameup and 
that he was “‘too kind hearted to live,” giving as an instance the fact 
that he had $15 when taken to the County Jail, all of which he gave 
to prisoners who had no money. 

April 30, 1920.—Visited Goldschmidt and Klein’s, but could 
find no record of Mr. Gutowski. Later visited National Trust and 
Savings Bank, who had no records of an account. Mrs. Gutowski is 
receiving county supplies, Rations No. 2. She is going to Infant 
Welfare. 


568 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


May 7, 1920.—Case up in General Advisory Committee. It was 
agreed that whatever assistance is needed be granted to Mrs. Gutowski 
during her husband’s imprisonment and that efforts be made to secure 
a mental examination for Mr. Gutowski.? 

May 7, 1920.—Letter written a psychiatrist who was both a 
criminologist and head of the Juvenile Psychopathic Bureau asking 
if he would examine Stephen Gutowski.? 

May 10, 1920.—Letter received from psychiatrist: 


DEAR Mapam: Replying to your letter of May 7 in regard to the case 
of Stephen Gutowski, a prisoner in the County Jail, whom you request 
that we examine mentally: 

I should be glad to arrange for the examination in this case, as it seems 
to be an exceptional one and likely to cause the State a great deal of expense 
and trouble unless cared for. We cannot, however, make an examination 
unless we are requested to do so by the authorities. If the committing 
judge, sheriff, jailer, or other authorized official will make this. request, 
I shall be very glad to have this examination made. Since this case was 
committed by the Court of Domestic Relations, it is possible that the 
Psychopathic Laboratory of the Municipal Court has some information on 
it. If the Court of Domestic Relations still has jurisdiction over him, this 
would be a matter for the Municipal Court, and, in that case, the head of 
the Municipal Psychopathic Laboratory should be consulted. 

After looking into these various points, will you please let me know if 
you care to have us proceed further. 


May 13, 1920.—Letter” written ‘to “Judge Tolliver? Cour sun 
Domestic Relations: 


On February 20, 1920, you heard in the Court of Domestic Relations, 
the case of Hattie Wolenski vs. Stephen Gutowski, proceedings for the support 
of the illegitimate child of Miss: Wolenski. You found Mr. Gutowski 
guilty; and, because of his inability to give the required bonds, he is serving 
a sentence in the County Jail. 

We are taking care not only of Hattie Wolenski and her two illegitimate 
children, but also of Mrs. Mary Gutowski and her two children. Miss 
Wolenski proves to be of very low mentality, and custodial care for her 
at the State School for the Feeble-minded has been suggested. 

A closer acquaintance with Stephen Gutowski, secured through visits 
to him at the County Jail, has led us to question his mentality. He seems 

™{A mental examination might mean his commitment to the State Colony 


for the Feeble-minded and her eligibility for Mothers’ Pension, although there 
is no record of his first papers.] 


2(There is a Municipal Court Psychiatric Bureau, but the one appealed to is 
the one with whom workers dealing often with the Juvenile Court are more familiar. ] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY ton SOG 


very stupid and slow, and we have conferred with the psychiatrist as to 
the advisability of a mental examination for him. He expressed himself as 
willing to arrange this if you as the committing judge will signify your 
willingness or desire that such an examination be made. 

I have also conferred with the Municipal Laboratory, and understand 
that this is not a case which would be handled in that laboratory. We will 
appreciate your co-operation in trying to get a better understanding of this 
very complicated problem. 


June 16, 1920.—Bought new clothing for Mrs. Gutowski to the 
amount of $10.63. 

July 17, to20.—Lettet’ written to Judge Tolliver, Court of 
Domestic Relations: 


Following the receipt of our letter of May 13, I explained to you by 
telephone that what we wish is merely a brief statement from you, indicating 
that as the committing judge you would consider it advisable that a mental 
examination be given Stephen Gutowski. With this notation from you, 
the state alienist will arrange for the necessary examination. 

Gutowski’s term of imprisonment will soon expire, and we are very 
anxious that this examination be made at once. May we have a brief 
note at your earliest convenience ? 


July 31, 1920.—Mrs. Gutowski’s baby has been troubled with 
intestinal trouble. Called county doctor. Talked with Visiting 
Nurse, who states that Mrs. Gutowski should be careful in feeding the 
child. She had been working at office of the Agency helping with 
cleaning, but was forced to give this up when Elizabeth became ill. 

August 28, 1920.—Mr. Gutowski was released from County Jail 
August 19. He is not working yet, as he had been scalded by hot 
water while working in jail. Reported case to Visiting Nurse, who 
made several calls but was never able to find Mr. Gutowski at home. 

Mrs. Gutowski states that her husband was very friendly to her 
when he first returned but is now becoming indifferent toward her 
and the children. He accuses her of being the source of all his trouble 
and threatens to return to Hattie Wolenski. On August 26, learned 
that Mr. Gutowski had left Nae Mrs. Gutowski had no idea as to 
where he might go. 

August 31, 1920.—Mrs. Gutowski reported that Mr. Gutowski 
‘returned home and has gone to work in a foundry. 

September 28, 1920.—Although several visits have been made to 
the home in order to get in touch with Mr. Gutowski, visitor has never 
been able to find him in. He is working in a foundry and leaves the 


570 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


house about 4:00 in the afternoon for work. He usually sleeps until 
about noontime and then goes out, returning about four to get ready 
for the evening. He never tells Mrs. Gutowski where he is going and 
is quite independent in his actions. He has been giving her a sufficient 
amount for household expenses. 

[July, 1923.—The family moved out of the district shortly after 
this, and the Welfare Agency have never discovered their address. ] 


27. The Family of Joseph Novak 
(A Cabinet-Maker Who Drinks and Fails to Support His Family) 


August 9, 1918 (Friday) —Mrs. Novak in office. Referred by 
Infant Welfare Society nurse. Mr. Novak has deserted. Wishes 
some advice as to what she can do with him. When he is at home he 
abuses Mrs. Novak and drinks heavily. Mrs. Novak crochets and 
in this manner earns a little money to help herself out. Mrs. Novak 
is pregnant four months and feels that she needs some help because she 
is in this condition. [The Court of Domestic Relations and the 
Adult Probation Department are registered, May 21 and 24, 1913.| 

Later.—Visited. Family live in a very light, five-room flat on the 
second floor of a corner building. They pay $13. The rooms are 
large, have many windows, and seem to be airy. Mrs. Novak has 
the rooms furnished in very good taste, and everything is immacu- 
lately clean and neat. Mrs. Novak does a great deal to beautify 
her home by crocheting, as she has crocheted lace upon the curtains 
and bed spreads, tablecloths, etc. ‘There are four children, Alexander 
(born December 15, 1909), Rosa (born September 28, 1912), Joseph 
(born January 11, 1915), and Eleanor (born January 9, 1917). 

Mrs. Novak, who is twenty-six years old, was born and raised in 
Chicago. Went to All Souls Independent Church and School.t As 
she was the oldest in her family and her father died at an early age, 
she was forced to leave school when only twelve years old, 1904.? 
She went to work in a tailor-shop until her marriage. She shows 
evidence of being able to sew well, for her children’s clothes are very 
neatly and well made, although the materials are not very good. 

Mrs. Novak met Mr. Novak, who is three years older than she, 
at a picnic in a very informal manner in 1907. He asked to go home — 


t [All Souls is the independent Polish church; and, while they were married 
there, he belonged to St. Casimir’s, under the regular church discipline.] 

2 [Her story makes both of them leave school at twelve, which was probably 
the case.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 571 


with her, and she consented. However, they went together for nearly 
a year before they were married—May 18, 1908, at All Souls Church. 
Her mother is alive and lives in the same block. 

Mr. Novak’s family were raised around Mohawk Street. His 
family were members of St. Casimir’s Church, and Mr. Novak attended 
school there until about twelve years of age, in 1901. After leaving 
school he went to work for Hollatz Brothers Furniture Company, 
and was there until about two years ago, when he lost his position 
because of drink. | 

About a year and a half after their marriage, Mr. Novak started 
drinking and going away from home for a few days at a time. He 
takes the pay that he has coming to him and disappears until the 
money is spent, and then he returns home. Mrs. Novak has a sus- 
picion that he is interested in another woman. 

Mr. Novak’s family drink very badly, and Mrs. Novak stated 
that he has known no other sort of life and so thinks nothing of his 
treatment of her. Mrs. Novak’s religion [i.e., belonging to the Inde- 
pendent Church] has always been a source of contention between his 
family and him; and if Mrs. Novak visits with him, his mother always 
talks abusively to her and to him about her. She has not been to 
visit his parents for years. 

_ He has several brothers who are just like him, drinking and leaving 
their wives; and Mrs. Novak thinks they all go home to the mother’s 
and they have drinking parties, as the mother drinks as badly as the 
boys. Mrs. Novak also stated that although they had plenty of 
income coming into the family, they are always hard up and needing 
help, due to drinking habits. Mrs. Novak also knows that Mr. 
Novak hangs around Madison and Racine Avenues in saloons around 
there, as that is near his work. 

Mr. Novak is now working for the American Parlor Furniture 
Company. He lost his position with Hollatz Brothers because he 
drank and was irregular in his work. ‘They were very good to Mrs. 
Novak and often sent her his money and often brought him home 
on Saturdays when he was paid so that she might have the money. 
[The names of two other employers were obtained and one previous 
address in the same block where they had lived four years.] 


t [The clues are her mother, who lives in the same block; and his parents and a 
brother and sister who live together; the employer, past and present; and a former 
address. It is the former address to which the visitor goes first and obtains there 
a story of careful, competent housekeeping.] 


572 : FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


About three months ago Mrs. Novak moved to her present address 
because the rent was raised at her previous address and her apartment 
consisted of only four rooms. After moving here, Mr. Novak has 
been worse than usual. About two weeks ago he took $40 and dis- 
appeared for nearly a week. Then again, August 8, 1918, he drew 
what money was coming to him and failed to return-home at night. 
Mrs. Novak telephoned his employer and found that he had taken 
$20 with him. He was earning $29 a week. 

Mrs. Novak is a very attractive-looking, young Polish woman and 
seems to be much above the average in intelligence and understanding. 
The children are very clean-looking youngsters. 

The three younger ones had been sleeping when visitor called and 
got up during the conversation. Mrs. Novak dressed them, and 
everything that she put on them was very clean and well made, 
although some of it was pretty well patched. 

Mr. Novak is in the draft and has been exempted at Board 63, 
Division 10. Mrs. Novak does not know how he answered the ques- 
tionnaire. She wishes to get in touch with the Board and have him 
reported to the federal authorities. She has had him in the Court 
of Domestic Relations several times, but it has not done any good. 

Later.—Visited previous address. Found family had lived there 
for over four years. Mrs. Novak has always been a very good house- 
keeper and has done everything in her means to keep the family 
together. Mr. Novak has always been a drinker. Has left Mrs. 
Novak at times and caused a great deal of disturbance so that the 
neighbors often complained. Corroborated Mrs. Novak’s story about 
her taking out warrants for Mr. Novak, which has done no good. He 
would stop for a while and-then he would start in again. Also cor- 
roborated Mrs. Novak’s story about his being brought home from work 
by a foreman from the factory, so that Mrs. Novak would receive his 
pay. Neighbors very frequently had to help Mrs. Novak out and 
frequently gave her food for the children when Mr. Novak had left 
them without anything. 

August 14, 1918.—Visited in the evening. When visitor rapped 
at the door, Mr. Novak opened it; and when visitor asked if Mrs. 
Novak were home, he stated that she was out. He admitted that he 
was Mr. Novak but told visitor that he did not wish to see her. How- 
ever, when visitor persisted in talking to him in the hall, keeping the 
door open with her foot, he finally consented to having visitor enter, as 
he said he did not want the neighbors to know of his private affairs. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 573 


Mr. Novak is rather a short man, and stockily built, and looks 
as though he might be very brutal; was very aggressive, and resented 
anyone interfering with his business. 

Mr. Novak at first denied that he left home for short periods and 
that he did not support his family properly. Was very blustering 
when he made these denials. Later he admitted he did drink; that 
_ it was a bad habit that he had; and that he deserved to be “smashed 
one in the nose”’ for treating his family so. He told visitor that he 
could stop if he wanted to and that there was no reason why his 
family should not get along because he made good money, but he 
admitted that there was no use in having big money if it was used for 
drink. 

Mr. Novak told visitor that Mr. Schmidt, one of the members of 
the firm for whom he is working, had called him in, August 12, 1918, 
when he returned to work, and gave him a very severe talking about 
not supporting his family and told him that he would have to do better. 
He also telephoned Mrs. Novak and told her that he hoped matters 
would go all right with them and that he would do everything in his 
power to keep Mr. Novak from drinking. Mrs. Novak corroborated 
this story. 

Mr. Novak agreed to try to keep from drinking so heavily, and 
visitor told him that she would keep in touch with Mr. Schmidt; 
and if he did repeat this performance again, she would refer him to 
Draft Exemption Board. 

The children came in while visitor was talking to Mr. Novak. 
They had spent the evening with their grandmother. They were 
very clean and neat and attractive-looking youngsters. The house 
was also clean and well cared for, as at the previous visit. 

Mrs. Novak was very grateful for visitor’s call, and agreed to let 
the Agency know if Mr. Novak became very bad. 

August 15, 1tg18—Telephoned American Parlor Furniture 
Company and talked with Mr. Schmidt. Mr. Novak is a splendid 
upholsterer and does excellent work. However, his trouble is caused 
by drink, and they have difficulty in keeping him working regularly. 
He makes excellent money; he works piece-work and makes as high 
as $30 to $35 a week. Mr. Schmidt has talked to him and is going 
to try and use his influence to keep him from drinking. 

October 1, 1918.—Visited. Mr. Novak is doing very much better 
this last month. Has been drinking but, as far as Mrs. Novak knows, 
only in his own home. Mrs. Novak allows him to have a pail of 


574 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


beer at his meals. Mrs. Novak stated that he has brought home 
about $30 every week. 

The home was just as neat and clean as on previous visits. ‘The 
baby, who had just awakened from her afternoon nap, was eating 
milk and bread when visitor arrived. Mrs. Novak stated that she 
has always had the children sleep during the day time, and she removes 
their clothing and puts on their night dresses as she feels they rest 
better. 

Mrs. Novak would like to have visitor call in the evening to see 
Mr. Novak,! as-he has made the remark to her, that he wondered if 
visitor would call again. 

November 4, 1918—Mrs. Novak telephoned visitor Mr. Novak 
has deserted. 

Later—Mrs. Novak in office by appointment. Mr. Novak left 
home October 31, 1918, drawing his salary, and also taking $40 from 
Mr. Schmidt which had been given him to buy leather for upholstering. 
Mrs. Novak stated that this is the first time she has ever known him 
to take something that did not belong to him. Mrs. Novak is going 
to call on his employer after leaving the office, as Mr. Schmidt tele- 
phoned her this morning asking for Mr. Novak’s whereabouts. 

Since visitor called on Mrs. Novak previously, Mrs. Novak has 
had a miscarriage brought about by Mr. Novak’s treatment of her. 
Mrs. Novak still owes the midwife money for caring for her. Joseph 
had influenza and developed pneumonia, and Mrs. Novak called in 
Dr. Castle to attend him; also owes him $25. Mrs. Novak has 
nothing to live on at the present time but has been receiving aid from 
her mother and sister.? 

Mrs. Novak has suspected that Mr. Novak is interested in other 
women, and a neighbor, Walter Gutowski, has told her that Mr. 
Novak has had a woman calling at his place of employment for him 
in the evening. Mr. Novak secured exemption’ because of his wife 
and children, and Mrs. Novak signed his questionnaire. Mrs. Novak, 
however, stated that she will not live with Mr. Novak any longer 
and that she would like to go to the Board and have Mr. Novak’s 


™[The suggestion that a call be made in the evening would seem an easy one 
to comply with. It is a nice home and some contact with him should be possible. 
But it was just then that the influenza epidemic was developing.] 


2{Mrs. Novak tells of debts, but no question is raised as to his possible saving 
out of what he called “‘big money.”” His drunkenness would account for the destitu- 
tion she described. ] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 575 


exemption recalled. She stated that she had gone back to Mr. Novak 
twice on the advice of the Court of Domestic Relations, but she feels 
that it has been of little use to make the effort. 

[The threat of the Board is very terrible but it is understandable.’ 
The following summary regarding the classification of registrants is 
in convenient form:] 


CLASSIFICATION OF REGISTRANTS 


In selecting the quota for the national army there was considerable 
trouble in regard to exemptions. On November 14, the provost marshal 
general issued a new classification of the registrants as follows: 


CLASS I 


a) Single man without dependent relatives. 

b) Married man, with or without children, or father of motherless 
children who habitually failed to support his family. 

c) Married man dependent on wife for support. 

d) Married man, with or without children, or father of motherless 
children; man not usefully engaged, family supported by income independ- 
ent of his labor. 

e) Unskilled farm laborer. 

f) Unskilled industrial laborer. 

Registrant by or in respect of whom no deferred classification is claimed 
or made. 

Registrant who fails to submit questionnaire and in respect of whom 
no deferred classification is claimed or made. 

All registrants not included in any other division in this schedule. 


CLASS II 


a) Married man with children or father of motherless children, where 
such wife or children or such motherless children are not mainly dependent 
upon his labor for support for the reason that there are other reasonably 
certain sources of adequate support (excluding earnings or possible earnings 
from the labor of the wife) available, and that the removal of the registrant 
will not deprive such dependents of support. 

b) Married man, without children, whose wife, although the registrant 
is engaged in a useful occupation, is not mainly dependent upon his labor 
for support, for the reason that the wife is skilled in some special class of 
work which she is physically able to perform and in which she is employed, 
or in which there is an immediate opening for her under conditions that will 
enable her to support herself decently and without suffering or hardship. 


™[See U.S. Statutes, Sixty-fifth Congress, First Session, chap. 15, sec. 4 
(1917, p- 79). 


576 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


c) Necessary skilled farm laborer in necessary agricultural enterprise. 
d) Necessary skilled industrial laborer in necessary industrial enterprise. 


CLASS III 


a) Man with dependent children not his own but toward whom he 
stands in relation of parent. 

b) Man with dependent aged or infirm parents. 

c) Man with dependent helpless brothers or sisters. 

d) County or municipal officer. 

e) Highly trained fireman or policeman, at least three years in service 
of municipality. 

f) Necessary custom house clerk. 

g) Necessary employee of United States in transmission of the mails. 

h) Necessary artificer or workman in United States armory or arsenal. 

7) Necessary employee in service of the United States. 

7) Necessary assistant, associate, or hired manager of necessary agri- 
cultural enterprise. 

k) Necessary highly specialized technical or mechanical expert of 
necessary industrial enterprise. 

1) Necessary assistant or associate manager of necessary industrial 
enterprise. 


CLASS IV 


a) Man whose wife or children are mainly dependent on his labor for 
support. 

b) Mariner actually employed in sea service of citizen or merchant in 
the United States. 

c) Necessary sole managing, controlling, or directing head of necessary 
agricultural enterprise. 

d) Necessary sole managing, controlling, or directing head of necessary 
industrial enterprise. 


CLASS V 


a) Officers—legislative, executive, or judicial—of the United States or of 
any state, territory, or District of Columbia. 

b) Regular or duly ordained minister of religion. 

c) Student who on May 18, 1917, was preparing for ministry in recog- 
nized school. 

d) Persons in military or naval service of United States. 

e) Alien enemy. | 

f) Resident alien (not enemy) who claims exemption. 

g) Person totally and permanently physically or mentally unfit for 
military service. 

h) Person morally unfit to be a soldier of the United States. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 57d 


7) Licensed pilot, actually employed in the pursuit of his vocation. 

Members of well-recognized religious sect or organization, organized 
and existing on May 18, 1017, whose then existing creed or principles 
forbid its members to participate in war in any form, and whose religious 
convictions are against war or participation therein. 

To enable the boards to classify the registrants in accordance with this 
plan each registrant not already in the service was required to fill out an 
elaborate questionnaire.' 


November 5, 1918.—Visited Local Board 63. Mr. Novak was 
exempted because of wife and four children. Stated he was earning 
$80 a month, which he turned over to Mrs. Novak, and he was with 
the American Parlor Furniture Company when he signed the question- 
naire. Chief clerk suggests that visitor get definite data concerning 
Mr. Novak’s irregularity, drunkenness, etc., and they will call him 
in and reclassify him. Mr. Novak is now in Class IV—A. 

Later.—Visited Hollatz Brothers. Mr. Hollatz states that Mr. 
Novak came to work for him when a young boy of fourteen or fifteen 
years of age. He went to work in the upholstery department under 
Mr. Hollatz; was always steady and reliable and an excellent workman 
before his marriage. About three years after his marriage, he began 
to drink and, as the years went by, he became very unreliable. Mr. 
Hollatz stated that he had often gone to the home himself with Mr. 
Novak’s pay, and he seemed to know Mrs. Novak quite well. He 
stated that he had always seen the home in good order and the children 
appeared to be well cared for. About four years ago Mr. Novak 
was discharged, and during the period of a year he held a number of 
positions, after which Mr. Hollatz took him back again. However, 
he was drinking so very hard and was so irregular as to time and work, 
he was let go a second time, and Mr. Hollatz would not consider 
taking him back. 

Mr. Novak has a sister who is working for Mr. Hollatz at the 
present time and isa very reliable girl, but another brother drinks very 
heavily. Mr. Hollatz knew about Mr. Novak’s trouble and about his 
having stolen money from his employer through Mr. Novak’s sister. 
Mr. Hollatz appears to know the family situation very well, and he 
stated that Mr. Novak was the type of a man that went around a great 
deal and frequented many saloons. 

November 9, 1918.—Visited American Parlor Furniture Company. 
Talked with Mr. Schmidt. Mr. Novak left work October 1, 1918, 


t(Chicago Daily News Almanac and Year-book for 1918, p. 485.] 


578 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


with his own pay check and a check for leather goods that Mr. Schmidt 
had asked him to buy. He did not show up next day, and Mr. Schmidt 
found his goods in a saloon on Madison and Racine, where Mr. Novak 
probably went to cash his pay check. Mr. Novak returned to work 
November 8, 1918, stating that he had lost his pay in the saloon." 

Talked with Mr. Novak, who said he spent the rest of the time he 
was away working for the Randolph Street Market, driving a team, and 
that he has a check-of $7.90 coming for his four days’ work. He spent 
the nights in a lodging-house on Halsted Street. Mr. Novak has 
returned home, but Mrs. Novak refused to take him back. 

Mr. Novak offered to have his pay turned over to Mrs. Novak 
each week if Mr. Schmidt would take him back to work. Mr. Schmidt 
agreed to do this, and Mr. Novak signed a paper, a duplicate copy of 
which was given to visitor. 

Mr. Schmidt stated that Mr. Novak is an excellent workman 
when working and that he could make from $40 to $50 a week if he 
would keep sober.. However, he is not a steady drinker but has sprees 
when he will drink for several days at a time. Told Mr. Novak that 
visitor would call on Mrs. Novak and give him a report of visit. 

Later —Visited. Mrs. Novak ironing. Was very much upset 
that Mr. Novak wishes to return, as she has taken him back many 
times and finds that she has the same thing to go through with again. 
However, Mrs. Novak is very fair to Mr. Novak and stated that he 
was a good father to the children and was fond of them. He is also 
good to her when sober and allows her to manage the money ordinarily. 

However, his drinking sprees are becoming more frequent, and, 
when on one, he takes all the money he can lay his hands upon and 
stays away for days, returning most of the time with all his money 
and part of his clothing gone. Mrs. Novak has had him in the Court 
of Domestic Relations twice and gone back to him on their recom- 
mendation, and she feels it has done no good and that the situation 
was becoming worse. Upon the other hand, he would be a “down 
and outer” in the course of a few months if Mrs. Novak decides to 
separate from him. \ 

Mrs. Novak wishes to think over the situation, as she does not 
want to do anything rash, and will telephone visitor in an hour. 


™{Mr. Novak had not stolen from his employer. He had bought the goods, 
but never taken them to the employer when he had gone to cash his pay check. 
Such an entry recalls the English Truck Acts and the whole question of payment 
of wages in lawful money. See Freund, Police Power, §§ 319-21.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 579 


Later—Mrs. Novak telephones that she feels she cannot take 
Mr. Novak back. If he will agree to send her money for the support 
of the children and will conduct himself as a man, she will agree at 
the end of four months to live with him again. 

Later—Telephoned report to Mr. Schmidt, and he agrees to try 
and keep Mr. Novak from getting drunk over Sunday. 

November 11, 1918.—Mr. Novak telephoned asking visitor to call 
as he is back home. 

Later.—Visited. Mr. Novak went to Mrs. Novak’s mother, 
November 10, 1918, and begged her family to use their influence with 
Mrs. Novak to take him back, which they did. Mr. Novak is per- 
fectly willing to have Mrs. Novak receive his pay, and stated that he 
always made a fool of himself when he got to drinking. Stated that 
if someone kept in touch with him, he might be able to overcome 
the habit. Showed visitor check for $7.90 which he had received 
for teaming. Wishes visitor to keep in touch with his family and also 
with Mr. Schmidt. 

Later.—Telephoned Mr. Schmidt, who will notify visitor whenever 
Mr. Novak fails. to appear for work; he will also send Mr. Novak’s 
pay direct to Mrs. Novak by check. Wishes visitor to keep 
in touch with Mrs. Novak and report to him as to what time Mr. 
Novak returns from work, as he wishes to learn whether Mr. Novak 
frequents saloons on the way home. 

November 18, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Novak seemed to be very 
cheerful. November 15 she received from Mr. Schmidt a check for 
$21.50, pay for three days’ work with the American Parlor Furniture 
Company. She feels that if she can receive his salary each week 
possibly it will be easier to keep Mr. Novak from going to saloons. 
Mr. Novak has been coming home from work about 5:45 each evening. 
Mr. Novak has a fear of what people will think of him. Mrs. Novak 
will telephone visitor whenever Mr. Novak gets drunk, or whenever 
he does not come straight home from work. Mrs. Novak showed 
visitor bill from Mrs. Dora Kucharski, for $3.00 which she claims is 
for drinks. Mrs. Kucharski owns a saloon. Mrs. Novak is perfectly 
willing to sign papers in order to prevent Mr. Novak from obtaining 
drinks.* 

« [Signing papers”? means taking action under J/linois Revised Statutes (Smith- 
Hurd, 1923), chap. 43, secs. 81 and 82:] 

“81. Liability for support, etc. Every person who shall, by the sale of intoxi- 


cating liquors, with or without a license, cause the intoxication of any other person, 
shall be liable for and compelled to pay a reasonable compensation to any person 


580 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


November 19, 1918.—Case brought before Polish Advisory Com- 
mittee. Decision: That Welfare Agency keep in touch with family 
and, if Mr. Novak commences to drink again, Judge Kolecki, former 
municipal court judge, will’ visit and endeavor to help Mr. Novak 
keep sober. 

December 12, 1918.—Visited. Mr. Novak has been keeping sober, 
and Mrs. Novak in an effort to keep Mr. Novak away from the saloons 
has allowed him to have beer occasionally at home. Mr. Schmidt 
has sent Mr. Novak’s check to Mrs. Novak every week. Last week 
she received $38. Mrs. Novak states that Mr. Novak apparently 
seems to be satisfied with this arrangement and does not ask her for 
any more money than is necessary for him to get along on. Mrs. 
Novak has been able to put some in the bank. 

Mr. and Mrs. Novak are planning to move out into the suburbs 
next spring, and Mrs. Novak feels that, if they put their money 
into their own home, this will probably give Mr. Novak enough 
pride to see that everything is kept up. 

January 14, 1919.—Report given to Polish Advisory Committee. 

January 16, to1g.—Letter received from Mrs. Novak stating 
that Mr. Novak was drinking again. 

Later —Visited. On the evening of January 14, Mr. Novak 
did not come home until 2:00 A.M. The Saturday previous to that 


who may take charge of and provide for such intoxicated person, and $2.00 per day 
in addition thereto for every day such intoxicated person shall be kept in conse- 
quence of such intoxication, which sums may be recovered in an action of debt before 
any court having competent jurisdiction. 

“82. Suit for damages by husband, wife, child, etc—Forfeiture of lease, etc. Every 
husband, wife, child, parent, guardian, employer or other person, who shall be 
injured in person or property, or means of support, by any intoxicated person, or 
in consequence of the intoxication, habitual or otherwise, of any person, shall have 
a right of action in his or her own name, severally or jointly, against any person 
or persons who shall, by selling or giving intoxicating liquors, have caused the intoxi- 
cation, in whole or in part, of such person or persons; and any person owning, 
renting, leasing or permitting the occupation of any building or premises, and having 
knowledge that intoxicating liquors are to be sold therein, or who having leased the 
same for other purposes, shall knowingly permit therein the sale of any intoxicating 
liquors that have caused, in whole or in part, the intoxication of any person, shall 
be liable severally or jointly, with the person or persons selling or giving intoxicating 
liquors aforesaid, for all damages sustained, and for exemplary damages; and a 
married woman shall have the same right to bring suits and to control the same and 
the amount recovered, as a feme sole; and all damages recovered by a minor under 
this act shall be paid either to such minor, or to his or her parent, guardian 
or next friend, as the court shall direct; and the unlawful sale, or giving away, of 
intoxicating liquors, shall work a forfeiture of all rights of the lessee or tenant, 
under any lease or contract of rent upon the premises where such unlawful sale 
or giving away shall take place; and all suits for damages under this act may be 
by any appropriate action in any of the courts of this state having competent 
jurisdiction.” 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 581 


he had not returned until 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Novak is worried for fear 
he is going to start drinking. Mr. Novak offered the excuse to Mrs. 
Novak for staying out late, that he had been sent by Mr. Schmidt 
to hunt up men to work in the factory. Mrs. Novak had not given 
him any more money than usual to spend, and she does not know 
where he got the extra money. 

Later.—Telephoned Mr. Schmidt, who told visitor that he had 
not sent Mr. Novak out to look for men and that there was no reason 
why Mr. Novak could not have gone directly home after work. 
Gave Mr. Schmidt report of visit, and he agreed to talk to Mr. Novak. 

January 30, t1919.—Telephoned Judge Kolecki report of family. 
He agreed to visit Mrs. Novak occasionally, and will report to visitor. 

March 11, toro.—Visited. Found Mrs. Novak very cheerful 
and happy. Mr. Novak is said to be working steadily and is not 
drinking since his pay has come to Mrs. Novak regularly. If she 
has any further difficulty with him, she will report to the Agency. 

October 29, 1919——Met Mrs. Novak on street. Mr. Novak 
has changed his position, and is now with the Illinois Novelty Furniture 
Company, where he is holding the position of foreman. Mr. Novak 
earns $50 a week, and Mrs. Novak stated that she receives between 
$70 and $80 a week, as Mr. Novak puts in a great deal of overtime. 
She has same arrangement with this concern as with the American 
Parlor Furniture Company, and it seems to work very well. Mrs. 
Novak is able to put some money in the bank each week. She seems 
to be very happy now that prohibition is in effect. Mr. Novak will 
eventually get over this craving for drink. He has been drunk only 
once since July 1. 

September 23, 1920.—Visited at Mrs. Novak’s request. For 
several months Mr. Novak has been a member of the Chicago Parlor 
Furniture Company, with a small factory two blocks from their 
home. ‘The business has been doing well, but Mr. Novak’s position 
has given him the handling of considerable cash and put him in the 
position of treating and being treated to drinks. Mrs. Novak is fearful 
that he might have trouble with the funds. Mr. Novak came in; 
while courteous and evidently still under the influence of liquor, 
was blustering in his statements and upset because Mrs. Novak had 
come to the factory and created a scene. He insisted that no one 
would be more pleased than he if the saloons were closed but that 
his business necessitates a certain amount of “treating.” . He realizes 
that a very little liquor intoxicates him. Regular payments have 


582 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


been made on the home, a modern two-story apartment in good 
repair. Mrs. Novak was violent in her statements and could not 
see that embarrassing Mr. Novak at the factory might cause more 
trouble. 

July 19, 1923.—Visited. Family not at home. Mrs. Novak 
is working. ‘The children stay at the grandmother’s house during 
the day. The present home is quite superior to the former home. 
The family now lives on the first floor of a very modern-looking, 
two-story brick apartment building, which looks very well taken care 
of. There are grass plots on either side of the building both east and 
west. The street just to the west is quite attractive with comfortable- 
looking frame houses and new-looking brick and stone flat buildings. 
There are nice gardens and shade trees on this street. To the east, 
the neighborhood is not so desirable. 

The district has been mostly Polish for a number of years, though 
a good many Germans live on a neighboring block and there are also 
a few Jews. 


28. The Return to His Family of Benjamin Lawrence 


(A Deserting Husband Whose Return to His Family Is Hastened by the 
Co-operation of the National Desertion Bureau) 


[The following letters taken from the record of the Bureau’s 
service to this family reveal the relationship between the Jewish 
Welfare Bureau and the National Desertion Bureau’ and among the 
agencies in different communities when the National Bureau has 
once functioned. The record contains the story not only of this 
service but of the care and support given the wife and children, the 
conferences with employers, etc.] 

1. Letter, dated October 17, 1922, to Miss Bernice M. Clay, 
United Charities, 768 East Lake Street, Cleveland, Ohio, from district 
supervisor, Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


At present we are interested in Mrs. Ben Lawrence and her two small 
children. We have been told that Mr. Lawrence was employed at the 
Universal Publishers Service, 631 King Street, Room 114, your city with a 
branch office in Chicago. Approximately two months ago he suddenly 
ceased writing to his wife, who was then living in Chicago. According to 


™{ With reference to the National Desertion Bureau, see Bogen, Jewish Phil- 
anthropy, pp. 32, 171-79. See also papers there cited from the National Confer- 
ence of Jewish Charities. ] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 583 


information we have received, it appears that Mr. Lawrence left Cleveland 
without having given any clue whatsoever as to his intentions. Mrs. 
Lawrence also told us that she had found out that her husband took about 
$300 from the above firm and that that firm is also interested in locating him. 

May we ask you kindly to interview the Universal Publishers Service 
and ascertain whether they have been successful in any of their efforts. 
We should also appreciate any information about the man that could possi- 
bly lead us to some definite results. 

Mrs. Lawrence and her two children are living in Chicago with approxi- 
mately no means of support, and it has become apparent that this organi- 
zation will probably have to take care of the family. We are very anxious 
to secure all possible facts concerning Mr. Lawrence so that we can exert 
every effort to trace him. 

May we ask you kindly to give this matter your attention as quickly 
as possible. 


2. Letter, dated January 24, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, 356 Second Avenue, New York City, from district 
supervisor, Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Inclosed is an application statement for Mr. Benjamin Lawrence, 
who disappeared from Cleveland on August 1, 1922. In addition to the 
information contained on the blank, we wish to state that on November 2 
we were informed by Mr. Feder, Mr. Lawrence’s former employer, that 
after Mr. Lawrence left Cleveland Mr. Feder received a letter from him, 
posted in Buffalo and marked ‘‘General Delivery,” in which Mr. Lawrence 
stated that he would return the money as soon as he was able. The money 
referred to, presumably, is $50 loaned to Mr. Lawrence, plus $300; which 
Mr. Lawrence took from the Universal Publishing House. 

We did not refer this matter to you before as the family seemed re 
hopeful that Mr. Lawrence would return home soon. Mrs. Lawrence is 
anxious to have this matter given all possible publicity and volunteered 
to send you the photographs of her two children if you think this will in 
any way help locate Mr. Lawrence. 


3. Letter, dated February 2, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, 356 Second Avenue, New York City, from district 
supervisor, Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Benjamin Lawrence 
3116 West Carpenter Street 


On January 24 we wrote you regarding Mr. Lawrence. Up to that 
time we had had two interviews with his former employers at the Universal 
Publishers Service Bureau, Inc. On Monday, January 29, we again went 
to the office and talked with a Mr. Levy and Mr. Feder. After we had 


584 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


told them that we are now almost convinced that Mr. Lawrence has left 
his family, not because of any domestic difficulty, but because of the money 
he owed their firm, Mr. Feder showed us a letter written to him by Mr. 
Lawrence from Buffalo on August 1. In this letter Mr. Lawrence continu- 
ally repeated that he is ashamed of himself for having taken the money, 
$300, from the company and cannot bear to come back and “‘show his face.”’ 
He declared that he would make good as soon as possible, but was going 
away until such a time. Mr. Feder could reach him through Buffalo 
general delivery, he said, but, though Mr. Feder wrote, his letter was 
returned. Because of this letter Mr. Levy and Mr. Feder believe that we 
are correct in believing that Mr. Lawrence is staying away because of his 
financial troubles. They therefore gave us the following address at which 
place they believe Mr. Lawrence is working: Mr. Lewis Bean, Great Lakes 
Publishing Company, 525 Ontario Building, Room 903, Buffalo, New York. 

From all indications Mr. Lawrence is a rather intelligent man, fond of 
his children and fairly honest. For this reason Mr. Levy and we believe 
that if he is approached in the correct manner he will return without pro- 
test to his family. We believe that his presence in Buffalo should be estab- 
lished without his knowledge of our interest in him lest he become frightened 
and leave or assume another name. Then he should be approached with 
an appeal to his love for his children (they are fine and healthy—the younger 
one he has never seen) and home. If he mentions the money he should 
be told that Mr. Feder is only interested in the welfare of Mr. Lawrence’s 
family and has assured us that he will not prosecute Mr. Lawrence if he 
returns to Chicago and takes up his responsibilities. Mr. Feder and Mr. 
Levy believe firmly that if Mr. Lawrence is appealed to in the right way he 
will come back and they are sincere in their desire to have him “do the right 
thing” for his family. They will help him in every way possible. However, 
they said that should we fail in this they will take the matter into their 
own hands and see that Mr. Lawrence is brought back. 

We realize the delicacy of the situation and are anxious for your full 
co-operation in the matter. Therefore will you kindly communicate with 
us regarding it as early as possible ? 


4. Letter, dated February 19, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, New York City, to superintendent, Jewish Welfare 
Bureau, Chicago: 


Supplementing our communication of February 8, re Benj. and Mary 
Lawrence, permit me to inclose herewith a copy of a letter this day received 
from Buffalo relative to this matter. Immediately upon receipt of same I 
wired Buffalo requesting that they forward the letter to you. I presume 
that it will reach you about the same time that this letter will. 

I await your further instructions. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 585 


5. Letter, dated February 15, 1923, from Hebrew Welfare Organi- 
zation, 5224 East Twentieth Street, Buffalo, New York, to the 
National Desertion Bureau: 


Re Benj. Lawrence 


We were unable to arrange an interview with Benj. Lawrence until 
February 13. Mr. Lawrence made no attempt to avoid mention of his 
trouble with his former employers, but referred to it repeatedly in an attempt 
to explain his reason for not communicating with his family. He stated 
he had moved to Cleveland from Chicago about eight months ago and tried 
to establish his household there. ‘Two months before his youngest child 
was born his wife returned to Chicago in order that she might be with her 
own people at the time of confinement. Mr. Lawrence could not meet 
the added expense connected with the moving, traveling, and doctor bills 
at that time and found it easy to take his employers’ money to pay his 
debts. When he realized he would not be able to cover up his theft he lost 
courage and left Cleveland. 

He knew that his disgrace would become known to his wife, yet he could 
not bring himself to write any explanation to her. She cannot read or write 
English and it is necessary that there be a third party to all of their corre- 
spondence. This has been embarrassing at best. Since this money matter 
has come up it has hurt him especially to think that what he wrote to her 
would not be for her eyes alone. His brother is married to a sister of his 
wife and that branch of the family would, in all probability, know even the 
most minute detail connected with his difficulties. He does not feel that 
they would treat any information that they might have as confidential 
nor with any degree of sympathy. 

He has not now the moral courage to face what he calls ‘“‘their ridicule 
and nagging’ if he should return. He is certain that the affair has had 
considerable publicity among his former friends and acquaintances and he 
is ashamed to meet them. He refuses under any circumstances to return 
to Chicago. He is greatly worried about his wife and children, of whom he 
professes to be very fond. He has fretted and stewed so much over the 
present situation that his ability as a salesman has been impaired. He made 
no definite statement of his wage, but said that he had made barely enough 
to support himself. He thinks he is not in a position to send for his wife 
to come to Buffalo or even to send her money to Chicago. 

It did not seem wise, at the time, to press Mr. Lawrence too much to 
make immediate financial contribution to his family’s support. On our 
visitor’s advice, however, Mr. Lawrence agreed to write to his wife and to 
deliver his letter to the visitor so that she might send it directly to some 
agent of the organization in Chicago who would act as intermediary to his 
wife and treat his confidence with respect. We have just received a letter 
from Mr. Lawrence addressed to his wife and we shall keep it on file 


586 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


until we receive instructions from you as to its disposal.. We do not wish 
to send it direct to the Jewish Welfare Bureau of Chicago lest some other 
agency be already interested. We are awaiting instructions from you before 
we act further. 

We should greatly appreciate a telegram concerning the disposal of 
the letter since Mr. Lawrence is very eager to hear from his wife shortly. 


6. Letter, dated February 20, 1923, from Hebrew Welfare Organi- 
zation, Buffalo, to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We are writing to you concerning Benj. Lawrence, whom we have 
interviewed at the request of the National Desertion Bureau. Mr. Lawrence’s 
wife, Mary, is now living at 3116 West Carpenter Street, Chicago. There 
are two children, Joseph, born in 1919, and Robert, five months old. 

The National Desertion Bureau informed us that Mr. Lawrence deserted 
his family on August 1, 1922, after having taken about $350 from his employ- 
ers, the Universal Publishers Service Bureau, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. Mr. 
Feder, his former employer, will not prosecute him if he returns to Chicago 
to take up his responsibility. 

We interviewed Mr. Lawrence as soon as we were able to reach him. 
He made no attempt to avoid the mention of his trouble with his former 
employers, but referred to it repeatedly in an attempt to explain his reason 
for not communicating with his family. He stated he had moved to Cleve- 
lJand from Chicago about eight months ago and tried to establish his house- 
hold there. Two months before his youngest child was born his wife 
returned to Chicago in order that she might be with her own people at the 
time of confinement. Mr. Lawrence could not meet the added expense 
connected with the moving, traveling, and doctor bills at that time and 
found it easy to take his employers’ money to pay his debts. When he 
realized he would not be able to cover up his theft he lost courage and left 
Cleveland. 

He knew that his disgrace would become known to his wife, yet he 
could not bring himself to write any explanation to her. She cannot read 
or write English and it is necessary that there be a third party to all of their 
correspondence. This has been embarrassing at best. Since this money 
matter has come up it has hurt him especially to think that what he wrote 
to her would not be for her eyes alone. His brother is married to a sister 
of his wife and that branch of the family would, in all probability, know 
even the most minute detail connected with his difficulties. He does not 
feel that they would treat any information that they might have as confi- 
dential nor with any degree of sympathy. 

He has not now the moral courage to face what he calls “their ridicule 
and nagging” if heshould return. He is certain that the affair has consider- 
able publicity among his former friends and acquaintances and he is ashamed 
to meet them. He refuses, under any circumstances, to return to Chicago. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 587 


He is greatly worried about his wife and children of whom he professes to 
be very fond. He has fretted and stewed so much over the present situation 
that his ability as a salesman has been impaired. He made no definite 
statement of his wage, but said that he had made barely enough to support 
himself. He thinks he is in no position to send for his wife to come to Buffalo 
or even to send her money to Chicago. It did not seem wise to press Mr. 
Lawrence too much, at the time, to make immediate financial contributions 
to his family’s support. On our visitor’s advice, however, Mr. Lawrence 
agreed to write to his wife and to deliver his letter to the visitor so that she 
might send it directly to some agency in Chicago who would act as inter- ° 
mediary to his wife and treat his confidence with respect. 

We wrote to the National Desertion Bureau for advice concerning 
forwarding the letter and were sent word to forward it to you. We were 
not told, however, whether you have had any contact with the family. 
Our visitor is in constant contact with Mr. Lawrence and can reach him when- 
ever it is necessary. 


7. Letter, dated February 23, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, New York City, from district supervisor, Jewish 
Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

We are in receipt of your letter of February 19. We have also received 
a letter from the Hebrew Welfare Organization of Buffalo regarding Mr. 
Lawrence. They inclosed a letter to Mrs. Lawrence from her husband. 
Mrs. Lawrence is going to write to Mr. Lawrence tomorrow, and we shall 
send this directly to the Hebrew Welfare Organization so that they can 
deliver it to Mr. Lawrence. 

We appreciate your interest and work in this case and thank you for 
your co-operation. 


8. Letter, dated March 1, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, New York Gen to superintendent, Jewish Welfare 
Bureau, Chicago: 

We herewith acknowledge receipt of yours of the twenty-third ult., 
re Benj. Lawrence, 3116 W. Carpenter Street. We will hold the case in 
abeyance until we hear further from you. Will you please advise us of the 
final disposition in the case ? 


g. Letter, dated March 8, 1923, to the superintendent, Hebrew 
Welfare Organization, Buffalo, New York, from district supervisor, 
Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Ben and Mary Lawrence 

We regret that we were unable to let you hear from us before regarding 
this situation. We talked with the Chicago representatives of the 
Universal Publishing Service Bureau, Inc., and we are not certain what 


588 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


action would be taken by them if Mr. Lawrence returned to Chicago. 
We therefore can no longer vouch for the statement we made in our letter 
of February 2 to the effect that the man is safe in returning to Chicago. 
We cannot extradite in this case because the desertion took place in Cleve- 
land. The man, however, can be extradited on a charge of embezzlement 
if his employers saw fit. 

We are at present not in a position to recommend a plan, but we would 
appreciate it greatly if you would get in touch with Mr. Lawrence and urge 
him to keep in touch with his wife. 


to. Letter, dated March 29, 1923, to the superintendent, Hebrew 
Welfare Organization, Buffalo, New York, from district supervisor, 
Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Ben Lawrence 
3116 West Carpenter Street 


In answer to your letter of March 21 we should appreciate your getting 
in touch with Mr. Lawrence in order to ascertain if he is making an effort 
to secure work and settle in your city, or if he is making other plans for him- 
self and family. If so we should like to know what these plans are. 

The letters he has sent to his wife have been of an ambiguous nature, 
and she has become discouraged at his apparent lack of decision. She resents 
having to address his mail to him at general delivery and would like to know 
where he lives and who his friends are. We feel that if Mr. Lawrence would 
frankly discuss his plans with you he would help both his wife and us and 
we would be in a position to advise him. 

We would also like to know what Mr. Lawrence’s reactions were to the 
content of our letter of March 8. | 


11. Letter, dated April 11, 1923, from the Hebrew Welfare 
Organization, Buffalo, New York, to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

Our visitor saw Benj. Lawrence a few days ago and learned from him 
that he is living in a boarding-house conducted by a Mrs. Nathan at 7173 
Twenty-eighth Street, a cheap rooming-house district. Our visitor did not 
call at that address, but Mr. Lawrence himself told her that the roomers are 
not very reputable. He says that he prefers to have mail sent to the general 
delivery address because mail is apt to be tampered with or lost at the 
rooming-house. 

We are not at all pleased with Mr. Lawrence’s attitude of late. He is 
inclined to be a little bit virtuous about having written to his wife and seems 
to think that the greater portion of his duty has been accomplished when he 
has done this. He has been working very irregularly this month and has 
earned just enough to keep himself fed and a roof over his head, although 
he has been well. He gave up his place at the Great Lakes Publishing 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 589 


Company and went to the Middle West Publishing Company about one 
month ago. He worked there for a week and has worked in at least three 
places since that time. 

He is planning to work and earn enough within the next month to be 
able to go back to Chicago on his own earnings. He will not be able to do 
this if he continues as he has been this last month, but he promises to work 
more steadily and to return to the Middle West Publishing Company. 

We are willing to pay his fare to Chicago but he has refused our offer. 
He also refuses to accept any loan whether it comes from our organization 
or from his relatives. . 

Do you suggest that we give the matter a trial for this month or that 
pressure be brought to bear on him so that he will return sooner? We shall 
be glad to carry out your plans. 


12. Letter, dated April 23, 1923, to the superintendent, Hebrew 
Welfare Organization, Buffalo, New York, from district supervisor, 
Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Ben Lawrence 
3116 West Carpenter Street 


Will you be kind enough to see Mr. Lawrence again and explain to 
him that we feel that we have given him an opportunity to get on his feet, 
but that he apparently seems to be making little effort to assist himself in 
this matter. We, therefore, cannot continue assisting his family and hope 
that he will begin assuming that responsibility. 

In his letters to his wife, Mr. Lawrence never asks her how she is being 
cared for, nor has he once suggested sending her money. She resents this 
very much. 

If Mr. Lawrence cannot find employment with a publishing company, 
will you suggest to him that he try some other kind of work ? 


13. Letter, dated April 26, 1923, from Hebrew Welfare Organi- 
zation, Buffalo, New York, to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Mr. Lawrence has been working the past few nights at the Niagara 
Blower Company at 55 cents an hour. His first pay was $6.00 since he 
did not put in a full week. His next pay, however, will be about $30. He 
has a few small debts to pay out of this money. If he has enough money 
left he will return to’ Chicago this Saturday, April 28. Otherwise he will 
return no later than a week from Saturday. He will not send his wife money 
before then for he wishes to save for the trip. 

If he does not keep his word, we shall be glad to take any action you 
may suggest. We have spent a great deal of time with Mr. Lawrence trying 
to point out to him why he should return sooner or assist his wife. Our 
powers of persuasion are limited, however, and we have not been successful. 


59° FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


14. Letter, dated May 7, 1923, from the Hebrew Welfare Organi- 
zation, Buffalo, New York ,to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Mr. Lawrence telephoned us on May 5 that he was leaving immediately 
to join his wife in Chicago. 

We hope that he will now resume his responsibility to his family without 
further difficulty. 


15. Letter, dated June 5, 1923, to National Desertion Bureau, 
New York City, from district supervisor, Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 


Re Ben Lawrence, 
3116 West Carpenter Street, 8346 B 


We regret that we have not advised you before regarding the final 
disposition of the above case. Mr. Lawrence returned to Chicago May 5. 
He is now working for the same company with which he was associated at 
the time that he left Cleveland, and from whom he took the $300. He 
is paying this back in small instalments and seems to be quite pleased with 
the present arrangement. 

The family is quite happy now that they are reunited, and we are pleased 
with the conditions in the home. 


29. The Family of Isaac Weinberg 


(Who Deserts His Family, Marries in Another State, and Is 
Sentenced to State’s Prison for Bigamy) 


July 30, 1920.—Mrs. Weinberg in office [Jewish Welfare Bureau] 
to report that her husband had deserted her four days ago. She 
related the following story: After an acquaintanceship of one and a 
half years she married Mr. Weinberg in Russia in 1910. When they 
had been married three years they came to New York City, residing 
there one year. They then came to Chicago and have lived here 
ever since. 

Mrs. Weinberg stated that her husband and she have always been 
very happy; that he treated her with the utmost consideration and 
always gave her his entire pay. He helped her with the housework 
and did all in his power to make things easier for her. She therefore 
fails to understand what his motive might have been in leaving home. 

On Monday, July 26, he left home at the usual time in the morning, 
bade her and the children, Rachel (born December 24, 1914), Ben 
(born July 16, 1918), and Baby Joe (born February 29, 1920), goodbye 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 591 


and never returned. Upon inquiring at the Republic State Bank, 
Leslie and Fourteenth, where Mr. Weinberg had an account of $110.50 
she was told that he called at the bank early Monday morning and 
drew out the entire amount. 

When Mr. Weinberg left home, she had $10 in the house; of this © 
amount she has about $5.00 left. She is badly in need of assistance. 

The family have lived in a three-room basement flat at 1624 
Philadelphia Avenue for the past three years. They now pay $16 rent. 

Upon calling on Mr. Weinberg’s employer, Mrs. Weinberg ascer- 
tained that he had not drawn his last week’s pay amounting to some- 
thing over $32. She is desirous that Legal Aid assist her in 
collecting same. 

Mr. Weinberg was born in Odessa, Russia. He is five feet six 
inches tall; weighs one hundred and twenty pounds; has brown eyes 
and dark brown hair; speaks both Yiddish and English. He belongs 
to the Workman’s Union and is insured with the New Haven Life 
Insurance Company. | 

Mrs. Weinberg was also born in Odessa, Russia. 

Later.—Called Mr. Weinberg’s employer on telephone but failed 
to get any definite information. Worker was advised to call later. 

August 2, 1920.—Called at Mrs. Weinberg’s home, Philadelphia 
Avenue, and spoke with Mrs. Weinberg. She lives in a nice, light, 
four-room basement flat and pays $16 rent. 

She showed worker an old pay envelope of Mr. Weinberg’s. His 
department number is 3666 and his clock number is 78404. His 
work number is F 435331. 

He also belongs to the New Haven Life Insurance Company. He 
carries a twenty-year $1,500 policy. The policy number is 7938716. 
He joined in 1916 and every year pays $51.35, the $1,500 to be payable 
to him at the termination of twenty years. The last payment was 
due July 28, but he failed to meet it. 

He also belongs to Worker’s Union, of which the secretary is Abe 
Lowenstein, 2144 Fourteenth Street, Telephone Haymarket 3282. 
The president is C. Eppolito, 3244 Roosevelt Road, Telephone 
Garfield 1594. | 

Mrs. Weinberg had just $1.60 left at the time of worker’s visit 
and is in need of financial assistance. 

August 3, 1920.—Called Mr. Weinberg’s employer, and spoke 
with -Mr. Homan, Relief Division. He advised that he could not 
give Mr. Weinberg’s check to Mrs. Weinberg except by court order. 


592 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


If Mrs. Weinberg appears with a court order [for separate maintenance] 
he will be glad to give her Mr. Weinberg’s check. He stated that 
otherwise Mr. Weinberg could return and demand payment for his 
week’s wages. He advised that it is probable that any employer to 
whom Mr. Weinberg applies for work will write for references, and 
should he hear anything regarding Mr. Weinberg, he will advise the 
Bureau. He was very co-operative and stated that he would do all 
he could in the matter as soon as the money was ordered paid to 
Mrs. Weinberg. 

Later.—Called Mr. Lowenstein, secretary of the Worker’s Union, 
but he had moved. The party who answered the telephone did not 
know his present address. Worker will try to get in touch with him by 
calling the president, C. Eppolito. 

August 4, 1920.—Conference with the Relief Deparinahts x 
Decided that the case should be handled by Legal Aid until October r. 

It was deemed advisable that Mrs. Weinberg be given a check 
for $30, $16 with which to pay her rent, which was due, and $14 for 
living expenses. The two younger children, Ben and Joe, are both 
bottle babies, and she therefore needs an extra amount of milk per 
day. 

It was also thought advisable that worker ask Mrs. Weinberg to 
appear at the Domestic Relations Court August 6 to swear to a 
warrant of non-support against her husband.? 

August 5, 1920.—House visit. Found Mrs. Weinberg and the 
children at home. The house was immaculately clean at the time of 
worker’s visit. She stated that she was just contemplating coming 
to the Bureau if worker had not called. She was absolutely destitute. 

«(This case illustrates (1) the relationship between two divisions of the organi- 
zation, the Legal Aid Department known as the Bureau of Personal Service, and 
the Relief Department. Between July 30, 1920, when Mrs. Weinberg applied for 
help in securing the return of her husband, who had without warning deserted 
her and their three children, and October 11, 1920, when the organization became 
convinced that the return was so uncertain as to give an element of permanence 
to the care needed by the family, the Legal Aid was the division responsible for the 


contact with the family. After the latter date, the case was transferred to the 
Relief Department.] 


2 [From this date until October 11, 1920, a weekly grant of $12 and a monthly 
grant of $16 for rent was sent Mrs. Weinberg in the form of check. The budget was 
estimated: rent $16, food $24.28, milk $10.54, clothing $8.50, fuel $6.50, incidentals 
$4.75, spending money $1.00, education 75 cents, making a total of $72.32. On 
the latter date, October 11, 1920, the case was duly referred to the Relief Department 
and a new record begins containing a summary of the case up to that time.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 593 


Worker left with her the check for $30. Mrs. Weinberg promised 
that she would be at the Domestic Relations Court August 6 to swear 
to a warrant of non-support against her husband. 

August 6, 1920.—Called New Haven Life Insurance Company, 
Main 1055, and was advised that Mr. Weinberg has a twenty-year 
endowment policy, No. 7938716. It was taken out in 1916—the 
last payment was due July 28, but the endowment policy is not 
considered canceled until a month later, August 28. The last pay- 
ment was not met. The payment amounts to $17.16 due annually. 
However, in the event that it is not met, $23.50 (amount paid in) 
will be credited to Mr. Weinberg and the insurance will automatically 
become paid-up insurance and will run for six years and fifty-four days. 
However, if after that time no further amount is paid in, the policy 
will be canceled; if during that time Mr. Weinberg should die, Mrs. 
Weinberg will receive the $500, value of the policy. It is not their 
custom to return any money that has been paid in.? 

Later.—Called at Domestic Relations Court. Mrs. Weinberg 
swore to a warrant, charging her husband with non-support of wife 
and three children. 

August 14, 1920.-—Check for $12 sent to Mrs. Weinberg. 

August 16, 1920.—Worker called at the Republic State Bank and 
was advised by the cashier that a balance of $2.00 remains in the 
account of Mr. Weinberg. 

Later.—Called C. Eppolito, President of the Worker’s Union, and 
was advised he knew nothing of the whereabouts of Mr. Weinberg. 

Later—Mrs. Weinberg in office and asked that worker write 
to the Ford factory in Detroit, Michigan, to ascertain if Mr. Weinberg 
was employed there as he often expressed a desire of securing employ- 
ment in the Ford factory. 

Letter to Ford Factory, Detroit, Michigan, this date. 

August 17, 1920.—House visit. Found Mrs. Weinberg and the 
children at home. Her home is always immaculately clean. She 
stated that the more she thinks of Mr. Weinberg’s desertion, the less 
she can understand his motive for leaving home. | 

August 28, 1920.—Letter received from Ford Motor Company, 
Detroit, advising that they had no record of Mr. Weinberg ever 
having been in their employ. 

1[The record is not clear as to the amount of the policy. Mrs. Weinberg 


thinks (see August 1, 1920) that it is $1,500, annual payment $51.35. The worker 
learns of a policy for one-third that amount with one-third the premium.] 


594 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


September 23, 1920.—Called at the home of Mrs. Weinberg and 
was advised that she has heard nothing from her husband to date. 
Conditions are about the same in the home. The oldest child, Rachel, 
has enrolled in the kindergarten. 

October 4, 1920.—House visit. Found Mrs. Weinberg and the 
children at home. Conditions are practically the same. Mrs. 
Weinberg has heard nothing from or of her husband since he 
disappeared. Her home is immaculately clean and orderly. 

October 11, 1920.—Check for $16 to cover Mrs. Weinberg’s rent 
sent this date. 

Later —Conferred with supervisor of Relief Department, who 
deemed it advisable that the Weinberg case be referred to the Relief 
Department as per arrangements at conference on August 4, 1920. 

Letter to the Relief Department this date, referring the Weinberg 
case. 

February 2, 1921.—Case turned over to District No. 1 for 
National Desertion Bureau action. 


[For the next two and a half years, the care of the family 
is characterized by close supervision of the health of the children, 
a regular allowance to the mother, assistance in settling small diffi- 
culties, and general kindly and sympathetic relationships. Mrs. 
Weinberg is a very careful housewife, keeping her home clean, co- 
operating in plans for improving her children’s health and so forth. 
There are suggestions that she is not always easy to get on with. 
A worker who repairs her stove reports that she nags him and speaks 
offensively to him; her landlady finds it necessary to call on the visitor 
to secure protection against needless annoyances by the children 
(May 31, 1923), but no adequate explanation of Mr. Weinberg’s 
desertion is ever discovered. The Desertion Bureau repeats the 
publication of his picture in its “gallery of missing husbands”’ twice 
in the autumn of 1922 and winter of 1923. On March 28, 1923, the 
Safety Electric Company, which has kept his unpaid wages of $37, 
agreed to pay this amount to Mrs. Weinberg, if the Bureau would agree 
to reimburse them in case Mr. Weinberg returned and claimed his pay, 
and Mrs. Weinberg about this time begins to think about a divorce 
(May 30, 1923)!, and gets restless under the necessity of living within 
the budget estimated by the organization (June 18, 1923). On July 
16, 1923, a new worker takes up the case and reports that Mrs. Wein- 

t/The grounds for divorce under the Illinois Statutes are (chap. 40, sec. 1) 


(x) natural impotence, (2) having a spouse living at time of marriage, (3) adultery 
subsequent to marriage, (4) wilful desertion for two years, (5) habitual drunkenness 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 595 


berg has the attitude of a person who feels that the world owes her a 
living. It is now three years since Mr. Weinberg left, and she evi- 
dently is restive under the monotonous uncertainty. 

When Mr. Weinberg left, the baby was only three weeks old and, 
while often mothers of three children are expected to work, the mother 
of a nursing infant of less than a year is not supposed to work. At 
the end of the year the health of the children and Mrs. Weinberg’s 
own health needed and received care, and the idea of work either in 
the form of care of another child or of work in the Industrial Workshops 
is now proposed (July 25, 1923). 

Finally (August 31, 1923) a telegram is received from the National 
Desertion Bureau informing the Society that Mr. Weinberg had been 
located in New York, arrested on the charge of bigamy, and was 
being held for extradition. It appears that Mr. Weinberg, who had 
been employed as a phonograph electrician in New York City, has 
been married in court in March and planned for a religious ceremony 
on September 1. On August 29 his picture was again published in the 
“gallery”? and was recognized by his landlady, who reported to the 
National Desertion Bureau. ‘The rest of the story is told in the fol- 
lowing correspondence. |] 


1. Telegram, dated August 31, 1923, from the National Desertion 
Bureau, New York City, to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

Ike Weinberg located. Arrested for bigamy. ‘Thousand dollar bond. 
Are you ready for extradition. Wire immediately.—NATIONAL DESERTION 
BUREAU. 

2. Telegram, dated August 31, 1923, from the Nationa] Desertion 
Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

Indict Weinberg abandonment charge at once. Just learned wife 
No. 2 will not prosecute-—NATIONAL DESERTION BUREAU. 


3. Telegram, dated September 1, 1923 [Saturday] to National 
Desertion Bureau, from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

Weinberg telegram arrived too late for action. Will decide on warrant 
Tuesday.— JEWISH WELFARE BUREAU, CHICAGO. 

4. Telegram, dated September 4, 1923, to National Desertion 
Bureau, from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Isaac Weinberg. Before deciding extradition advise following: 
How long man married. Are there children. Did he support second wife 


" for two years, (6) attempt to take the life by poison or other means showing malice, 
(7) extreme and repeated cruelty, (8) conviction of felony and other infamous 
crime, (9) having infected spouse with communicable venereal disease.] 


596 . FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


adequately. Can you ascertain man’s attitude to family here. Is he 
willing to be reconciled to his first wife. Is man well fixed financially. 
Kindly send information. —JEWISH WELFARE BUREAU, CHICAGO. 


5. Telegram, dated September 5, 1923, from National Desertion 
Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Ike Weinberg married last March. No children. Religious ceremony 
scheduled for last Saturday. Employed phonograph electrician twenty 
dollars weekly. On arraignment told court desires reconciliation with 
your client. Doubt sincerity. Urge extradition—NATIONAL DESERTION 
BUREAU. 


6. Letter, dated September 5, 1923, to the Cook County Agent, 
Chicago, from the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


Re Isaac and Martha Weinberg, Rachel, Benjamin, Joe 


Mr. Weinberg was located, after a desertion of three years, through his 
arrest in New York by an alleged second wife on a charge of bigamy. Our 
information is telegraphic to the effect that, although Mr. Weinberg is held 
and will probably be detained for a week for a hearing, the probabilities 
of prosecution are not definite. We have wired New York for further 
particulars. 

Mrs. Weinberg has been known to us since 1920, when she came to our 
office stating that her husband had deserted four days previously for appar- 
ently no reason. He left home at the usual time in the morning, bade his’ 
wife and the children goodby, and never returned. Mrs. Weinberg stated 
that she and her husband always had lived happily the whole nine years of 
their married life. They never quarreled, always went out together, and 
he gave her his entire pay. She was at an utter loss to explain his action 
and, if it were not for the fact that he had withdrawn their savings from 
the bank, she would have believed that he met with foul play. Since 
that time the family has been supported entirely by the Jewish Welfare 
Bureau. 

Mrs. Weinberg swore out a warrant charging her husband with non- 
support of her and their children on August 6, 1920. We have referred her 
for an extradition warrant. 

We have sent a copy of this letter to the Social Worker of the Court of 
Domestic Relations. 


7. Letter, dated September 5, 1923, to Director Social Service 
Department, Court of Domestic Relations, Chicago, from Jewish 
Welfare Bureau: 


Re Weinberg—Isaac and Martha 
May we have your help in the extradition of the above ? 
| Remainder of letter omitted as it is identical with letter 6.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 597 


8. Letter, dated September 5, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, New York City, to the superintendent of the Jewish 
Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Permit me to acknowledge receipt of your wire of September 1, wherein 
you advise that our telegram arrived too late for action on Friday and that 
definite course of action will be decided on Tuesday, September 4. 

I am inclosing, herewith, a clipping from the Jewish Daily Forward 
bearing on this case. Mr. Weinberg’s picture appeared in the Forward 
“Gallery” on August 29, and on receipt of the information our worker 
interviewed wife No. 2, who stated that she was married to Weinberg at the 
City Hall, New York, about five months ago but that they have not yet gone 
into housekeeping and that the Jewish marriage ceremony was to take place 
last Sunday and the home has already been furnished. Our informant, 
whose maiden name was Marion Geiger, is an orphan girl and resides with 
her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. David Myers. Miss Geiger 
had spent her savings in furnishing the new home. Weinberg resided at 
47 Delavan Street. It was the landlady of the last-named premises who 
recognized his photograph in the “Gallery.” He was employed as an electri- 
cian at 92 East Thirtieth Street, this city, and claimed to be a bachelor. 

When arraigned before Magistrate Weil, Weinberg admitted that he 
left a wife and three children in Chicago and pleaded to be given a chance 
to return to them. After his arrest and arraignment, wife No. 2 refused to 
prosecute him and stated that all she wanted was to secure an annulment 
of her marriage. We immediately telegraphed to you advising that unless 
you secure an indictment at once he will be discharged from custody. 
Subsequently the facts were explained to Magistrate Weil, who held Wein- 
berg for the Grand Jury and fixed bail at $1,000, which Weinberg has so far 
been unable to furnish. 

We will do all we can to have the man held, but it is likely that he may 
secure his release in view of the attitude of the present complainant, unless 
immediate action is taken by you. 


9. Telegram, dated September 6, 1923, from National Desertion 
Bureau, to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

Re Weinberg: Please advise date and place of first marriage. Bigamy 
charge! may not hold because absence first wife. Urge extradition abandon- 
ment.—NATIONAL DESERTION BUREAU, CHICAGO: 


10. Telegram, dated September 7, to National Desertion Bureau 
from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

Re Weinberg: First marriage took place Stamboul, Russia, November 
seventeenth nineteen eleven. Mrs. Weinberg has documents. Wire 


1[Bigamy under the New York Statute is a felony and is punishable by a 
term in a penitentiary or state prison for not more than five years (Birdseye, Cum- 
mings, and Gilbert’s Annotated Consolidated Laws of New York, III, 3801).] 


598 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


details re need of first wife’s presence in New York City in order to prosecute. 
Will deposition do.—JEwisH WELFARE BUREAU, CHICAGO. 


11. Letter, dated September 10, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


In reply to your letter of September 5, and supplementing our telegraphic 
communications, we wish to state the following: 

Mrs. Weinberg seems quite overwhelmed at the turn of events and 
cannot decide on.the course to pursue. Mr. Weinberg never gave our 
client any trouble during the whole nine years of their married life. His 
conduct was always exemplary, and it is hard for Mrs. Weinberg to have any 
ill feelings toward him. 

We, however, feel you have the better case for your courts and as per 
our telegram of September 5, please try to make every effort to influence 
the second wife to prosecute on a bigamy charge. 


12. Letter, dated September 10, 1923, from counsel of the National 
Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Permit me to acknowledge receipt of your night letter of September 7, 
relative to the case of Isaac and Martha Weinberg. The information 
contained therein was submitted to the District Attorney, who will present 
the case to the Grand Jury for an indictment on September 14. For the 
time being it will not be necessary to take depositions in view of the fact 
that Weinberg, upon an arraignment before the Magistrate, admitted the 
first marriage. 

However, I am extremely doubtful as to whether wife No. 2 will go 
through with the prosecution. When we saw her last, she was endeavoring 
to raise bail for Weinberg’s release. I therefore feel that, unless Weinberg 
will be extradited to Chicago for child abandonment, he is likely to extricate 
himself from his present trouble altogether. 


13. Letter, dated September 11, 1923, from the Voluntary Defend- 
ers Committee of the Legal Aid Society, New York City, to the 
superintendent of the Family Welfare Agency, Chicago: 


Re Isaac Weinberg 

May we ask your kind co-operation in passing this request for informa- 
tion about the above-named man to the Jewish organization which is 
handling it? We have not the name here in this office and the Jewish 
organizations are of course closed today. 

We have filed a notice of appearance for Weinberg, as his second wife, 
Marion Geiger, the complainant against him, came into our office and urged 
us to defend the man. She seems to feel very keenly that she had to make 
complaint against him on the eve of their religious marriage. She claims 
that they were married by a civil ceremony at City Hall, March 21, 1923. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 599 


She further states that the marriage was never consummated as they had 
been waiting to furnish an apartment and have the religious marriage. 
On August 31 this was to have occurred when on the night prior he was 
recognized from a picture published in the Jewish papers by the National 
Desertion Bureau and was arrested. 

I have had a brief talk with the chief counsel for the Bureau, and he 
seems to think that the organization in Chicago is desirous of having the 
man punished here because of the higher penalty for bigamy in New York 
State. 

We will be very glad to have an abstract of the record of the Jewish 
organization which has known Weinberg’s legitimate wife and children. 
The man is in a very excited state of mind and has been put under observa- 
tion because of his great depression. The prison physician feared for a 
time that he might commit suicide. He claims that he wants to go back to 
Chicago and support his family; that even though his wife was never 
satisfied with the amount he earned, he does not know why he should have 
run away from her as he did. 

Marion Geiger states her one desire is that he return to his family. 
She is entirely illiterate but a self-respecting young woman who feels bitterly 
the humiliation to which she has been subjected. She still seems to be 
in love with him, however. (Indictment has been delayed because of lack 
of formal proof of the first marriage.) Should this be obtained, as the 
attorney is sure that it will be through the efforts of the Jewish organization 
in Chicago, the indictment will probably take place in the very near future. 

We understand there may also be a charge against the defendant on 
account of abandonment of his minor children. We would like to know 
about this, and also if it is a felony in Illinois for a man to desert his wife. 
It is not in New York State. The abandonment of his minor children is.' 

We would also be glad to have the names and ages of the children, as 
the defendant seems somewhat uncertain about them. 

We are inclosing a stamped and directed envelope and would heartily 
appreciate your attention and courtesy. 


14. Letter, dated September 12, 1923, from the Cook County 
Agent, Chicago, to the superintendent of the Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

Your letter of September 5, reporting for extradition the case of 
Isaac Weinberg, now located in New York City, wife and children living at 
1639 Philadelphia Avenue. 

Investigation discloses that Weinberg deserted family July 26, 1920, 
has not seen or communicated with them since. He was recently arrested 


™[See below, pp. 891, 902, for text of the various statutes applicable in these 
desertion cases.] 


600 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


in New York City, charged with bigamy, having married another woman 
six months ago. 

In view of the above, we are of the opinion this is a matter for the 
State’s Attorney’s office to handle, and have, therefore, rejected the case 
for extradition at the expense of Cook County. 


15. Letter, dated September 14, 1923, to counsel for National 
Desertion Bureau, from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We urge your most careful perusal of a letter addressed to the non- 
Jewish Charities of this city under date of September 11, by the Voluntary 
Defenders Committee of the Legal Aid Society, your city, copy of which is 
herewith inclosed. 

We particularly call your attention to the following statement contained 
therein: “Indictment has been delayed because of lack of formal proof of 
the first marriage. Should this be obtained, as counsel is sure that it will 
be through the efforts of the Jewish organization in Chicago, the indictment 
will probably take place in the very near future.” 

May we also refer to your letter to us of September 10, evidently in 
reply to our telegram in which you state: “For the time being it will not 
be necessary for Mrs. Weinberg to journey here, nor would it be necessary 
to take depositions in view of the fact that Weinberg upon an arraignment 
before the magistrate admitted the first marriage.” 

We are somewhat worried as to the lack of proof of the first marriage 
pronounced by the Voluntary Defenders Committee of the Legal Aid 
Society, your city, and the definite proof of marriage as evidenced by your 
letter. We earnestly hope that the indictment will not fail because of such 
proof since it can of course be obtained. 

The County Agent of Cook County, who has been approaches in the 
matter of payment of extradition expenses as a last resort should your 
bigamy charge fall, rejected our application because of the man’s crime of 
bigamy of which he now stands charged in New York City. Surely in 
view of the fact that both your organization and the Voluntary Defenders 
Committee of the Legal Aid Society, your city, are social service organiza- 
tions, it will not be difficult for you to get together on the ethics in this case. 
We are referring the Voluntary Defenders Association to you for further 
information and advice on the case since their letter, as you note, calls for a 
statement of our history in the matter and also contains a suggestion for 
our clemency. 


16. Letter, dated September 15, 1923, to the Voluntary Defenders 
Committee of the Legal Aid Society, New York City, from the Jewish 
Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Your letter of September 11 sent to the Family Welfare Agency of 
Chicago was referred tous. We must express surprise that you are interested 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 601 


in the defense of Mr. Weinberg, inasmuch as we have information from your 
city that Mr. Weinberg upon arraignment before a magistrate admitted 
the first marriage. 

Since we have been in constant communication with the National 
Desertion Bureau of your city and they have complete knowledge of the 
case, we would refer you to them for further information. 


17. Letter, dated September 15, 1923, to the Cook County Agent, 
Chicago, from the Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


In reply to your letter of September 12, we wish to state that since the 
bigamy was committed in the state of New York the State’s Attorney of 
Illinois has no jurisdiction over the case. Therefore, Mr. Weinberg cannot 
be prosecuted in Illinois on any other charge than wife abandonment. 

In view of the above we are asking you to reconsider this case for 
extradition. 


18. Telegram, dated September 17, 1923, from National Desertion 
Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Please forward marriage certificate and other proof of marriage re 
Isaac and Martha Weinberg also your client’s maiden name. Can she give 
name and address of marriage eye-witness living here >—NATIONAL DESER- 
TION BUREAU. 


19. Letter, dated September 17, 1923, from counsel for the 
National Desertion Bureau, New York City, to Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

I am in receipt of your kind communication of the 14th inst., with 
inclosure of a copy of a letter from the Voluntary Defenders Committee, 
relative to the case of Isaac and Martha Weinberg. Permit me to advise 
you that on again taking up the matter with the Assistant District Attorney, 
in charge of Indictment Bureau, he informed me that it will not be necessary 
for Mrs. Weinberg to journey to New York at the present time; that he 
believes an indictment can be secured without her assistance on receipt of 
some documentary proof of Weinberg’s marriage to your client. I therefore 
wired you today as follows: “Please forward marriage certificate and other 
proof of marriage re Isaac and Martha Weinberg also your client’s maiden 
name. Can she give name and address of marriage witness living here ?”’ 

I also communicated with the office of the Voluntary Defenders Com- 
mittee, but the director who is in charge of the case is away on her vacation. 
I will get in touch with that organization and will explain the situation to 
them. Should the Grand Jury refuse to indict on the evidence it will then 
be time for your client to come here. 

I am extremely doubtful as to whether the second wife will go aifeieh 
with the prosecution. She seems quite infatuated with Weinberg; and, 


602 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


although she speaks of a desire to secure an annulment of marriage, she is 
very solicitous about his welfare, and we are experiencing considerable 
trouble in endeavoring to convince her that her hope for marital freedom 
can best be realized by securing a conviction of bigamy against Weinberg. 
The case has been set down for Monday, September 24. So far Weinberg 
has been unable to obtain bail and is still in custody. I trust that by next 
Monday the information requested will be forthcoming. 


20. Letter, dated September 17, 1923, from the Cook County 
Agent, Chicago, to the superintendent of the Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

Your letters September 5 and 15 and ours September 12 re extradition 
of Isaac Weinberg now in New York City. You do not state in your letter 
of the fifteenth whether anything definite has been done toward the prosecu- 
tion of this man in New York City for bigamy. Is he being detained there 
for a hearing or has a sentence been imposed in his case. As soon as we 
get further particulars regarding this bigamy charge, we will reconsider 
case for extradition at the expense of Cook County. 


21. Telegram, dated September 19, 1923, to National Desertion 
Bureau from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

Re Isaac Weinberg: Sending marriage certificate under separate cover. 
Maiden name—Susnowitz. Eye-witnesses to wedding Mr. and Mrs. 
Abe Wizesarke, Twenty-four sixty three West Street, Chicago.—JEWISH 
WELFARE BUREAU OF CHICAGO. 


22. Letter, dated September 19, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: © 

We are inclosing the marriage certificate of Mrs. Weinberg as per your 
request of September 17. Her maiden name was Susnowitz. Eye-witnesses 
to the marriage ceremony are Mr. and Mrs. Abe Wizesarke, 2463 West 
Street, Chicago. sates 


23. Letter, dated September 24, 1923, from counsel for the 
National Desertion Bureau to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


You will be interested to learn that we have succeeded in securing an 
indictment in the case of People vs. Isaac Weinberg. Isubmitted the marriage 
certificate and the other evidence to the Grand Jury. I also had a talk with 
director of the Voluntary Defenders Committee, and I advised her that the 
question of extradition to Chicago on the abandonment charge is held in 
abeyance owing to the refusal of your client to prosecute her husband. 
I submitted all available data covering the points of her inquiry of recent 


date. 
I will thank you to advise us whether or not you recommend a prison 


sentence in this case. We await your further instructions. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 603 


24. Letter, dated September 27, 1923, from counsel for the 
National Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Referring further to the case of Isaac and Martha Weinberg, permit 
me to advise you that the defendant was arraigned for pleading this day 
on the charge of bigamy. He pleaded guilty and was remanded until 
October 5 for further sentence. I was instructed by the court authorities 
to submit a history of the case and also my recommendation in writing as 
to what action is to be taken. I will thank you to inform me at once whether 
or not you wish us to urge exemplary punishment or a suspended sentence. 
In the event of the latter, I am not at all sure as to whether Weinberg 
would carry out a promise to return to his family in Chicago. In view of 
the limited time at hand, may I ask that you kindly advise us by wire. 


25. Telegram, dated September 29, 1923, to National Desertion 
Bureau from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Isaac Weinberg. Because of man’s action prior to this desertion 
we would be inclined to favor suspended sentence. However, if he shows 
by his attitude that he would not return to his family then more drastic 
action should be taken.—JEWISH WELFARE BUREAU, CHICAGO. 


26. Letter, dated September 29, 1923, to Cook County Agent, 
Chicago, from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


In reply to your letter of September 17, we beg to advise that in our 
correspondence with the National Desertion Bureau we have been urging 
that Mr. Weinberg be tried there for bigamy. On September 26 we received 
a letter from them, stating that Mr. Weinberg was indicted by the Grand 
Jury of New York on a bigamy charge. However, it is-still a question as 
to whether or not Mrs. Weinberg No. 2 will prosecute. It is because of this 
uncertainty that we are asking you to reconsider extradition in this case. 
In the event that Mr. Weinberg should be released he could be apprehended 
and extradited to Chicago. 


27. Letter, dated October 2, 1923, from Cook County Agent, 
Chicago, to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Your letter of September 29 re extradition of one Isaac Weinberg from 
New York City now under indictment in New York City for bigamy. 

We note in your letter you state that it is still uncertain whether Mrs. 
Weinberg No. 2 will prosecute. I would advise, in the event that Mrs. 
Weinberg No. 2 goes ahead with the prosecution of the suit, that you see 
Mrs. Weinberg No. 1 relative to her going to New York City, as she will 
no doubt be subpoenaed by the courts there to assist in the conviction of her 
husband. Her presence will be necessary there to show a prior marriage, 
before this conviction can be sustained. If she is not interested in this 


604 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


bigamy charge, the chances are her husband will be acquitted, and in that 
event he could be apprehended and brought back to Chicago. 


28. Letter, dated October 4, 1923, from counsel for National 
Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We this day sent you the following telegram with reference to the case 
of Isaac Weinberg: 

“Weinberg case postponed Monday. Ifreleased on suspended sentence, 
will you defray his transportation to Chicago ?” 


29. Telegram, dated October 6, 1923, to National Desertion 
Bureau from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Will defray Isaac Weinberg’s transportation. Can you get charity rate ? 
—JEWISH WELFARE BUREAU, CHICAGO. 


30. Letter, dated October 8, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to the superintendent of the Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

The case of People vs. Isaac Weinberg was disposed of today before the 
Court of General Sessions. I explained the case to the court and also advised 
it of your client’s plea for mercy in her husband’s behalf and desire that the 
latter be permitted to return to Chicago. Wife No. 2 also interceded for 
the prisoner, but the court felt that Weinberg’s conduct deserves little mercy. 
In view of his neglect of his family for over three years and betrayal of the 
second wife, the court sentenced him to serve a term in state’s prison of 
not less than one year and six months nor more than three years. Under 
the rules he will be eligible for parole in thirteen months. 

The Bureau will keep in touch with Weinberg from time to time; and, 
if his intentions at the end of his term remain as they are now, we will 
grant him a railroad ticket at charity rates, at your expense. 


31. Letter, dated October 10, 1923, from the Voluntary Defenders 
Committee of the Legal Aid Society, New York City, to the Jewish 
Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We have to report to you the disposition in the case of Isaac Weinberg 
concerning whom you wrote to us on September 15. As you doubtless 
know, he was sent to the State Prison for from one and one-half to three 
years. The judge refused to consider returning him to Chicago. 

Your letter in which you say ‘‘We must express surprise that you are 
interested in the defense of Mr. Weinberg’”’ I think requires a little explana- 
tion of our duty in cases of this kind. Itis usual, if not obligatory on the part 
of the court to see that a man is represented by a counsel at the time of his 
pleading even if he pleads guilty to the indictment found against him. In 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 605 


this case we were asked to represent him by his second wife, the complainant, 
who came to our office and asked us to do what we could to see that he was 
sent back to his first wife and children. Our appearance for a client does 
not mean that we advocate him against right and justice. On the contrary 
we work hard to bring out all the facts in the case, submitting them to the 
court so that justice may be done to the community as well as to the man 
by ascertaining the truth. ‘There seemed to have been doubt in the minds 
of persons in connection with the case that the man would have made 
good upon returning to Chicago, and this had its weight with the judge in 
giving the present sentence. He is always very severe in cases where matri- 
monial obligations have been violated. 

We trust that you will call upon us if at any time you feel that we may 
be of service in a case in New York. 


32. Letter, dated November 1, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Our client, Mrs. Weinberg, is interested in knowing what Mr. Wein- 
berg’s address is as she would like to write to him. Will you please send 
it to us. Also we ask you to interview the man and question him as to 
why he left home. Mrs. Weinberg is very anxious for a reconciliation, and 
we hope that through their correspondence Mr. Weinberg will desire to return 
home upon his release. 


33. Letter, dated November 1, 1923, to Cook County Agent, 
Chicago, from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Mr. Weinberg was convicted in New York on the charge of bigamy 
for not less than one and one-half years nor more than three years. He 
will be eligible for parole in thirteen months. 

We should like to know if you will extradite the man after he serves 
his term ? 


34. Letter, dated November 2, 1923, from Assistant County 
Agent, Chicago, to superintendent, Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Your letter of November 1, re Isaac Weinberg who was convicted in 
New York on the charge of bigamy for not less than one and one-half years 
nor more than three, and who will be eligible for parole in thirteen months. 

This case is approved for extradition, at the expense of Cook County. 


35. Letter, dated November 7, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to the superintendent, Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

We are in receipt of yours of the 1st instant relative to the case of Isaac 
Weinberg. This man was sent to Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, New York. 


606 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


We have written to the Jewish Chaplain who visits that institution to 
talk to Weinberg along the lines indicated in your letter, and we will advise 
you as soon as a reply is had. 


36. Letter, dated November 17, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We are in receipt of yours of November 7, for which we thank you. 

We have also received a letter from the Cook County Agent approving 
extradition at the expense of Cook County after Mr. Weinberg has served 
his sentence. We should like you to have this information so that you 
will be adequately equipped in dealing with Mr. Weinberg in attempting 
to help him adopt the best plan for the future in regard to his family. 


37. Letter, dated November 22, 1923, from counsel for the 
National Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We are in receipt of yours of the 17th inst. relative to the case of Isaac 
Weinberg. I note that the authorities of Chicago have decided to extradite 
Weinberg on completion of his sentence. I would suggest that the necessary 
papers be forwarded by the police to the New York authorities so that 
Weinberg will be apprehended upon his release. 

We have just made inquiry and ascertained that Weinberg is not at 
Sing Sing. In all probability he has been transferred to another State 
Prison. We will ascertain just where he is and advise you. 


38. Letter, dated December 31, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

We are in receipt of your letter of November 22 in which you inform us 
that Mr. Weinberg is not at Sing Sing. We should like to know if you have 
ascertained his whereabouts as Mrs. Weinberg is very anxious to have his 
address so that she may write him. 


39. Letter, dated January 8, 1924, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

May we ask you to refer to your correspondence of November 22 
regarding Isaac Weinberg. At that time you wrote you would advise us 
as to where the man is imprisoned. May we ask you kindly to send us 
that information as we are unable to have the necessary papers forwarded 
to the New York authorities until we know where the man is. 


40. Letter, dated January 8, 1924, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to the superintendent, Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: | 

We have just learned that Isaac Weinberg is now at Sing Sing Prison, 
Ossining, New York, known as No. C-50700. Your client may address 
him there. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 607 


41. Letter, dated January 10, 1924, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau, to the superintendent, Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

We are in receipt of yours of the 8th inst. relative to the case of Isaac 
Weinberg. We sent you the information asked for on January 8. No 
doubt you have already received it. 


January 10, 1924.—Mrs. Weinberg in office. Interviewed by 
supervisor and worker. In discussing her life with Mr. Weinberg, 
Mrs. Weinberg advised that she had never had any arguments with 
him about money or anything else; that he had always been a good 
considerate husband and a fine man. She was sure at the time that 
-he deserted that there was no other woman in the case. Says that 
nothing he did previous to his desertion would have given her any 
idea that he was contemplating leaving her. He left July 27. The 
night before, he complained that he was not feeling well and went for a 
walk after dinner. There was a man rooming at the house at that 
time, and Mr. Weinberg slept with him. Roomer told Mrs. Weinberg 
that her husband was awake all night and that he was very restless. 
Mrs. Weinberg noticed that he acted rather disturbed, and his face 
looked different, as if he was thinking of something he did not want to 
talk about. They had no argument that night, and when Mr. 
Weinberg left the following morning, Mrs. Weinberg expected him 
to come home as usual. Mr. Weinberg had $110 in the bank and took 
all but $2.00. Of course, Mrs. Weinberg was very much amazed to 
hear of his marriage. Mrs. Weinberg had many chances to marry, 
as through Landsleute she had met different men, but when they 
heard she had children they would not consider marrying her. If Mr. 
Weinberg took care of the two younger children, Rachel would not 
stand in the way of her marrying. Mrs. Weinberg is willing for her 
husband to return as she wants her children to have a father, and 
realizes if she should marry again a stepfather would not give them the 
proper care and attention. 

Mrs. Weinberg in speaking of her husband’s life in Russia, said 
that he was a salesman at the time he was married to her. When they 
became engaged, however, he had a fruit store which he owned witha 
partner. Three months after they were married he had double 
pneumonia and was in the hospital for three months. Shortly after 
he recovered he went to Stamboul, Turkey, where he wanted to learn 
to make caps; Mrs. Weinberg wanted her husband to go to Paris, 
France, where she had a sister and a brother. He did not want to go 


608 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


there and came to America instead. Wanted to*learn to make 
children’s coats, but made very little money in this trade. When 
family lived in Chicago Mr. Weinberg worked for the Chicago Electric 
Company for some time and earned $35 weekly. After the factory 
burned he went to work for the Safety Electric Company. 

She said that ever since her husband had pneumonia he has had a 
weak heart. Dr. Albert Carnov, who has an office on Roosevelt 
Road, could verify her statement that they have always gotten along 
well together. In fact, her husband was always so considerate of 
her that he worried whenever she was sick, and at the time when she 
had influenza, consulted the doctor continually about her condition 
and worried that she was not going to get well. Previous to Joe’s 
birth, he stayed home from work as he did not want his wife to do 
any work that would be harmful. 


30. The Family of Mrs. Caroline Wolcott Bixby 


(A Deserted Wife Who Is the Mother of Nine Children 
under Twelve Years of Age) 


[This record presents the deserted wife whose husband’s where- 
abouts are not discovered, whose maternal and domestic skill are at 
first doubtful, whose relatives present interesting ‘“questions.’”’ ‘The 
presence of the police and of the “Klan” and the lavish Christmas 
giving are rather theatrical features of the situation as is the number 
of children—nine under twelve years of age.| 

February 3, 1921.—Truant officer of the Marshall School reported 
the family, as the man had sprained his ankle and was unable to work. 
She believed the family were in need. 

[The Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium was registered March 15, 
1919; the Visiting Nurse Association May 4, 1920; and the County 
Agent February 2, 1921.] 

February 7, 1921.—Visited. The house, a_seven-room second- 
floor front apartment, was very well furnished with rugs, pictures, a 
piano, and a sideboard filled with ornamental glassware. It was very 
untidy. ‘There were newspapers and clothing scattered all about, 
and the dining-room table was covered with dirty dishes. Mrs. 
Bixby and the children were very untidy and dirty also. Mrs. Bixby 
is a young woman with attractive features and black eyes and hair. 
There are seven children: Leonard (born February 2, 1911), James 
(born January 12, 1912), Mabel (born February 7, 1913), Thomas 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 609 


(born February 8, 1915) Robert (born September 5, 1917), Alexander 
(born November 10, 1918) Beulah (born May 1, 1920) all sturdy and 
attractive. Mr. Bixby (Allen) tore some of the ligaments in his ankle 
January 24 while at work. He is being treated by the company 
doctor. The doctor does not come to see him very regularly, and Mrs. 
Bixby does not believe he is securing the proper care. She called the 
doctor February 4, but he has not yet been there. Mr. Bixby attempted 
to go to work February 2, but he had to come home as he was not 
able to stand yet. The County Agent issued supplies at the request 
of the school. The milkman is leaving fresh milk for the children. 
Mrs. Bixby said that with this assistance she did not believe they would 
require anything further. The County Agent took up with Evans 
Brothers, Mr. Bixby’s employer, the question of his compensation 
and was told that half-pay would be given him beginning at the end 
of six days’ illness; they have received nothing as yet. 

Mr. Bixby has two brothers in Chicago, but they both have large 
families and are unable to assist him. 

October 15, 1923.—Sergeant O’Loughlin, Garfield Street Police 
Station, reported the Bixbys. ‘They had sent an officer out to investi- 
gate, who reported that there were nine children under twelve, that 
Mrs. Bixby had no money. Mr. Bixby left on a trip three weeks ago 
and has not been heard from since. No first names. 

Precinct list shows Allen Bixby at 1003 Fifth Street. 

Later—Called at Garfield Street Police Station' for further 
information. Sergeant O’Loughlin felt the family was in need of 
immediate assistance and urged that someone make a call at once. 


1 (The following extract from the Welfare Agency’s statement of policy is of 
special interest in connection with this record.] 

“ Deserting husbands.—Every effort should be put forth to locate deserting 
husbands. The Daily Bulletin of the Department of Police, which goes to all 
police stations and to all police officers should be utilized. 

“ Procedure.—Send a picture of the deserting husband, together with a short 
description, as well as the circumstances of his disappearance, with name and address 
of persons to be notified, to Detective Headquarters. It is necessary to pay to 
have the cut made. After the advertisement has appeared, it would be well to 
obtain the cut in case occasion should arise for using it again. The Bulletin should 
be used in cases of unexplained disappearance. 

“The Demonstrators’ Association, to whose offices are delivered all unidentified 
dead from hospitals, morgues, and undertaking establishments is another possible 
source of information. The president of that association keeps a card index of all 
bodies delivered and has an agreement with the medical schools whereby the body 
will not be used for demonstration purposes until three weeks have elapsed.” 


610 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


They had published in the Police Bulletin the fact that Mr. Bixby 
had disappeared September 28. Personal description: blue eyes, 
curly hair, wore a cap, thirty years old. Was supposed to have 
gone on a visit to his mother in Richmond, Indiana. Letter from there 
revealed the fact that he had not gone there at all. 

Mrs. Bixby had sent a note to the police station by the little boy, 
notifying them of Mr. Bixby’s disappearance. 

Later —Visited. Mrs. Bixby and nine children at home.* One of 
the boys had just come back with plenty of groceries for the evening. 
Mrs. Bixby said that the police officer had come in and said that surely 
she could not get along without help for nine children. She told him 
that she still had some money. They lived in the suburbs until six years 
ago, but Mr. Bixby always worked in Chicago. They moved from 
4cort Richard Street to their present address because the rent was 
raised to $45 a month there. 

Mr. Bixby never drinks to excess. He liked beer but never cared 
for whiskey. Only complaint Mrs. Bixby could make about him was 
that he went out in the evenings. Mrs. Bixby is ten years older than 
Mr. Bixby, but he always asked her to go with him. Of course she 
could not do this on account of the babies, and so he went alone. 

The last year, however, he had stayed at home more. On Thurs- 
day evenings they generally had sort of a family party at one of the 
brothers’ homes. 

Mrs. Bixby fears that something has happened to him, although 
he had identification cards in his pocket. He had complained of a 
pain in his head a little while before he left. 

Mrs. Bixby lost a child, Frances, between Mabel and dishing 
She has had Visiting Nurse when she was confined. 

Mrs. Bixby, who was born in England, is one of ten children. 
She has four brothers and four sisters in or near Chicago and a sister 
in Rochester, New York. She belongs to the Episcopal church, 
while Mr. Bixby is a Methodist. He has four brothers and one sister 
in Chicago. His mother has remarried again and lives in Richmond, 
Indiana, and he has a brother in Indiana. 

Mr. Bixby’s brother Virgil has several children and they are 
expecting a new baby any time. Another brother Howard is living 
with Virgil. He is single but is not working. He lost his job, as he 
took too much time off. Mrs. Bixby’s brother, Robert Wolcott, and 


t [Lewis (born August 30, 1921) and Virgil (born November 8, 1922) have been 
added to the family since the visit in 1921.] 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 611 


his wife had been down to see her and she expects her other sisters 
tomorrow. Nearly all of them are working. 

Mrs. Bixby buys coal by the bag as she has no place to put a large 
amount. She says it costs about $18 a week for groceries. She gets 
two quarts of milk from the milkman from whom she has taken milk 
for years. 

Mrs. Bixby seems very proud of her children and their progress 
in school. Leonard did not start to school until he was seven and he 
lost about a term because of frozen heels. He is now in VIA in 
Browning School. Leonard came in while visitor was there. He is 
a fat, chubby-faced boy, with auburn hair and brown eyes. He asked 
_ his mother’s permission to go out and do an errand for the butcher. 
He came back with his money and put it in the bank. He was quite 
anxious to talk about his school work. He said his father said he 
ought to study arithmetic the hardest and like that, but he liked 
history best. He spoke with a great deal of pride of a set of Junior 
Classics which his mother got for them. James has lighter red hair, 
not nearly so sturdy looking as Leonard. He is very quiet in his 
manner. Mabel has auburn hair and very sparkly brown eyes. 
The younger children are not nearly so attractive in appearance as 
the three older ones. Robert, the mother says, is not much of a boy 
to stay at home; he always wants to be out playing with his friends. 
The children have all had the whooping cough; James has had scarlet 
fever and pneumonia and chicken pox. Mabel has also had chicken pox. 

October 27, 1923.—Visited Mrs. Arthur Bixby. She is a young 
woman who has been married four years. She has one little boy 
about two years old; has lived in Chicago a little over a year and 
they are now living in two rear rooms of a larger apartment. She 
has known Mrs. Bixby just since her residence in Chicago; feels that 
she is a good mother to the children but made a mistake in not going 
out more with her husband, as he liked to go out a great deal and went — 
without her when she didn’t want to go. She says that neither she nor 
her husband has any idea where Mr. Bixby could be. She feels that 
her husband and an unmarried brother, Howard, are the only ones who 
could be expected to help Mrs. Bixby because the others have such 
large families. She promised to take up the matter with the brothers 
and try to get them to agree to some definite amount. She said she 
always felt sorry that the Bixby children did not have more and she 
felt that Mr. Bixby took his responsibility rather lightly. She 
mentioned the fact that he was always laughing and joking. 


612 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Howard Bixby and his fiancée came in while visitor was there. 
They have been over to Mrs. Bixby’s. Reported that the latter wanted 
Mrs. Arthur Bixby to take Beulah to the Dispensary to see about her 
tonsils. Mr. Howard Bixby is still out of work. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Bixby. Although it was nearly 12:00, the 
morning work had not progressed very far. Mrs. Bixby was sitting 
before the fireplace rocking the baby. She said she had a large 
washing in the kitchen which she had started on Monday. It was 
still unfinished. She said that she was interrupted so many times. 
The kitchen and dining-room are so dark that it is necessary to burn 
the gas all day during the winter months. Mrs. Bixby says her 
gas bills amount to about $6.00. 7 | 

She carries insurance for Mr. Bixby and herself and all the children 
in the Industrial and for the baby in the National American. It 
costs her $2.00 a week. Shesays that Mr. Bixby’s mother also carries 
insurance for him. 

October 29, 1923.—Visited the T. M. Evans Foundry and talked 
with Mr. Cutts, who is in charge, and with Mr. Edward Feldman, 
Mr. Bixby’s foreman. The former reported that Mr. Bixby had 
worked there for a number of years; left September 21 because they 
refused to give him the raise which he asked. He was earning 82 
cents an hour and working a fifty-hour week. Mr. Bixby asked for a 
dollar and when he was refused said that he had a place where he could 
get that. He gave a week’s notice and took all his tools. He was a 
very good workman as far as his work went. Mr. Cutts doesn’t 
believe he has left Chicago. He said he had heard somewhere that 
he was working at the General Electric, and that wherever he is he 
will be in evidence as this is his nature. 

Mr. Feldman said that Mr. Bixby has said a number of times that 
when the children were old enough to help he was going to leave. 
He also announced that he was going to “pull out” this time. He 
boasted at the factory that he had $300 or $400. Mr. Feldman said 
that he was very concerned about his hair and that was the most 
outstanding thing about his appearance; it was carefully marcelled; 
he often wore a hair net to keep it in place. Both Mr. Feldman and 
Mr. Cutts spoke of it as being black, while Mrs. Bixby said it was dark 
auburn. Said he was always laughing and joking and that he had a 
number of ladies he liked. He often showed pictures of himself at 
the shop with some girl in his arms. He belonged to the Atlas Club 
on Washington Street near Fifty-eighth. Mr. Feldman took the 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 613 


Agency’s card and promised to notify the office immediately if he got 
any trace of Mr. Bixby. He seemed genuinely interested in locating 
him. He seemed to feel, however, that Howard would know where 
he was as they were very close. 

Mr. Feldman had called at the house after some of Mr. Bixby’s 
relatives were over there. He said he was not so concerned about the 
family’s welfare after he saw how the children behaved. The thing 
that most particularly disturbed him was the boys walking on the 
piano. He also said the house was in great disorder. 

‘October 31, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Bixby still quite convinced that 
Mr. Bixby had no intention of deserting her and the children. She feels 
that if he had intended to go he would have taken his good overcoat 
which he had left behind and that he would not have left her the extra 
money but would have taken it with him. 

Mrs. Bixby’s brother Robert has been looking for Mr. Bixby’s 
tools on Twelfth Street and has been unable to locate them. Mr. 
Bixby formerly belonged to the Atlas Club on Washington and Fifty- 
eighth. He liked very much to go to dances and Mrs. Bixby knew 
that he often went. She did not like to dance and never minded 
Mr. Bixby’s having a good time. 

While visitor was there a Mrs. Joseph Lewis came in with two 
coats for the children. She learned of Mrs. Bixby through the 
County Agent’s office. Mrs. Lewis waited downstairs until visitor 
came out. She felt that Mrs. Bixby was not very appreciative of 
the coats. Mrs. Bixby had said that she had quite plenty of clothing 
that her sister brought her. She said if she couldn’t use the things 
that Mrs. Lewis brought she would give them to her sister-in-law. 
Mrs. Lewis said she did not think she would be able to do anything 
for the family except give them some clothing. 

November 3, 1923.—Visited T. M. Evans Foundry and with the 
permission of Mr. Roth, the head man there, talked to Miss Harris 
as to the whereabouts of Mr. Bixby. She said that he had telephoned 
to her asking her to go to a theater about a week before he left the firm, 
but she had not talked to him since then, although she thinks he has 
called up her home. She said that she saw Mr. Bixby across the street 
from the foundry about a week after he left and that he was taking 
the street car west. She did not speak to him and he was alone. 

Miss Harris is an attractive-appearing young woman; she seemed 
quite frank and not the least embarrassed at being questioned. 
Visited soft drink parlor just across the street from T. M. Evans, 


614 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


They have not seen Mr. Bixby for over a month. ‘They did not know 
him by name but when given a personal description recognized him. 
He always came in with girls from the foundry. Someone had been 
in to see if he had left his tools there. 

Later.—Visited two nearby saloons. Neither place knew Mr. 
Bixby. Both places said that not many of Evans’ men came in there. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Bixby. She had just returned from the 
Court of Domestic Relations, where she had taken out a warrant. 
Talked to her about her husband’s having deserted the family. She 
still feels that he would not have taken such a step, not because’ he 
thinks so much of her and the children, but because it would cut him 
off from his own family and he has always been very close to them, 
particularly to his brother Virgil. 

Mr. Bixby was placed in an orphanage when his father died. He 
was then placed out ona farm. ‘The people with whom he was placed 
were not very good to him, and Mrs. Bixby feels that this did not 
develop very much responsibility on his part. On’the other hand his 
brother Virgil was placed with an unusually fine family, who gave 
him a very fine home. He has always been very good to his family. 
Another brother, Leonard, however, drinks and just recently beat his 
wife up so badly that the neighbors called the police. Howard has 
just recently started to work. 

Later.—Called at Garfield Police Station. ‘Talked with the officer. 
Asked that Welfare Agency be notified when the warrant was served. 

November 7, 1923.—Visited about 12:00. ‘There was no lunch 
prepared for the children, and the breakfast dishes were still on the 
table unwashed. One of the children had not been dressed at all that 
morning. House was in general state of disorder. Mrs. Bixby said 
that she had washed until 1:00 A.m. the night before. She does not 
have any regular days for doing certain things. Says that she can’t 
with the babies. When she did housework for someone else she always 
had a regular day for doing everything. She does not seem to mind 
the disorder or dirt. She is very sweet with the children. They can 
play under the chair and one on each arm and it doesn’t seem to bother 
her. ‘They do obey, however, when she speaks to them. Mrs. Bixby 
said that someone had been out from T. M. Evans’ main office, and 
she understood that they were going to look for Mr. Bixby. 

November 8, 1923.—Visited T. M. Evans Foundry. Mr. Cutts 
said that they were not planning to do anything for the family as 
they did not feel in any way responsible for them. ‘Their visitor went 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 615 


out and reported that she did not blame Mr. Bixby for leaving because 
the house was in such disorder. Mr. Evans dictated a letter to the 
foundry asking that word be sent along to the men to keep a lookout 
for Mr. Bixby and notify him if they saw him. He also said if visitor 
thought he could be of any service later not to hesitate to ask him. . 
Telephoned General Electric as Mr. Cutts had heard Mr. Bixby was 
working there. They were unable to locate him under his own 
name and the employment man did not remember taking on anyone 
of his description since September 14. They asked, however, that a 
sample of his handwriting be sent if possible. 

Later.—Evening visit made on Mr. Virgil Bixby, brother of 
Mr. Bixby. Talked first to Mrs. Bixby as her husband was out. 
She says that her husband is quite upset over his brother’s going 
and has hardly been the same since. He has little time to talk or 
play with the children, and he used to pay so much attention to 
them. Mrs. Bixby asked him the other evening if he thought that 
his brother had gone with some other woman, and he seemed very 
much upset over that idea. ‘The Virgil Bixbys have six children, 
and Mrs. Virgil Bixby is only able to be around now after the birth 
of the last baby. She said that last winter Mr. Bixby came to their 
place on Tuesday evenings to play cards with his brother, and on 
Thursday evenings all the brothers and their families would gather 
at some one of the brothers’. 

Mrs. Virgil Bixby was the oldest in her family. Her mother was 
deserted by her father, and they had a very difficult time. She does 
not think it wise for Mrs. Bixby to consider going down to Richmond, 
Indiana, as their means there for caring for children in the home is 
very inadequate. Mr. Bixby’s mother is very much disturbed over 
his going away and has written his brother Virgil that she hopes the 
children will not be put in homes as her children were. 

Mr. Bixby came in with some medicine for his wife. He said there 
was little additional information that he could give. He has no idea 
where his brother can be. Mrs. Bixby consulted him before taking 
out the warrant. He advised her to do that although he believes 
that if he could see his brother he could do more with him by talking 
with him than by having a warrant served. He is unable to do any- 
thing about the rent at the present time. He is working fora man who 
is having difficulty collecting his bills and for that reason has not been 
paid. He has also had extra expenses due to his wife’s illness. He 
hopes to be able to help Mrs. Bixby out next month. His brother 


616 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Howard was not at home, but he has only recently started to work 
in a department store. 

November 9, 1923.—Evening visit made to shies Lucy Alling, sister 
of Mrs. Bixby. Mrs. Alling lives in a comfortable and attractive 
bungalow in one of the new additions in Bellevue Park. At the 
present time she has with her a younger brother, Thomas, who is 
somewhat of a wayfarer—works when he wishes and travels when he 
wishes. He pays his sister board but is in debt to her at the present 
time. He has only started to work. Mrs. Alling runs a laundry in 
her basement. She was put to a great deal of expense to buy equip- 
ment. She felt, however, when she wanted to buy a home that she 
would have to help pay for it. Her sister, Marion, stays with her 
and during the day looks after the house and is paid $5.00 a week. 
Mrs. Alling has one son about sixteen years old, who is in high school. 
She said she did not have one cent in the house that day. She wanted 
to help her sister and was going to. She has some groceries which her 
husband brought from the place where he works which he is going to 
take to her. At the start, Mrs. Alling said she thought her sister, 
Carrie, had made a worse ‘‘mess”’ of her life than anybody she knew. 
She said she never has taken things very hard, and she never had been 
very grateful for what the family has done for her. They disapproved 
of her marrying Mr. Bixby for two reasons: first, they felt that she 
was too old for him and, secondly, he never did hold a steady job. 
Mrs. Alling was much opposed to Mrs. Bixby having so many children. 
She feels that any man who thought a woman could have as many 
children as that would be quite likely to run away. Mr. Bixby has 
always liked to go out evenings, and Mrs. Bixby has never cared to. 
Years ago he used to drink a great deal, but Mrs. Alling does not, 
think he has done so recently. She says that he has never been mean. 
She is going down to see Mrs. Bixby soon so she can find out more as 
to why he left. 

She says that she has always been very close to Carrie, who lived 
with her before she was married. She said that she was too lazy to 
do anything but stay at home (Mrs. Bixby on the other hand has told 
visitor that she brought up Mrs. Alling’s boy). Mrs. Alling says that 
she always worried more about her sister’s family than her sister has 
done. She has no particular plan to suggest but said that she would 
do what she could for her sister. She speaks very quickly and 
impresses one as being very energetic. She looks a great deal like 
her sister Carrie. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 617 


November 14, 1923.—Visited Mr. Robert Wolcott. He is buying 
his own home, a bungalow, in a new addition of Fernwood. He is an 
electrician. He says that he is just about making his own expenses, 
but after a great deal of discussion he said that he would be willing 
to do as much as the rest agreed todo. ‘The suggestion was that each 
one contribute $1.00 a week. ‘There are sixteen relatives and this 
would amount to about half the budget. Last Monday he went down 
to see his sister and took her half a sack of potatoes and took Mabel 
home and bought her several dollars’ worth of clothing. 

Mr. Wolcott feels as his sister, Mrs. Alling, that Mrs. Bixby has 
made a mess of things. In the first place he did not approve of her 
marriage. Hesays Mrs. Bixby reports Mr. Bixby as being much better 
to the family than he ever really was. Last winter they were down to 
see them several times, but they never found him home once. The 
Bixbys seem to have gone down hill. They used to live in Fern- 
wood in the same building as the Wolcotts, but as more children 
came the landlords objected and they have moved from poorer to 
poorer flats. 

They feel that Mrs. Bixby is too lenient with the children. They 
spoke of one time just after the Bixbys had purchased a new dining- 
room set. The children tied stove pokers to their coat tails and went 
galloping around the house, pokers hitting everything as they went 
along. They do not think the children are bad children, but just 
careless about property. Mrs. Bixby has never been disturbed by 
their climbing over things. She is always very calm and never 
seems to appreciate what they do for her. They felt that she could 
take better care of the children than she does. Mr. Wolcott says he 
cannot understand how his sister can stand the house with its dirt 
and disorder. Before her marriage she was the most particular one 
in the family. They would be willing to take Mabel, but if the other 
children are to stay at home they think she had better stay too. 
They also spoke of the large family, and said they wished the opponents 
of birth control could come down and see that “‘mess’’ of children. 

They thought possibly their sister Grace, who is in Rochester, 
New York, but whose street address they did not know (thought Mrs. 
Alling would be able to give that) was in a better position to help 
Mrs. Bixby than anyone else. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Anna Carey, another sister of Mrs. Bixby. 
She has four children; lives next door to her brother Robert. They 
are buying their place, which is a bungalow. Said she could not do 


618 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


anything without her husband. Sent for him. He feels that Mrs. 
Bixby should be supported by the State. Hesays that he is paying 
something over $200 in taxes this year and that he could not do 
anything more. He said that he had always been asked to help some 
member of his wife’s family and that he is just about through with it. 
Mrs. Carey has been down to see Mrs. Bixby since Mr. Bixby left. 
The Careys have had seven children, but three of them died. 

Summary.—Visits to the home November 1, 7, 10,17. Conditions 
were just the same. A policeman took the boys out and had their 
hair cut and he stops in now and then to see if Mrs. Bixby is getting 
along all right. Two plain-clothes men stopped to serve a warrant. 
A woman from First Reformed Church brought groceries. Mrs. 
Bixby does not know how she heard of her. 

Mrs. Bixby confirmed the statement of her brother Robert regard- 
ing his assistance. She also said that her sister Lucy sent her a great 
many groceries on the fourth and felt that $8.00 would be sufficient 
for the coming week. She had Dr. Simonds, their family doctor, for 
the baby as she felt he has not been getting along as he should. She 
seems to enjoy visiting with the people who come. The children are 
all going to the First Reformed Church next Sunday: It seems that 
the woman who comes from there has some connection with a woman 
they knew in Richmond, Indiana. The landlord was very unreason- 
able about the rent. Mrs. Bixby offered the check, which the visitor 
took her, to the agent. He took it but brought it back saying that the 
landlord. had already started suit. The check was offered to him 
within the limit stated in the “five days’”’ notice. Mr. Bixby’s 
brothers, Virgil and Howard, came over on Saturday. ‘They took the 
check to the agent and told him that he could not refuse to take it 
and that if he did they would witness in court that it was offered to 
him. The landlord said he would take it if they would pay $3.00 
because he had already started court proceedings. ‘The landlord 
called later, however, and accepted the check. Mrs. Bixby has a 
lease for a year. He served the ‘“‘five days’”’ notice before he even 
called to collect the rent. Mrs. Bixby thinks this is because he knew 
Mr. Bixby had gone. 

She is receiving half a ton of coal from the County. 

November 22, 1923.—Visited. While visitor was there a man by 
the name of Mr. Shorey called to see if Mrs. Bixby needed anything. 
He said that he represented a secret society of Oak Wood, name of 
which he would not give. Nor would he give his own telephone number 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 619 


or street number. He took the Agency’s card and said that they would 
get in touch with office after they had decided what they could do. 
He also asked for the budget, which was given. This man asked 
if anyone else had been there from the secret society, said two men were 
supposed to have called during the day. 

November 27, 1923.—Visited Browning School and talked with Miss 
Foster, the principal. Leonard is in VI A and has only “excellent” on 
his card. Miss Foster spoke very highly of him in every respect. 
She felt that the children were doing so well in school it was unnecessary 
to talk with the individual teachers because of the interruption of the 
class. James isin V B and had “excellent” or “‘good”’ in all subjects, 
except writing, which was “fair.”” Mabelisin the fourth grade. Her 
report card is satisfactory also. She has just had a new teacher. 
Thomas has given some trouble, and Miss Foster thought it advisable 
to consult his teacher. Talked with his teacher, Miss Quayle. She 
says that Thomas is bright enough, but she just has not been able 
to understand him, and that he is rather difficult to manage. He 
does not have any particular pal and plays around alone. He is in 
the third grade. Sometimes he gets his work and sometimes he does 
not. Talked with Miss Page, Robert’s teacher. Robert has been regu- 
lar in attendance up until yesterday. She understands he was hit by an 
automobile and that was the reason he was not in school. He has 
not been doing very well and Miss Page has just learned that he is 
near sighted—apparently cannot see the chart. He is in first grade. 

The children in the Browning School have routine physical 
examination. Leonard was examined on September 19, 1923: weight 
and height normal; vision defective in both left and right eye; tonsils 
bad and treatment recommended. Mrs. Bixby has been notified. 

Thomas was examined on September 25, 1923. He is in the 
third grade; started to school at the age of six. Only defect was 
bad teeth, and the nurse said that if Mrs. Bixby would sign a slip 
authorizing her to have it done, she would take him for dental work. 
None of the children in James’s room was examined. Lucile was 
not examined this year. Robert was examined September, 1923. 
No defects noted; question mark after vision. [The names of nurse 
and doctor are entered on record.] The nurse said that the children 
ranked with the average in the school as to health. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Bixby reports that seven men in all from 
the secret society had been to see her. It seems that they have to 
check up on each other as well as on the person receiving the money. 


620 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Bixby says she thinks they got her name from the children being 
taken to the barber shop by the policeman, because right after that a 
man who had been in the barber shop came over with a sealskin cap 
for one of the children and spoke of getting his society interested. 
Leonard asked what society he represented and was told it was a 
secret society. Leonard told him he just bet he was a Ku Klux Klan, 
and the man did not deny it. 

Mrs. Bixby promised to have her sister-in-law, Mrs. Arthur 
Bixby, take Leonard and Robert to West Side Dispensary for eye 
examination, if visitor arranged with Dispensary; and she will be glad 
to have Leonard have his tonsils out. When asked how she felt about 
having so many people come in asking questions, Mrs. Bixby said it 
seemed awfully funny to her. She apparently takes it as a matter of 
course and seems grateful for people’s interest. 

December: Summary.—Visits made on December 1, 6, 12, 19, and 
26. Mrs. Bixby was quarantined just before Christmas as Alexander 
was a diphtheria carrier. ‘The sign was left on over a week, and Mrs. 
Bixby says that Dr. Simonds, her family physician, took the matter 
up with the Health Department. He said that if there was any 
necessity for such a sign they should have given all the children 
antitoxin and not left them there exposed to diphtheria. 

Summary: Health—lLeonard was examined at the Elizabeth 
McCormick Nutrition Class and tonsillectomy was recommended. 
Mrs. Bixby was notified that the appointment was for January 4 at 
Zion Hospital Tonsils and Adenoids Clinic. 

Christmas.—Family given to Milk Drivers’ Union for clothing at 
Christmas. Children attended Lions Club Christmas Party. 

Beulah and Mabel spent most of the holidays with Mrs. Bixby’s 
brother in Fernwood. ‘The two older boys went for a few days’ visit. 
The six older children went to Lions Club Party and had a good time. 

The Bixbys had a very bountiful Christmas. Mrs. Bixby said 
she did not know how many people came, only those who left cards. 
In all she had ten pieces of meat, which included a turkey and a chicken. 
The children received a magic lantern, automobile, toys, rocking horse, 
and much candy. Mrs. Bixby reports enough clothing for the 
children to last two years: underwear, stockings, waists, and dresses. 
In addition to this she received four pair of cotton blankets, twelve 
pillow cases, and a very nice wool dress and sweater for herself. 
The Milk Drivers’ Union provided a very large Christmas dinner 
and canned goods. They were the only ones who registered with 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 621 


the Christmas Clearing Bureau, up until three or four days before 
Christmas. The Courier sent turkey and other groceries. Mrs. 
Bixby’s own people brought some clothing for the children; gave her 
$2.00 and some toys. The woman from the First Reformed Church 
brought some clothing, and the “‘Klan,’’ so called, brought canned 
goods. On the visit just after Christmas Mrs. Bixby said she really 
did not need any money except to get her shoes half-soled and pay 
her insurance. Leonard took Robert down to the West Side Dis- 
pensary on the thirty-first. Instead of the prescription for glasses 
he brought home the dispensary records which he said were given him 
by the doctor with the instruction to get his glasses. [This was of 
course corrected. | 

On one visit Mrs. Bixby showed visitor some candles which the 
children had given her for her birthday. Mrs. Bixby says that on the 
children’s birthdays she always makes a cake and they have candles. 

January: Summary.—Visited January 8, 15, 22. Leonard and 
Robert did not return to school because they did not have their glasses. 
The glasses were delivered to them on the twenty-second and they 
were instructed to return to the West Side Dispensary to see if the 
glasses were all right. 

Mabel has not been feeling well, and her feet and hands are 
swollen. Mrs. Bixby took her to Dr. Simonds, whose diagnosis was 
rheumatism. James has been home with a sore throat, and the 
school doctor sent word to Mrs. Bixby that he needed to have his 
tonsils out. Mrs. Bixby would like arrangements made for that. 

January 30, 1924.—Visited. Mrs. Bixby showed Leonard’s 
card—he was double-promoted from VI A to VILA. His marks are as 
follows: 


FOTISLIMEreanes . Grete Pte rae E Ieeaaitice tute Soy ee G 
Spellinpime, F297 MIGl AY, G Writing rere soe. Ma G 
Avithmetich ia Sie hey Aud. S Gep staph ew. 2.13 Se VIR eT E 
Pastoral ingani. bade aot .eor S Misivadivsanenad. om fidaosts E 
Drawing edt. dsc. o22ar! oon G Phisigldg vad e: J iyes.piotsas?. G 
Eee GAMING ches hs. wos. 3 =) COeODEEAION 1s wear. 6). «12a vette ae G 
Wa rain pk fom 9» mgaiseys G 63 days absent 


Mrs. Bixby said that Leonard’s principal has told her that she would 
try to hurry him through so that he would have the opportunity of 
going to high school. Mrs. Bixby said that Leonard is very bitter 
about his father’s going away. ‘The little children would be glad to 
have him back, and she thinks James harbors no ill feelings as he is 


622 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


very forgiving. Mrs. Bixby says that she does not think she would 
ever take him back, especially if he does not come of his own accord, 
as she could not trust him. 

Mrs. Bixby always talks about her relatives and their families and 
their illnesses. She says that she never doctors her children herself—if 
they are sick and in need of anything she calls a doctor and she follows 
what the doctor says. Robert is the only one of the children who did 
not pass in school. 

Mrs. Bixby has not seen her brother Thomas since her father died. 
Her brother-in-law, Mr. Carey, brought her a heating stove and put 
it up. He also brought her a sack of onions. He is an interior wood- 
worker and does not have much work during the winter. ‘The Bixbys 
have two beds, one in each bedroom, and a sanitary couch, which is 
almost worn out, in the dining-room. Mabel, Thomas, and Alexander 
sleep in the back bedroom; Leonard and Robert and James on the 
sanitary couch, and Beulah, Lewis, Virgil, and Mrs. Bixby in the front 
bedroom. The younger children go to bed about 8:30, but Leonard 
likes to stay up and read. The children have a magic lantern, which 
their father got them before he left. They also have a small victrola. 
Mrs. Bixby is in need of mattresses, another couch, a rug, and a crib 
for the baby and a washtub for bathing purposes. They cannot 
use the bathtub in the winter because the bathroom is cold and there 
is no hot water running. She says that the flat was supposed to be 
cleaned when the rent was raised last fall, and electric lights put in, 
but the landlord has not done anything about it, although he cleaned 
the other flats and put in electric lights. 

February 12, 1924.—Visited. Mrs. Bixby was rather silent at 
first and seemed somewhat put out about something. The only 
thing she mentioned regarding the matter was that her brother and 
sister-in-law had invited her to a party which they were having on 
their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. She said she did not believe 
she would go because they had not offered to send in and take her 
out in their car. She thought it would not have hurt them to have 
done that. It was afternoon, but Lewis was just getting his bath. 
Mabel was trying to straighten up the house and had a pile of dirt 
which she had swept up right in front of the door. James has started 
to take manual training and he showed with a great deal of pride a 
little alligator which he had made. He just brought home a box of 
paints which he purchased for 10 cents earned by running an errand 
for the butcher. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 623 


Bad housing—The two front rooms are the only ones that have 
windows opening on the street. The living-room has two windows 
facing California Avenue, and the bedroom has one window on the 
same side. There is an Elevated Railroad station at California 
Avenue and it is very easy for people going up to the station to see in 
through the window. The dining-room has two windows which open 
on toacourt. ‘The court is about six feet in width. The dining-room 
is so dark that the light has to be kept burning in the middle of the day. 
The kitchen has a window opening on to a court, and it is necessary 
to have artificial light in the kitchen during the day. The rear bedroom 
has a window opening on toa porch. There is a toilet in the flat. 

February 13, 1924.—Visited and talked with Mr. and Mrs. Black, 
the pastor of the First Reformed Church and his wife. The Bixbys 
were referred to them by the County Agent, who asked them to do 
all they could for them. Miss Blair, their deaconess, made the first 
call early in November. Mrs. Bixby has not told them of the Welfare 
Agency’s help. They understood that Mr. Bixby’s employer was 
paying the rent. They gave some clothing, about $4.00 worth of 
groceries about the first of November because Mrs. Bixby said she 
did not have money to buy hand soap, cocoa, or yeast. Mrs. Bixby 
said she would make bread if she had yeast. At Christmas time, they 
gave a couple of baskets; they had not planned to do so, but since 
the baskets were left at the church and they knew of no one else to 
give them to they took them over. They took a Christmas tree 
which had ten $1.00 bills on it. The church is not in a position to give 
anything regularly. Mr. and Mrs. Black, however, seemed convinced 
of the importance of organizing the proper amount of relief and 
promised to consult office when they could do anything. They 
understand that the Masons helped at Christmas time, but they do 
not know who has charge of that. They were told that in addition 
to clothing which was taken, the Masons gave $25. The Blacks 
gave Mrs. Bixby’s name to the Milk Drivers’ Union. They under- 
stand that Leonard, Mr. Bixby’s brother, is a hard drinker and beats 
up his family quite frequently. This information has been obtained 
from neighbors. 

Mrs. Black felt that Mrs. Bixby took very good care of her children. 
The Blacks thought possibly they might be able to get a small bed and 
a sanitary cot for the Bixbys, and they will ask. 

February 19, 1924.—Telephoned Dr. Simonds’ office. The doctor 
was out but Mrs. Simonds said that for several years he had attended 


624 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


the Bixbys when they were ill. He has not been in for several weeks. 
He does not charge Mrs. Bixby anything for his calls. The doctor 
also attends the families of two of Mr. Bixby’s brothers, and Mrs. 
Simonds feels that they are all very poor. 

February 20, 1924.—Visited. Mrs. Bixby has two gas bills of 
$9.00 each. They cover December and January gas. Mrs. Bixby 
feels that she cannot expect the bills to be much lower during the 
winter months because she has to burn the gas in the kitchen and 
dining-room all day in order to see at all. She has one Jumbo burner. 
She has tried mantles, but because of the jar from above they are 
always broken. 

Later.—Mrs. Chase, secretary of the Women’s Auxilliary of the 
Milk Drivers’ Union, telephoned that they would send milk. She 
asked whether it should be one or two quarts. Asked for two quarts. 

February 25, 1924.—Called at Dr. Simonds’ office. Although it 
was his office hour he did not come in. Mrs. Leonard Bixby, sister- 
in-law of Mrs. Bixby, answered the bell. She does cleaning for Mrs. 
Simonds. Appointment was made with her to talk over the Bixby 
budget on the twenty-sixth at her home. 

Later —Visited. Mrs. Bixby is receiving two quarts of milk 
through the Women’s Auxilliary of the Milk Drivers’ Union. Virgil 
takes a whole quart as per doctor’s orders. 

Mabel and Thomas are having their dental work done under the 
direction of the school nurse. Mrs. Leonard Bixby is the sister-in- 
law who takes the children to the dispensaries. She has always 
helped Mrs. Bixby out in this way. Mrs. Bixby says that none of the 
children has ever been to the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 

Mrs. Bixby showed a letter which she received with one of her 
Christmas baskets. The heading was the Ku Klux Klan. No address 
or other identifying material on the paper. Mrs. Bixby said she 
thought she had shown this before. Mrs. Bixby does not know the 
names of any of the Masonic people who came there at Christmas 
time. She said they asked a number of questions about her special 
needs, but they did not return as they promised and she has not heard 
from them since. She made no mention of the $25 which she was 
supposed to have received. 

February 26, 1924.—Telephoned Cook County Agent, re securing 
a quart of milk on Dr. Simonds’ statement. County Agent said that 
this would be sufficient and that he would send the milk to the 
Bixbys immediately. When he learned that Welfare Agency had been 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 625 


sending some coal, he said that was not necessary—to cancel the last 
order, and he would send coal. He said they are not limited to a 
half-ton a month. 

Later.—Evening visit made to the Leonard Bixbys. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Bixby seemed very much interested in the Bixbys and said 
that they would help as much as they could. When they have been 
at Mrs. Bixbys, they have asked her if she had everything she needed 
and she said that she did. They do not have very much themselves. 
There are five children, all in school. Mr. Bixby is a machinist and 
alsoa union man. They live in a basement, and their furnishings are 
rather scant. Mrs. Bixby works out by the day several days a week. 
She has a very noticeable goiter. She gives the appearance of being 
very energetic and evidently the one in the family who makes things go. 

Mr. Bixby had notified his union of his brother’s disappearance, 
had searched for his tools, and followed any clues which any of the 
men have brought to him. He says that Mr. Bixby has always been 
of a roving disposition and that up until the time he was married it 
was nothing for him to jump a train and go out as far as Colorado 
for a short stay. As a matter of fact all the brothers prefer to ride 
the rods rather than pay their fare. They consider it a sort of lark. 
When Mr. Bixby left, he said nothing to any of his brothers about 
going; anal it had been only three weeks since he had been at his 
mother’s. Mr. Bixby did not feel at first that he had intentionally 
left his family, as he always seemed very fond of the children; but 
so much time has elapsed that he thinks there can be no doubt but 
that he has just skipped out. He always liked to go and he was 
always willing to take Mrs. Bixby but she never wanted to go. 

Mr. Bixby gave the name and address of a friend of theirs in 
California (Innskeep), where they thought Mr. Bixby might have 
gone. Mr. Bixby wrote there not saying that Mr. Bixby left home. 
He asked his friend whether there was any work out there. He showed 
the letter which he received from this man. ‘There was no mention of 
Mr. Bixby. Mr. Innskeep is with the Identification Bureau in a little 
town outside of Los Angeles, but lives in Los Angeles. Mr. Bixby 
spoke very highly of Mrs. Bixby. He feels that the family should be 
kept together. He talked with his brother Howard over the matter 
of helping them. Howard is earning only $20 a week at the present 
time. It was finally agreed that the Bixby brothers would pay 
$5.00 a month toward the rent, paying it directly to Mrs. Bixby, 
this to start with the April rent. 


626 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


31. The Family of Stanislaus Dobiezewski 
(Who Leaves His Wife, Janina, and Three Dependent Children) 


October 23, 1919.—Mrs. Dobiezewski in office. She asks 
that we have her husband arrested or else sent to an insane asylum. 
She is sure he must be crazy. Last night he chased her out of the 
house, and, when she ran to her sister’s, Mrs. Zwerchowski, he pursued 
her with a butcher knife and wanted to kill her. 

Since marrying Mr. Dobiezewski she has found :that he has a 
criminal record. He was in jail three years before he married her. 
She says that two years ago he was in the State Penitentiary. He has 
likewise been in the City Court, where he was placed on thirty days’ 
probation. The cause of the present trouble is jealousy. In July 
he was out of work because of the Acme strike. He took in a boarder 
to help pay expenses. Now he accuses her of infidelity. There are 
three children, Janina (born May 8, 1916), Theresa (born July 7, 
- 1917), and Rosalia (born May 6, 1919), and he claims that Rosalia 
is not his child. The boarder left one week ago. Her reasons for 
thinking him insane are his attempts to kill her and also his extra- 
ordinary sensuality. She has had to suffer a great deal from him in 
that manner. 

Later—Telephoned Dr. Morey, Acme Company. He called 
Mr. Dobiezewski to the office and got the man’s version of the affair. 
According to Mr. Dobiezewski his wife has given him every reason 
to be jealous and to suspect her morality. Furthermore he denies 
her statement that he has tried to kill her. 

Dr. Morey says the man seemed to him peaceable enough and 
quite reasonable. He scouts the idea that the man could possibly 
beinsane. He is disposed to blame the woman for the present trouble. 
He will, however, give the man a good talking to. He asks that we 
send Mrs. Dobiezewski out to see him, and he will then have a confer- 
ence with the two. 

Later.—Told Mrs. Dobiezewski of Dr. Morey’s wish to see her. 
She was evidently much opposed to going to the foundry. She seemed 
to fee] that she would not get a fair hearing. She finally agreed to 
go. She promised to let us know in case further trouble arose. 

October 25, 1919.—Visited. The family have lived for two years 
in a three-room, second-floor rear apartment, for which they pay 
$8.00. Mr. Dobiezewski was born in 1893 in Kovel, Poland. He 
immigrated fourteen years ago. He sailed from Bremen on the 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 627 


“Kaiser Wilhelm,” arriving New York November 20, 1907. She came 
from Grochow (her maiden name was Pyzyna) and she immigrated 
seven years ago. They were married in Peoria (verified) July 11, 
rg15, and came later in that year to Chicago. He has two brothers 
and a sister in the United States. She has a sister, Casimira (Cassie) 
Zwerchowski, in Chicago and a sister, Victoria Pesek, in Lansing, 
Michigan. 

He took out his first papers January 12, 1918. 

Mrs. Dobiezewski did not go to Dr. Morey. She says she could 
not as she could find no one with whom to leave the children. Mr. 
Dobiezewski has not attempted to strike her or be violent with her 
since his talk with Dr. Morey. She says he nags at her constantly, 
and she is sure he is trying to drive her away. Mrs. Dobiezewski 
has a furtive, rather unpleasant expression and her manner is quite 
surly. She does not inspire confidence. A neighbor who was 
present during the interview disclaimed any knowledge of the family 
trouble. She had too many affairs of her own to attend to, she said. 

December 5, 1919.—Mrs. Dobiezewski in office asking advice. 
She wishes to bring her husband to court, but she fears to take action 
herself, as he has threatened to kill her if she has him arrested. She 
has a sensitive, tragic face. She seemed really frightened. 

February 23, 1920.—Visited. Mr. Dobiezewski is not kind to 
Mrs. Dobiezewski. However, he does not treat her brutally any more. 
He pays the bills and is quite generous about that, but he does not 
give her much money to spend. She was preparing the noonday 
meal. There was an abundance of food. She does not wish the 
Welfare Agency to take any action against him, nor does she wish 
us to interview him. She thinks it would make matters worse. When 
asked why she had come to the office December 5 and requested a 
visit, said she didn’t know; she had changed her mind. If things 
get very bad she will come again. 

July 26, 1920 (Monday).—Mrs. Dobiezewski in office with bad- 
looking eye. Said her husband had come home drunk the night 
before and had beaten her. Called up Dr. Morey, Acme Company, 
who agreed to let us bring her over to him so that he might see what 
Mr. Dobiezewski had done to her. 

Later—Accompanied Mrs. Dobiezewski. to Dr. Morey. Dr. 
Morey thinks that both Mr. and Mrs. Dobiezewskiare to blame. Mr. 
Dobiezewski still thinks that she has the former roomer visiting her, 
when he goes to work. He has been coming to work very irregularly 


628 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


with the same excuse, “his wife sick.”” He did not go to work today 
as he was not quite sobered up. 

Later —Visitor and Dr. Morey accompanied Mrs. Dobiezewski 
home. Dr. Morey had a good talk with Mr. Dobiezewski. Told 
him that if he is going to beat his wife he will be arrested. Mr. 
Dobiezewski has to report to work every Monday morning otherwise 
he is going to be laid off. Said that he was not feeling well today, 
will return to work in the morning. 

July 27, 1920.—Mr. Dobiezewski, wife, and three children, all 
well dressed, in office. Said his superintendent told him to bring 
family over as he wanted to see them before man went to work again. 
Wanted interpreter to go along. As there was no interpreter this 
could not be done. Tried to telephone Dr. Morey but could not reach 
him. Told Mr. Dobiezewski he had better take his family and go 
along as he knew the way and there would be someone to speak Polish 
if his English gave out. Agreed and started out but came back and 
asked if office couldn’t get a Yellow Cab to take them over as it was 
hard with three children to take them over in the car. As wife was 
carrying baby told him he could easily manage other two little children. 
Impressed interviewer as irritable and unreliable. 

December 30, 1920.—Visitor learned from Stanley Zepalski (case) 
that his father was over at Mr. Dobiezewski’s, drinking. 

Visited. From the street, visitors could hear drunken men singing 
and playing an accordion. Mr. Dobiezewski, who was drunk, came 
downstairs and said he did not know Mr. Zepalski. A few minutes later 
Mr. Zepalski came reeling down wanting to know what was the matter. 

Later.—Police found a still in the attic; as no one in the house 
claimed it, they could not prosecute. They said the still they found 
was worth about $40. 

February 26, 1923.—Mrs. Dobiezewski, a. slight, light-haired 
woman in office. Mr. Dobiezewski left home February 19 and has 
not yet returned. Mr. Dobiezewski was laid off (Acme Foundry) 
April, 1921, and for a year after that was unable to secure work because 
of the industrial depression. During this time Mrs. Dobiezewski 
worked some. Mr. Dobiezewski secured some odd jobs, and they had 
a little savings at home and they ran into debt about $200. 

In June of 1922 Mr. Dobiezewski secured work as a molder in 
another foundry and worked there up until February 17, 1923, when 
he quit of his own accord in order to draw his pay, which was not 
due until February 21. Mrs. Dobiezewski called at the foundry 
February 20 and learned that he had not reported for work. 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 629 


Mr. Dobiezewski has never deserted before, but for the last month 
he has repeatedly threatened to do so because he says that ‘‘she is 
never satisfied with anything he does.” Sunday morning Mrs. Dobie- 
zewski arose and went to early mass; and, when she had come home, 
she was getting breakfast ready for the family, when Mr. Dobiezewski 
got up and began to taunt her because she was pregnant, calling her 
vile names. They quarreled and Mr. Dobiezewski left, returning 
about 2:00, slightly intoxicated, for his dinner. Mrs. Dobiezewski 
was angry and told him that dinner was over and he could get it at 
the same place he got his breakfast. He went out again and did not 
return until late at night. She had gone to bed but he insisted that 
she get up and cook him some supper; she refused to do this and paid 
no attention to him although he tried his best to pick a quarrel. He 
told her not to call him Monday morning as he did not intend to go to 
work; and so, although she arose and prepared his breakfast and 
lunch as usual, she did not call him. When he got up, he demanded 
to know why she had not called him and she told him that he did not 
wish to becalled. He said, ‘‘Oh, yes”; he put on his best clothes and 
left after trying to make her angry by walking all over the kitchen 
floor which she had just scrubbed. 

Mr. Dobiezewski told the woman upstairs that he was sick of her 
nagging and was going to work in the mines. She asked him if he 
did not feel sorry to leave his children and he said ‘‘No, but he did 
feel sorry to leave his job as he had rather have one of his children 
die than lose his job.” 

Mr. Dobiezewski always drank heavily. He has been making 
moonshine. Once just after Welfare Agency visitor was there in 
December, 1920, Mrs. Dobiezewski was frightened and threw away 
his still and all his materials, but he bought some more. He never 
sold any moonshine that she knew of, but he used to have moonshine 
parties and invite all the men that he worked with to his home at 
night when they drank great quantities of it. Mrs. Dobiezewski 
became tired of this and threw the still away about a month ago, 
and since that time he has not made any. 

History.—Mrs. Dobiezewski’s sister, Mrs. Zwerchowski, came to 
the United States before Mrs. Dobiezewski and later sent her a ticket, 
and in September of r911 she came to her sister, who lived in Peoria. 
She worked there for four years in a factory, living with her sister. 
One Saturday afternoon Mr. Dobiezewski, who had formerly 
boarded with Mrs. Zwerchowski but had come to Chicago prior to 
her coming from Europe, came back to visit. He liked her very much 


630 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


and was so determined that she marry him that they were married the 
following Monday in church. Soon afterward they moved to Chicago. 
Mrs. Dobiezewski soon discovered that her husband was not at all 
what she would have him be. He drank, never supported her, and 
she learned from friends that the same week he married her he had 
escaped from the penitentiary to which he was sent because he had 
killed another man in a quarrel over a girl. 

Mrs. Dobiezewski has been working, scrubbing floors in a building 
at nights, but was forced to quit as after Mr. Dobiezewski left she 
had no one to care for the children while she was away. She does 
not know the company she worked for as she was first taken by Mrs. 
Sladek (case) and later by Mrs. Norak.: Mrs. Dobiezewski had $2.00 
left when her husband went away and has since borrowed $3.00 from 
her sister Mrs. Zwerchowski. She cannot give her any more because 
she is a widow and works to support herself. Mrs. Dobiezewski 
has taken credit for the last two days in a grocery store at the same 
address where she lives. She still owes the grocer, Mr. Kegowicz, 
$12. She has no idea of her husband’s whereabouts. He was not a 
member of the molders’ union and belonged to no lodge. He joined 
a lodge two years ago but dropped it after a few months. She does 
not know the address of any of his people. She applied at the Court 
of Domestic Relations for a warrant, but they refused to issue it as 
she did not know his address. 

Later.—Visited. The rooms are on the ground floor of a house 
back of some small stores. Entrance is through a narrow passageway 
between the buildings and then across an open yard back of the grocery 
store. There is a high fence across the back of the lot, but the level 
of the alley is higher than that of the yard. 

The rooms were dark and very damp. Mrs. Dobiezewski was 
ironing in the kitchen and the four white-faced little children were 
playing in a dark bedroom opening from the kitchen. [Marya (born 
May 21, 1921) is the one born since the first visit in 1919.] The 
‘parlor’? was shut off. 

Mrs. Dobiezewski was one of six children. One sister died in 
Poland, and the other is caring for her father, who is eighty-five 
years old. A brother is married and living also in Poland. She 
never attended school and cannot write, although she has learned 
to read a little through her own efforts. 

Soon after they came to Chicago some friends of Mr. Dobiezew- 
ski’s, Stephen and Joseph Lesniak (who are now living in Columbus, 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 631 


Ohio) and Andrew and Karl Biecek (now in Lansing, Michigan), 
told her about about Mr. Dobiezewski’s having been in prison. 

Mrs. Dobiezewski had been referred by the Charitable Corporation 
to the Court of Domestic Relations and had been given $3.00. The 
visitor of the Corporation had called and left a card only, as Mrs. 
Dobiezewski was at Welfare Agency’s office at the time. 

Marya’s face was badly broken out, so referred Mrs. Dobiezewski 
to West Side Dispensary. 

February 28, 1923.—Dr. Morey of Acme Company telephones 
that Mr. Dobiezewski was laid off April, 1921, because of the industrial 
depression. His work was never very satisfactory. He earned about 
47 cents an hour. Dr. Morey knows nothing further about the man. 

Later.—Mrs. Dobiezewski in office with name of her husband’s 
employer. She did not go to West Side Dispensary with Marya 
because she had no one to take care of the other children. Later 
she said she went to Charitable Corporation and was given $3.00 cash 
and a card to the County Agent. She was told by neighbors that 
her husband was seen in the neighborhood visiting David Madzinski, 
Cottage Grove and Morgan streets. She wants to have her husband 
arrested. 

March 7, 1923.—Called at National Foundry Company and talked 
with B. P. Lewis, timekeeper. Mr. Dobiezewski worked there until 
just three weeks ago, when he drew his pay and left, saying he was 
going to Lansing, Michigan, to his wife’s sister as he had had a family 
quarrel. He was a good workman; the timekeeper remembered 
him very well and said that he thought he would be back after his 
job. He knew that he drank, but he had not been out because of this. 
He earned $40 a week, was not a union man as they run an open shop. 
Will let visitor know if he learns of his whereabouts. 

March to, 1923.—Visited. Mrs. Dobiezewski has a very bad cold 
and has been in bed for the last few days. She is better now, however, 
and refuses to see a doctor or nurse. She took Marya to West Side 
Dispensary and was given some salve for her face. She was very 
angry, however, because several doctors had examined Marya’s 
face and said she never intended to go there again. 

Mr. Dobiezewski has not been at home nor has he been heard from. 
When asked directly how long she had known he was in Lansing, she 
answered “‘Since last night” and showed a letter which she had received 
from her sister, Mrs. Pesek, saying that Mr. Dobiezewski had gone to 
Lansing because he drank too much when he was in Chicago. He 


632 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


is planning to send for her and the children. The letter did not give 
Mrs. Pesek’s address and was not clear as to whether Mr. Dobiezewski 
was staying with Mrs. Pesek or not. Mrs. Zwerchowski is going to 
write her sister tonight and ask her for more particulars. 

March 13, 1923.—Mrs. Zwerchowski in office by request. She is 
a nice-looking Polish woman and very pleasant; she speaks no English. 
She is anxious to learn English, but thinks she is too old. She has 
been a widow for the last nine years. She has five children. The 
daughter is married and the oldest son, Wladyslaus, works at 
the Efficiency Chair Company where he makes $21 a week. ‘There 
are three children at home—a fourteen-year-old boy attends St. 
Casimir’s School, and the two younger children the Parker School. 
Mrs. Zwerchowski has supported herself and her children for the 
last six years by cleaning locomotives in the roundhouse of the Chicago 
and Northwestern Railroad. She earns $3.00 a day but must work 
every day including Sundays and holidays. 

Mrs. Zwerchowski confirmed Mrs. Dobiezewski’s story of her earlier 
life and her marriage; also the fact that Mr. Dobiezewski had always 
been a heavy drinker and had never properly supported his family, 
although he had never deserted before. After prohibition, Mr. 
Dobiezewski spent his evenings going from one house to another 
where moonshine was being made. Soon his friends became tired 
of giving him a drink so they started to charge him for it. When 
Mrs. Dobiezewski protested against his spending all his money for 
drink, he insisted upon making it himself. Just after the Welfare 
Agency found a still there December 30, 1920, he destroyed the still, 
but later purchased another one which Mrs. Dobiezewski now has 
put away. 

He has always earned good money but never had anything saved 
because of his drinking habits. When he went away, Mrs. Dobie- 
zewski had $2.00. Mrs. Zwerchowski herself has helped her sister 
some and does not believe that Mr. Dobiezewski is sending her any 
money. She has not yet written to Mrs. Pesek because she is afraid 
if she gets a letter Mr. Dobiezewski will leave Lansing. 

She does not believe that there is any particular connection between 
Mr. Dobiezewski and Mrs. Pesek. He boarded with her before he 
was married, but before that, she had not known him at all. Mrs. 
Zwerchowski also has heard that Mr. Dobiezewski spent three years 
in jail and was married soon after his release, but she does not know 
what jail he was in or why as he never talks about it. He has always 


THE DESERTED FAMILY 633 


told Mrs. Dobiezewski, however, that rather than go back, he would 
kill himself. Whenever he would drink and she would threaten to 
to have him arrested, he would lock himself in his bedroom and cry 
and plead with her, promising to do better. 

March 14, 1923.—Mrs. Dobiezewski in office. She did not bring 
her sister’s address from Lansing as she does not care to have visitor 
write there, because she is sure Mr. Dobiezewski would leave. She 
expects that he will send for her as soon as he gets his first pay and 
everything will be well again. Mrs. Dobiezewski understands that 
Welfare Agency can have nothing further to do with the family if 
she does not wish them to communicate with Lansing. 

March 15, 1923.—District Committee advised that Welfare Agency 
do nothing further; but the County Agent will write Lansing and try 
to locate family there. 

March 17, 1923.—Health Department Pre-Natal nurse in office. 
The County Agent reported Mrs. Dobiezewski to her for confinement; 
so she will care for her. 

March 24, 1923.—County Agent telephoned that his investigator 
saw the landlady, Mrs. Lulinski (next door east), who reported that 
the family owed her $15, but had promised to pay it as Mrs. Dobie- 
zewski was expecting money from her husband. He had worked 
steadily until two days before he left and Mrs. Dobiezewski worked 
nights until then. The landlady was sure they had money saved. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Dobiezewski drank, and they made moonshine. 

The investigator also saw Mrs. Dobiezewski, who at first denied 
receiving mail but later acknowledged that she received $50 and had 
$40 on hand and was expecting more from her husband as he had 
secured steady work and had rented a house next door to her sister 
in Lansing and intended sending for her after Easter (April 1). 


SECTION VI 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER AND THE CHILD 
BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK 


32. Dorothea 
(The Unmarried “Widow” of Gustavus Lange) 


[The Lange home is a two-story gray frame cottage in about the 
middle of the block. The street runs north and south. In front of 
the house there is a neat yard with nice turf and growing lilies. Vacant 
lots (north and south of the house) in which sweet clover grows 
profusely give the home a rural touch. One feels there is plenty of 
room and sufficient fresh air in the neighborhood as most of the two- 
or three-story buildings in the block are separated by small gardens 
or yards and set back a little from the street. A public school is 
just one block south on the other side of the street and a block farther 
in the same direction a boulevard with trees and grass plots adds con- 
siderably to the attractiveness of the neighborhood. ‘There are no 
churches in the immediate vicinity.] 

October 3, 1919 (Friday).—Mrs. Lange in office with note from 
Juvenile Court... Mr. Lange died at home on August 21, 1919, of 
tuberculosis. He was sick from February, 1919, on. For fifteen 
years he worked for the American Electric Company, earning $16 a 
week. About four years ago he gave up this work and went into 
business for himself, selling wreaths to florists, at which he made 
from $16 to $18 a week. Dr. Grosvener took care of him. He has 
examined children and says they are all right. Mrs. Lange received 
$582 insurance from the Metropolitan Insurance Company. Funeral 
expenses were $200.95. Undertaker was Pierce, 2440 Adams Street. 


t{Mrs. Lange, who proves never to have been married, is referred by someone 
on the death of Mr. Lange to the Mothers’ Aid Department of the Juvenile Court. 
The Mothers’ Pension Law in Illinois at that time applied only to “wives....” 
and ‘‘widows....,’’ and one of the essential bases for a grant is verification of the 
marriage. The needless humiliation of Mrs. Lange illustrates the importance of a 
minimum of investigation by a private agency or by any adviser before sending 
an applicant to a public agency. Obvious bases of ineligibility should certainly 
be eliminated. ] 


634 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER | 635 


Mrs. Lange has $150 left and says she can manage very well with this 
for the time being.’ 

February 20, 1920.—Mrs. Lange came again to the office with 
card from Mrs. Ellery, probation officer.2 They had been unable 
to verify several marriage dates. Mrs. Lange admitted that she had 
not been married, although Mr. Lange had lived with her steadily 
and taken good care of the family. Mrs. Lange said they did not 
marry because her family objected on account of religion (he was 
Catholic and she Lutheran). Mr. Lange’s relatives had always treated 
her well. Mrs. Lange was too upset to interview to good advantage. 

Later.—The names and addresses of Mr. Lange’s sister, Mrs. Kauf- 
man, and mother, and of a brother-in-law and nephew of Mrs. Lange 
were secured from Juvenile Court record. In addition, the record 
mentioned that Mr. Lange sold his teaming business when he became 
ill, and the money was used during his illness. Officer saw the baptis- 
mal certificate of Mr. Lange, which was signed by Rev. Wohlkert; 
Margaret’s (born November 10, 1907) and Elizabeth’s (born August 
21, 1909) certificates signed by Rev. J. E. Miller. Marian’s (born 
October 5, 1911) was also signed by him and Harry’s (born March 
2, 1914) by Ernest Steiner. The four children all attend the public 
school. Officer saw the citizenship papers of Mrs. Lange’s father. 
She visited Pierce, undertaker, where she verified Mr. Lange’s death 
and the funeral expenses of $200. Mrs. Lange showed receipts for 

t [In this interview in the office, facts are obtained about Mr. Lange’s sickness 
and death, the names of his former employers, of his late occupation, his earnings, 
the name of the doctor, the funeral cost, and Mrs. Lange’s present resources. She 
has $150, which will carry her for some time, and nothing is done. The idea is that 
later she will be able to obtain a pension and if she then needs help the Agency will 
aid.] 

2 [The question may be raised as to whether a common law marriage could not 
be alleged: but (1) there was no intent, and (2) common law marriages had been out- 
lawed. In 1900, it was enacted that “all marriages commonly known as ‘common 
law marriages’ hereafter entered into shall be and the same are hereby declared 
null and void unless after the contracting and entering into of any such common 
law marriage a license to marry be first obtained by such parties who have entered 
into such common law marriage and a marriage be solemnized as provided by this 
Act in the same manner as is provided for persons who have obtained a license to 
be joined in marriage and are about to be joined in any such marriage. And any 
children born to parties who have entered into such common law marriage shall 
be and are deemed legitimate upon the parents having obtained a license to marry 
and are married in the manner provided in this Act” (Laws of Illinois, 1909, p. 276, 
an act entitled, “‘An Act to amend section four of an Act entitled ‘An Act to revise 
the law in relation to marriages’”’).] 


636 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


coal and wood amounting to $33.85. These seem to have been the 
only receipts she had. The principal of the school stated that the 
children attended regularly and were always clean and neat. Mrs. 
Kaufman, Mr. Lange’s sister, was visited. She owns a small bakery 
and supports her mother, who is eighty-two years old. Court esti- 
mated the budget to be $96.93. 

March 8, 1920.—Visited. The cottage is frame and very 
draughty.t It is a rather superior neighborhood, however. The 
house was in order, but neither the rooms nor Mrs. Lange’s clothing 
were very clean. Mr. Lange’s people were devout Catholics, and Mrs. 
Lange’s were strongly biased Protestants, who, however, did not 
attend church much. Both families disapproved of Mrs. and Mrs. 
Lange’s attachment for each other. Mr. Lange rented and furnished 
a flat; and after they could come to no agreement about the marriage, 
they told their respective families that they had been married in a 
Protestant church and went and lived together. So far as they know 
their families have always believed there was a marriage ceremony. 
Mrs. Lange thinks only the Welfare Agency knows that there was 
none. Within a year, about fifteen years before, Mrs. Lange’s 
mother and brother died. Later her sister, Mrs. Fred Remmert, 
died, leaving a baby, Reginald, who is now fourteen. His father has 
remarried and has three other children. Mrs. Lange has no other 
relatives. 

The couple at first lived from month to month, Mr. Lange always 
thinking that she would become a Catholic and marry him. They 
do not seem to have considered marriage in court. He ruled the 
house with a strong hand. Finally, nothing more was said about 
marriage until he swore falsely in his exemption papers. ‘That 
worried them both. He no longer expected she would change her 
religion, and they were afraid of publicity if they were married in 
court. In referring to her falsehoods to the Juvenile Court, etc., 
Mrs. Lange repeated often, “that was wrong, wasn’t it ?”’ 

Mrs. Lange spoke of her husband as being faithful to her, a good 
provider, and satisfied with his home. He drank some and did not 
have a happy disposition. He was severe with the children and 
permitted her no pleasures. He had gone to St. Anthony’s School 
as a boy and attended that church regularly all his life. He believed 

*[Mrs. Lange’s only relative is a nephew, the son of a deceased sister whose 


husband has married again. The interview now reveals the tragedy of decent 
illegitimacy.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 637 


moving pictures and most sorts of amusements were wicked. Except 
for his relatives, the family visited nowhere together. When asked 
if she had been happy, Mrs. Lange replied that there had never been 
anything to be happy about because she worked so hard. She was 
afraid to take the initiative in pleasure-seeking, or in planning for 
the family, because she felt the stigma of not having been married. 
Mr. Lange always assumed the attitude that he had done as much as 
he could and that the shame of the situation was hers. Mrs. Lange 
feels great satisfaction that she has the baptismal certificates of the 
children in a Lutheran church. Mr. Lange could not prevent her 
doing this, and his family and parish did not know about it. She did 
not object to his own allegiance to the church and called a priest 
before he died and had him buried from St. Anthony’s. 

Before marriage Mrs. Lange did basting on vests. She would be 
willing to do this now. She works Wednesdays for Mrs. Kaufman, 
earning $3.00. Mrs. Kaufman also gives her as much bakery goods 
as she needs. As the street-car connections are poor, Margaret goes 
for these only about twice a week. The family has Sunday dinner 
at the Kaufman home on alternate Sundays, and Margaret usually 
spends Saturdays there. When Mrs. Lange works, she takes Harry 
with her; and the older children take their lunch to school, although 
the teachers object.. Mrs. Lange has no acquaintances in the neighbor- 
hood. After he left the Electric Company, Mr. Lange used his team 
to collect the frames of floral designs at the cemetery and sell them 
downtown. He had always been in good health until he had influ- 
enza and pneumonia in December, 1918. ‘This ran directly into 
tuberculosis. A Health Department nurse had Mrs. Lange and the 
children go to Dr. Grosvener, who examined them all and gave a 
statement for the nurse that they were not infected. 

March 18, 1920.‘—Visited school. Margaret is in the high fifth 
grade. Her attendance was perfect the first half of the year, conduct 
excellent, and all her grades either good or excellent. The school 
doctor found nothing wrong with her health. Elizabeth is also in 
high fifth. Her attendance has been good, her scholarship even 
better than Margaret’s. The only physical findings were defective 


[The investigator follows a standard plan. The school, Mr. Lange’s relatives 
(some nice things come out about Margaret and Elizabeth, who are evidently 
very nice girls), previous addresses, the doctor, further diagnosis at school, a friend 
of Mrs. Lange’s who cautions the visitor about tuberculosis in Mrs. Lange’s family. 
This means that the food must be adequate and the housing safe.] 


638 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


teeth, which the school nurse is having attended to. Marian is in 
high second grade. Her scholarship and attendance have been 
good, and there are no physical findings. 

March 20, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Kaufman. They own a three- 
story brick building. There are two apartments above, and the 
family lives in small, dark rooms back of the bakery on the first floor. 
Mr. Kaufman does all the baking for the shop. His wife says she is 
not strong and is not able to attend to the store so they are trying to 
sell it. If they do this, Mr. Kaufman will work for some baker. 
The only child living is an eleven-year-old girl. Mrs. Kaufman cares 
for her mother, who is very old and entirely blind. She confirmed 
Mrs. Lange’s statement as to what she had done for the Lange family. 
She is thoughtful about anticipating small wants but has no idea of 
putting in a definite or considerable amount of money. If they sell 
the store she cannot continue employing Mrs. Lange. 

Mrs. Kaufman made no comment about the impossibility of 
finding a marriage record. She apparently realized that the couple 
were not married. She spoke of Mrs. Lange as a very good mother, 
and she has a lively interest in the children. Margaret felt her father’s 
illness deeply and was very mature in her attitude of helpfulness. 
Elizabeth has received small amounts for doing the marketing for a 
neighbor. Nothing will induce her to neglect the exact time she is 
supposed to perform the duty. Mr. Lange’s one interest was in the 
children, and Mrs. Kaufman showed photographs on which he had 
written remarks about the children. He had never been ill until he 
had influenza. 

March 21, 1920.—Visited previous neighborhood and talked to Mr. 
Carr, landlord, and Mrs. Weitzer, a neighbor. The family was quiet; 
the children were especially well behaved. Mrs. Lange almost never 
left the house, her husband doing all the shopping and spending his 
spare time with the children. They moved because sleeping accom- 
modations were inadequate. 

March 28, 1920.—Talked with Mrs. Allen, landlady. She does not 
know the family intimately; but they have been model tenants, and for 
this reason she is not raising the rent. — 

April 7, 1920.—Telephoned Dr. Grosvener. When he examined 
the family after Mr. Lange’s death, they were all run down, but there 
were no tuberculosis findings. Besides tuberculosis, Mr. Lange had 
several paralytic strokes, which were probably the result also of influ- 
enza. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 639 


April 13, 1920.—Telephoned Juvenile Court. Their record 
shows they verified the funeral bill with Pierce, $200.95. He made 
but one copy of the death certificate, and therefore they wrote no 
other insurance company than the Metropolitan. She was paid 
$509 September 2, and $73 September 13. She had a fuel bill receipt 
for $32.85, and had lived on the $348. 

April 30, 1920.—Mrs. Lange has had sixteen teeth extracted 
and is waiting until plates can be made. She is having great difficulty 
tofind rooms. ‘The people who have bought the place were obliged to 
store their furniture in her basement, and are most urgent that she move. 

May 6, t920.—Student nurse arranged special examination of 
the children by the school doctor. 

May to, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Henry Remmert, a friend of Mrs. 
Lange’s located through city directory. Her husband, who died 
last January, was brother to Fred Remmert, whose first wife was Mrs. 
Lange’s sister. The second Mrs. Fred Remmert and Mrs. Henry 
Remmert are sisters. Mrs. Henry Remmert has four grown 
children, who are keeping up the home. They appear kind and 
most friendly toward Mrs. Lange, but the home indicated that 
they could not give much, if anything. ‘They have tried to help 
in finding rooms. Mrs. Remmert says Mrs. Lange always worked 
very hard for the family, and with this and losing two children, she 
had very little happiness, and did not go out at all. Mrs. Remmert 
does not wish to be quoted as giving the information but thought we 
should know that Mrs. Lange’s mother, brother, and sister died of 
tuberculosis, so they fear it for her. 

June 25, 1920.—Visited. The three older buildvens had just been 
promoted to higher grades in school, and Mrs. Lange showed a great 
deal of pride in their progress. Elizabeth is earning 25 cents daily, 
running errands for a neighbor. 

Mr. Fred Remmert has tried to help in finding a flat for the Langes 
and is apparently interested in them. His first wife was Mrs. Lange’s 
sister. After her death he married again, and his brother Henry 
married the sister of the second wife. 

June 29, 1920.—Mrs. Lange and children sent to camp for two 
weeks, examined by Dr. Packard, Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 

August 31, 1920.—Weekly visits were made during the month. 
Mrs. Lange and Margaret had eyes examined at West Side Dispensary. 
Mrs. Lange’s were all right. Margaret’s glasses were not changed, 
but she was given treatment for her eyes. 


640 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Kaufman helps her with food and clothing for the children. 
At present they are well supplied. 

September 30, 1920.—Home was visited during month. Mrs. 
Lange is anxious that her children should have the attention they 
need, and she is careful about fresh air and good food and co-operates 
in sending them to Dispensary. She is having plate made at Chicago 
Dental Clinic. ; 

Mrs. Kaufman has sold her bakery shop. Mrs. Lange still works 
one day for her, but they miss the bread and cake they used to get. 

October 11, 1920.—Visited American Electric Company. Mr. 
Lange had worked for this company as a transportation harness 
cleaner from August 15, 1907, to May 1, 1913, when he resigned. 
This company has no funds for relief of former employees, only those 
working for company at time of their illness or death. 

October 29, 1920.—Weekly visit made. Mr. Lange worked for 
American Electric Company irregularly from 1892 until 1916. Mr. 
Lange’s brother, Joe, was a foreman for the American Electric 
Company, and Mr. Lange worked under him. He and his brother 
would disagree, and Mr. Lange would leave only to return soon. Mrs. 
Lange has his ten-year service pin dated 1902. The brother had 
worked for the company twenty-three years when he died. Mrs. 
Lange is washing one day a week for Mrs. Kaufman and earns $1.50. 
Mrs. Kaufman has not given children any clothing lately, but 
Mrs. Lange has fifteen yards of red serge that Mrs. Kaufman gave 
her last winter for dresses for the girls. - Elizabeth gets dinner and 
50 cents a week from a neighbor for whom she runs errands. Harry 
and Elizabeth both had two teeth extracted at Chicago Dispensary. 

November to, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Letman. She has known Mrs. 
Lange since she was twelve years old and is very fond of her. Before 
Mrs. Lange was married, she had friends and went out a great deal. 
Mr. Lange seemed to think that a woman’s place is at home so she 
gave up her friends and devoted herself to the home. Mr. Lange 
was a good father and provided well for the family. Mrs. Lange has 
no relatives, and Mr. Lange a mother and sister. Mrs. Letman 
married a cousin of Mrs. Lange’s brother-in-law, She realizes that 
Mrs. Lange has a struggle and tries to help her. While visitor was 
there, she was baking a cake for Margaret’s birthday. Her daughter 
tries to keep Mrs. Lange supplied with clothes for herself. 

Later ——Visited Mrs. Kaufman. They have sold their bakery 
shop, and Mr. Kaufman is without a job; therefore they have not 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 641 


been able to help as they had planned. Mrs. Kaufman is doing the 
cleaning herself. She will give $1.00 a week and will send it directly 
to Mrs. Lange. She kept repeating that she was sure Mrs. Lange was 
getting on all right as she had dreamed so. Mrs. Lange, Sr., is very 
feeble, blind, and deaf. 

November 23, 1920.—Name given Kelvin Park Gym Group 
through Mrs. Enright for Thanksgiving Dinner. 

December 4, 1920.—Letter written to Mrs. Schneider of the Sorosis 
Woman’s Club: 


Confirming our conversation the other day, may I ask that you take 
up with the Sorosis Woman’s Club the question of helping us in caring for 
the Lange family. Mr. Lange died about a year ago, leaving four children, 
thirteen, eleven, nine, and six years—all, as you see, under fourteen. 
Through a combination of circumstances, Mrs. Lange is not eligible for a 
Mothers’ Pension; but she does take excellent care of her children, and we 
feel should be aided in maintaining a home for them. 

We have been paying the family’s rent, $16 a month, supplying two 
quarts of milk daily, which with the discount allowed to us amounts to 
about $9.co a month, and giving in addition $6.00 to $10 weekly, depending 
on Mrs. Lange’s own earnings. 

When Mrs. Lange came to us she was very much run down, and it has 
been necessary since to have all of her teeth removed and plates made for 
her. We hope that this will lead to better health and possibly enable her 
to do more work than she is now undertaking. We have been caring for 
the Lange family now for about nine months and have expended in all more 
than $400. Inasmuch as we have a great many families similarly in need, 
we feel very much dependent on help such as your group of friends can give. 

Would your Philanthropic Committee undertake to pay the rent of 
$16 a month, or, if not, could they help with the milk? It may be that 
individual members would be willing to contribute toward a fund which 
might help us in our provision for the family. 

The care of needy families in Chicago is a tremendous task, and only 
by all of us working together can we accomplish it in anything like an ade- 
quate fashion.! ) 


December 7, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Lucharschi, Elizabeth’s employer 
and a previous neighbor of the family. She has known the family for 


*[This family presents the problem of the long-time allowance while the 
children are growing toward working-age. ‘The court estimated the budget at 
$97. The Welfare Society put in $60 out of $97, leaving about $9.00 a week to be 
raised from other sources. This constituted a heavy drain on the resources and 
made it necessary to resort diligently to the special appeal. The record con- 
tained many letters similar to this to possible contributors sent out at fairly short 
_ intervals. ] 


642 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


years. They were good neighbors. Mr. Lange was a devoted father, 
and Mrs. Lange is an exceptional woman. Elizabeth is devoted to 
Mrs. Lucharschi’s daughter, Mathilde, and takes wonderful care of 
her. Mrs. Lucharschi gives Elizabeth her lunch, and after school 
Elizabeth does shopping and plays with Mathilde until time to go 
home. She has found Elizabeth to be trustworthy in every way. 
She pays her $3.00 a week and is planning to give her $5.00 for Christ- 
mas. Mrs. Lucharschi is an intelligent woman and is very much 
interested in the family. 

December 24, 1920.—Mrs. G. B. Evans took family for Christmas. 
School gave Christmas tree. 

January 13, 1921.—Weekly visits have been made. Special 
study has been given to family’s diet. Mrs. Lange would like morning 
work. She has been doing small washings. Family was well cared 
for Christmas time. Besides food, the children received many useful 
things. The children attend Edenwood Baptist Church Sunday 
School. Mrs. Kaufman is giving $1.00 weekly and visits family 
oftener; she also invites the Langes for Sunday dinners. Mrs. Lange 
finds Mrs. Kaufman variable and queer since she had a nervous break- 
down sometime ago. Elizabeth is still running errands for Mrs. 
Lucharschi, but she is no longer caring for Mathilde. She is very 
generous with her earnings. She keeps herself and Margaret supplied 
in material for sewing at school. Margaret is very quiet, stays in 
the house, and seems to have very little ambition. Mrs. Lange will 
take the children to the Nutrition Class at College Settlement. 

February 10, 1921.—Miss Pope, Nutrition Class, College Settle- 
ment, reports that all the children were weighed and measured and 
were found to be normal. Mrs. Lange seemed to have a good idea 
of food values, and the children were not considered for Nutrition 
Class. 

March 24, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Lange says she is very contented. 
She is working a day and a half a week and thinks she is capable of 
more. She has just completed a coat for which she expects to receive 
$3.00. Both she and the children are well. Elizabeth goes to store 
for a family after school and earns 25 cents and a meal. 


™ [All the children are in good shape. Mrs. Lange has learned how to feed 
them. She is happy, too, and working. Margaret will be fourteen in October 
but will not complete sixth grade until June 22, when she may lawfully go to work. 
A scholarship from the Vocational Guidance Bureau may enable her to continue 
in school a little longer.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 643 


33. Anna Donetrovitch 


(A Croatian Unmarried “Widow,” with Four Children, Whose Marriage 
Gives to the Children a Kind and Careful Stepfather) 


April 8, 1915.—Gabriel Donetrovitch asked card to North- 
western Railroad. He has been out of work nine months. Worked 
last for National Ice Company as laborer for one year at $2.00 a day. 
Have received county rations for past two months. Borrowed from 
friends for living expenses. 

March 1, 1917.—Mrs. Donetrovitch,' a Croatian immigrant woman, 
came to office with two youngest children, Margaret (born June 20, 
1915) and Martha (born November 10, 1916), and a neighbor. She 
had been directed here by Neighborhood House. She is a strong, 
healthy-appearing woman, and the children were warmly and neatly 
dressed. She said Mr. Donetrovitch had deserted her five weeks ago. 
Ever since their marriage he has been a heavy drinker and so has never 
supported his family properly. He came to this country eight years 
ago, and she came two years later. He worked in Gary, and they 
lived there two years after she came. They then moved to the 
neighborhood in which they now live. For the past two years, Mr. 
Donetrovitch has been earning $20 to $23 a week working in factories. 
(Mrs. Donetrovitch does not know the names of the firms.) In order 
to support the family, Mrs. Donetrovitch has been obliged to keep 
roomers. ‘Their home is a rear first-floor apartment, for which they 
pay $6.00 rent. Mr. Donetrovitch’s brother, Mike, roomed with them 
until two weeks ago, when he secured employment in Whiting, where 
he is still living. Mrs. Donetrovitch’s brother, Jacob Karavelova, was 
with the family until a week ago, when he left for parts unknown. 
He had been obliged to give the greater part of his earnings to Mrs. 
Donetrovitch and wanted to get away so as not to have to support her 
longer. Mrs. Donetrovitch is planning to move to a two-room flat 


[t This record divides itself into several episodes. The first of these dates from 
March 1, 1917 to May 10, 1917. During these ten weeks, there is a brief contact 
due to Mr. Donetrovitch’s “desertion,” when he goes off to Akron, Ohio, where he 
finds employment without taking the trouble to tell Mrs. Donetrovitch where he 
is, but without concealing his whereabouts from his brother, who gives her his 
address. She is referred to the Welfare Agency for aid, and receives from them 
food and some friendly visiting. However, the Infant Welfare, the Health Depart- 
ment, the County Agent, and the County Hospital are all concerned with the family. 
And while there is some talk of prosecuting him for desertion, this seems to be the 
plan, and no investigation is made with this in mind. The fact of marriage is not 
verified. On his returning to his home and his job, the record closes for the time.] 


644 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


at 2142 Mississippi Street. She has not deposited any money, but 
the landlord will let her move in. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch had Mr. Donetrovitch’s address, which she 
got from his brother in Whiting. It is some place in Ohio. She 
wants to have him arrested and brought back to Chicago. She will 
take the address tomorrow to the Court of Domestic Relations. She 
received county supplies two daysago. Yesterday a man from down- 
town whom she did not know left $2.00 at her home. She has no 
plans for the future beyond having Mr. Donetrovitch arrested and 
sent to the Bridewell. Besides the two children with her, there are 
two others, August (born in July, 1910) and Hadja (born July 10, 
1914). One former address was obtained. 

[The Legal Aid Society was registered on the case (October 24, 1914) 
as well as the Infant Welfare Society (July 16, 1914) and the Neigh- 
borhood House (1914). The County Agent registered March 2, 1917.] 

March 9, 1917.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch has not paid rent 
in new quarters, a three-room first-floor apartment, for which they 
pay $5.50, and the landlord is pressing. Rooms are not particularly 
good; kitchen is narrow and dark; other two are light. Mrs. Done- 
trovitch has done nothing about swearing out a warrant for Mr. 
Donetrovitch. She, herself, did not secure the address; but a friend 
of Mr. Donetrovitch, James Shadfeld, received a letter, which he said 
he turned over to Neighborhood House. Mrs. Donetrovitch would 
take Mr. Donetrovitch back to live with her if he would promise to 
support her properly. His brother Michael’s wife came to see Mrs. 
Donetrovitch while visitor was there. She left her husband a year 
ago because he would not work and abused her terribly, and she is 
now suing for a divorce. She has no children and has been supporting 
- hefself by working in a factory. Has been out of work for two days. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch had nothing but county rations. Gave her 
$1.75 grocery order and two 25-cent meat orders. 

March 16, t9r7.—Visited Neighborhood House. Family is not 
known at Settlement very intimately. Worker called at the home one 
evening before Mr. Donetrovitch’s desertion. ‘The house was filthy 
dirty, and there were three or four men drinking and playing cards 
with Mr. Donetrovitch. A Mr. Shadfeld received a letter from 
Mr. Donetrovitch. He signed his name as David Domelovitch, 
and gave his address as Akron Rubber Works, Akron, Ohio. 

March 17, 1917.—Telephoned Legal Aid. Family had case 
against Julius Schmidt. They bought a $600 lot and paid $30 on it, 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER ; 645 


and Mr. Donetrovitch intended to continue to pay $10 each time, but 
did not get the job he expected to, so was unable to pay. He asked 
to have his money refunded but Schmidt refused. 

Visited previous address, 2156 Logan Street. Landlord said that 
Mr. Donetrovitch was not working while there and the family was 
notaclean one. ‘They still owe $9.00 for one and a half months’ rent. 
Could give no more information as he was not well acquainted with 
the family. 

Later.—Visited 2576 Johnson Street. There family owes $14.50 
for rent. Landlord claims Mr. Donetrovitch never worked and that 
Mrs. Donetrovitch’s brother always paid rent (that is as long as the 
brother worked). Family were nice and quiet and Mrs. Donetrovitch 
a good woman. Never saw Mr. Donetrovitch intoxicated. 

March 22, 1917.—Telephoned Charitable Corporation, which 
registered today. Visitor said that they gave $3.00 on March 1 
and $2.00 on March 18. Cannot promise regular assistance. 

March 23, 1t917.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch got the letter 
from Neighborhood House but has not yet gone to the court with it. 
The grocer did not cash the $1.75 grocery order given Mrs. Done- 
trovitch on March 9, but accepted the meat orders. Mrs. Done- 
trovitch returned the grocery order, and there was nothing wrong with 
it. Did not know that she could have come to the office to make the 
complaint. Neighbors have assisted to some extent, so she has 
managed to get along. 

Landlord is pressing for rent, and Mrs. Donetrovitch asks that 
we pay it. She used up the $2.00 given by the Charitable Corporation 
for food. Dr. Bassett, a health inspector, called yesterday, and 
advised Mrs. Donetrovitch to take Margaret and the baby to the 
County Hospital. She took the children today, but only Margaret 
was accepted. Doctor gave them a statement saying that Margaret 
has intestinal trouble and needs attention. Mrs. Donetrovitch is 
very much depressed because of the child’s illness. Gave her a 
card to the Court of Domestic Relations, and she will go down on 
March 26. Gave her two grocery orders and a 25-cent meat order. 

April 2, 1917.—Visited. Mr. Donetrovitch came home March 25. 
He has been in Akron, Ohio. Brought home $20, but does not 
know if he had more as he did not give her any money. He paid two 
months’ rent and one milk bill, and bought clothes for one of the 
children. Mr. Donetrovitch: goes to the grocer himself when Mrs. 
Donetrovitch has no time. Today before leaving he brought home 


646 FAMILY WELFARE WORK z 


meat and things for supper. Mrs. Donetrovitch thinks he probably 
got work, as he has not yet returned, and does not want to go to Court 
of Domestic Relations. Believes Mr. Donetrovitch will be better. 
Received county rations, March 28. 

April 19, 1917.—Mrs. Thompson (volunteer) visited. Mr. 
Donetrovitch is working steadily. Children have slight colds. 

May 10, 1917.—Mrs. Thompson (volunteer) visited County 
Hospital (Social Service Department). Unable to find record of 
children. 

Later.—Social worker of County Hospital telephoned that she 
will try to find children’s record and report to Welfare Agency. 

October 23, 1917.—Mrs. Sara Donetrovitch, 2540 Logan Street, 
who lived with Michael for a year, told visitor that Mr. Donetrovitch 
and Mrs. Donetrovitch are not married. 

April 22, 1918.—Infant Welfare nurse (Miss Gaines) reports 
that Mr. Donetrovitch has deserted, and Mrs. Donetrovitch is in 
need. Mrs. Donetrovitch has been coming regularly to Infant 
Welfare Clinics, and follows instructions well. [There is now a new 
baby, Gabriel, born January 1, 1918.] 

April 23, t915.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch says Mr. Done- 
trovitch did not desert; that he is in the County Hospital. She 
told the following story: About two weeks ago he and Jim Illova, a 
friend, went to a christening party. Both Mr. Donetrovitch and Mr. 
Illova are Croatian. There was an Austrian-German there, who 
started an argument about the war. This led to a fight, in which the 
German stabbed Mr. Donetrovitch and Mr. Illova. Both are in the 
County Hospital. The German escaped but was captured. He is 
being held until Mr. Donetrovitch and Mr. Illova are well, when the 
case will be heard. Mrs. Donetrovitch says she had only $2.00 on 
hand. Mr. Donetrovitch worked for the Electric Company, but 


«April 22, 1918, to May 14, 1918. A second episode opens on this date when 
the Infant Welfare Society reports that Mr. Donetrovitch has deserted and that 
Mrs. Donetrovitch, whose last child is now almost five months old, is in need. She 
says that Mrs. Donetrovitch has been coming to the Infant Welfare Society and 
that she follows instructions well. 

On inquiry, however, it is learned that Mr. Donetrovitch had been wounded in a 
fight at a christening party! The fight was about the war. Two men were stabbed, 
but no trial was ever had, as both men were said by the sergeants of police to have 
been drunk. On Mr. Donetrovitch’s discharge from the hospital, and return to 
work, the Agency again loses sight of the family.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 647 


just one week before the accident he left there and secured work at a 
tar factory. Thinks he had a little pay coming. Does not know 
name nor address. Did not know his check number nor the depart- 
ment. Promised to get this. Did not know number of ward nor 
room at the hospital. Said he was on the fourth floor. Mrs. Done- 
trovitch’s brother, Jacob, is in Pennsylvania [address obtained]; 
Mr. Donetrovitch’s brother, Mike, is in the army. Thinks he is in 
Europe. He was divorced from his wife. She has since remarried 
and is now in Rockford. Does not know name nor address. Have 
no other relatives. 

Mr. Kirschoff, the grocer, at 1540 West Street, has been giving 
credit; but she owes him $14.92, and he informed her that he would 
not give any more. Said the billis high as it is. Said she is weak— 
hasn’t had a good meal. Gives the children most of the food. Gave 
her 4o-cent meat and $1.25 grocery order. . 

Later.—Visited Mr. Kirschoff. He said he felt sorry for Mrs. 
Donetrovitch but could not give any more credit. Said he lost so 
much money in this way that he is very careful now. Said he thinks 
Mrs. Donetrovitch ought to be getting help from the “city.” 

April 25, 1918.—Letter written social worker at hospital about 
Mr. Donetrovitch asking diagnosis and prognosis. 

Later.—Visited police station. Sergeant looked through books 
and found record of Gabriel Donetrovitch and John Godfried’s 
being arrested by Officer Hatfield and Sergeant Lyons. Later both 
were discharged, one being sent to the Cook County Hospital. Record 
read that Mr. Donetrovitch received a cut in the head and not in the 
heart as Mrs. Donetrovitch had said. Desk sergeant said there would 
be no trial, as both men were intoxicated. , 

April 27, 1918.—Letter received from hospital social worker 
saying that Mr. Donetrovitch had been discharged on the twenty-fifth 
able to work. 

May 14, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch says Mr. Donetro- 
vitch is back at work at the tar factory. .Does not know name or 
address. Returned last Saturday. Will be paid next Saturday. 
Does not know how much he will be paid. Did not know anything 
about the trial, etc. Said Mr. Donetrovitch could tell us about that. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch did not seem to be willing to give information. 
Said they were having a hard time managing. Grocer refused credit. 
Are borrowing-money until Mr. Donetrovitch gets paid. 


648 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


June 15, 1918."—Miss Gaines, Infant Welfare nurse, telephoned 
to say that Mrs. Donetrovitch says she is having a difficult time to 
manage on present income. Mr. Donetrovitch works only a few days 
a week. Tells Mrs. Donetrovitch he has to attend court on account 
of trouble he was recently in. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch speaks a dialect very 
difficult to understand. Says that Mr. Donetrovitch has been having 
to attend court very frequently, and, when he gets there, he is told 
that case will come up another day. He started to work yesterday 
at the Electric Company. Thinks at $3.00 a day. Before this he 
worked at the tar factory. Mrs. Donetrovitch does not know either 
check number or foreman’s name, and did not know what court it 
is he has to go to. They are having a very hard time, as they can- 
not get any credit in the neighborhood, and Mr. Donetrovitch loses 
so much time when he has to appear at court that his earnings are very 
small, and they are trying to pay back some of their old debts. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch says if it wasn’t for neighbors helping out they wouldn’t 
have anything to eat. Mr. Donetrovitch borrowed 75 cents yesterday 
from some friend which he gave Mrs. Donetrovitch. She bought 25 
cents’ worth of potatoes, which is the only thing she has in the house 
to eat at present. Is saving the 50 cents for milk for baby. Is sure 
Mr. Donetrovitch is willing to work and will work if he is not called 
to court too often. Was told to appear June 24. She went to the 
County Agent, but he refused to give her supplies. Visitor left note 
asking that Mr. Donetrovitch put down his check number, name 
of the foreman, department, and also name of court at which he 
is to appear. Mrs. Donetrovitch does not know when Mr. Donetro- 
vitch will be paid. Left $1.00 grocery order and 5o0-cent meat 
order. 

June 26, 1918.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch said Mr. Done- 
trovitch is not working at the Electric Company. Went back to the 
tar factory; at least that is what he told her. She still does not know 
name nor his check number. Was in court Monday and Tuesday, 
and the case was continued until July 25. There will be a jury trial. 


*[June 15 to June 26, 1918. Again the Infant Welfare nurse asks help. Mr. 
Donetrovitch is spending a great deal of time in courts trying to send the man who 
stabbed him to the House of Correction, although he has offered to pay damages. 
He is working very irregularly and the family is having a hard time, but Mrs. 
Donetrovitch refuses to go into an institution to give him time to catch up, and 
after two visits the Agency ceases to visit.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 649 


Mr. Donetrovitch has some lawyer; Mrs. Donetrovitch does not 
know his name (city lawyer). Said that Mr. Donetrovitch is not 
suing for money, but wished Mr. Godfried, who stabbed him, to be put 
in prison. | 

A brother of this Mr. Godfried offered to settle outside of court 
by paying a certain amount«of money, but Mr. Donetrovitch refused 
to take it. Mr. Donetrovitch received some pay last week while at 
the Electric Company. Showed visitor envelope with name and 
number 617 on it, amount $8.38. Does not know whether this was 
paid him at the Electric Company or not. He does not tell Mrs. 
Donetrovitch anything. Says when he is working he never gives 
her very much money. Pays the rent and bills at the different stores 
and gives her about 20 or 30 cents a day. Mrs. Donetrovitch said 
she would not prosecute Mr. Donetrovitch as she thinks he is doing 
his best; that he is willing to work but has to lose quite a bit on 
account of the trial at court. He paid the rent last week, $5.50, 
and also paid back a debt of $5.00 to a friend. Does not know how 
much money he has on hand. Left 30 cents this morning. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch was cooking a pot of bean soup and had potatoes and 
cottage cheese. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch said that when Mr. Donetrovitch first brought 
suit against Mr. Godfried he hired a Mr. Beltman, a lawyer of Evanston, 
but he wanted to be paid in advance and would not wait for payment 
until after the trial. Visitor suggested that Mrs. Donetrovitch go toa 
home for a few weeks until after the trial and give Mr. Donetrovitch 
a chance to earn some money before family came home so that they 
could start all over. She refused. Said that she will have to make 
the best of it as she has been doing. 

July 4, 1918—Head Resident of Neighborhood House reported 
that Martha died a day or two ago of influenza. Hadja is very 
sick. | 
August 9, 1919.—Visitor from County Agent’s office telephoned 
that Mr. Donetrovitch was killed in Centralia, Indiana. The author- 
ities are returning the family here. Will send household goods by 
truck. County Agent asked where they can be stored. ‘Told her of 
relative, Mr. Michael Donetrovitch, and suggested asking Neighbor- 
hood House if they had room for them. Suggested a better arrange- 
ment would be to have furniture held until Mrs. Donetrovitch finds 
rooms and then have them sent direct to her. 


650 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


September 18, 1919..—Miss Gaines, Infant Welfare nurse, tele- 
phoned. Mrs. Donetrovitch and children are in need of assistance. 
Mr. Donetrovitch was killed in May, 1919. 

September 9, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was standing out 
on the sidewalk, looking forlornly down the street. She is a large, 
dark woman with a big coil of reddish-brown hair. She is slow of 
speech and movement. The rooms are small, dark, and poorly 
furnished. The family have been occupying these rooms since 
August 14, at which time they moved in from Centralia. Mr. Done- 
trovitch was killed by a train while crossing the railway tracks. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch says he had not been drinking. Some friends had 
asked him in a saloon, but he had refused, saying he had to buy some 
groceries for the family and was then going home. He had just 
received his pay ($56), which was in his pocket. They have received 
nothing from the railroad company, as the accident was said to be the 
fault of Mr. Donetrovitch. He was on the wrong side of the tracks 
where there was no watchman. He had some insurance with the 
Industrial Insurance Company. Mrs. Donetrovitch thinks the . 
amount was $300. [The name of the agent was obtained.] But after 
the undertaker deducted what was due him, she received only $120. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch says they had a $50 Liberty Bond, but she has 
searched in vain for it. Showed visitor window card and a certificate 
which said that Mr. Donetrovitch had subscribed for one, signed 
O. K. Zeller, solicitor. After Mr. Donetrovitch’s death the foreman 
brought Mrs. Donetrovitch $40, which she thinks was back pay for 
her husband. A woman from the city has called and written to 
Centralia and learned that Mrs. Donetrovitch can expect nothing 
from the railway company. She received county supplies August 19, 
but has nothing to live on now. Left relief $5.00 grocery order, and 


«(September 8, 1919 to January 23, 1923. This is the long period of care. 
The family had moved to Centralia, Indiana; Mr. Donetrovitch had been killed 
on the railroad tracks under conditions that prevented his family from claiming 
damages; the family had been returned to Chicago where they had legal residence. 
No reference is made to Mothers’ Pension or to her unmarried state, but the Welfare 
Agency takes up the burden of her support, chiefly out of special funds. During 
this period, every effort is made to develop better standards of housekeeping and 
of child care. Health agencies, the visiting housekeeper, friendly visiting, summer 
outings, are all iesorted to. Finally recourse is had to the Juvenile Psychiatric 
Bureau. However, in spite of mental diagnosis of inadequate mentality, a way 
out is found through the offer of marriage and marriage to a young Serbian man, 
who takes Mrs, Donetrovitch with her four children.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 651 


75-cent meat order and $1.00 cash for coal. Mrs. Donetrovitch has 
tried to find work. The Omega Nursery will take the children Monday, 
when she will try again for work. 

September 24, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch asks food and 
fuel. Asked her how she managed last week. Said she received 
county supplies and was living on these. She is anxious about the 
rent. Left grocery order for $4.00, $1.00 meat order, and $1.00 cash, 
also left $1.50 for coal and wood. She is anxious that nursery take 
children so she can go to work. 

September 28, t91g.—Miss Gaines, Infant Welfare nurse, tele- 
phoned. Mrs. Donetrovitch has not been able to get children into 
nursery as it is full. Asked that Miss Gaines telephone to us that she 
needs fueland rent. Baby is well, although Mrs. Donetrovitch cannot 
understand directions given by nurse. Seems dull, but it may be 
because she does not understand Bohemian interpreter. 

October 6, torg.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch says that about 
three weeks ago she was told at the Omega Day Nursery to have the 
children examined by a doctor and to bring them in. She asked the 
Infant Welfare doctor, but he said he could not. She went to the 
settlement, but they had no doctor either. She has no money for 
a private doctor. Gave hera card to the West Side Free Dispensary. 
Needs coal, wood, and food. 

Told her we would let her know when Omega Day Nursery has 
an open place again, and she will have children examined in the 
meantime. 

October 23, 1919.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch has been trying to 
get along on county supplies. Said she needed coal very badly. The 
Infant Welfare Society gave her one small pail full, which is now 
exhausted. The children are well, but August seems to have some nose 
or throat affection. Mrs. Donetrovitch will take him to the West 
Side Free Dispensary tomorrow morning and will herself go to the 
dental clinic, as she has been suffering with neuralgia and toothache. 
She is quite worried about the rent, which has not been paid since 
August 14. 

November 7, to1tg.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch says she is 
out of coal and food. The house was cold, and the children were 
bundled up in their coats. She has had several teeth extracted and 
told the following story in connection with it. The nurse at the Infant 
Welfare Station gave her 50 cents and referred her to the Dental 
Clinic. She went with a woman to act as interpreter. After pulling 


652 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


her teeth, the dentist told her she owed him $1.50. She protested 
she had no money, but after he cross-questioned her she acknowledged 
that she had 50 cents. He insisted that she give it to him, and asked 
the interpreter for the dollar also. 

November 13, 1919.—Telephoned secretary, Extraction Depart- 
ment of Dental Clinic. Mrs. Donetrovitch had eight teeth extracted 
and has two more that must come out. They will refund Mrs. 
Donetrovitch’s $1.50, if we send her to the clinic with a note. 

[November 26, t919.—Thanksgiving basket was given by Neigh- 
borhood House and another by a neighboring evangelical church.] 

December 1, 1919.—Met Mrs. Donetrovitch at the Omega Day 
Nursery. ‘The children were examined, and the three younger ones 
admitted for nursery care. Room will be found for August within a 
week or ten days. 

December 5, 1919.—Moved Mrs. Donetrovitch to her new address. 

December 6, 1919.—Visited the former address of Mrs. Mike 
Donetrovitch, who had moved away over four months ago, however. 

Later—Mrs. Donetrovitch says that Mrs. Mike Donetrovitch 
has remarried very well financially. Mrs. Donetrovitch does not 
know her former sister-in-law’s new name or address. 

December 24, 1919.—Christmas basket given by Neighborhood 
House. 

February 16, 1920.—Head Resident of Neighborhood House tele- 
phones that doctor says Gabriel has bad case of eczema. Diet should 
consist of milk and eggs and a little dry toast. No cereals are allowed. 

Later.—Visited previous address. [This was the address at which 
the family were living when the Agency first knew them.] Mrs. 
Donetrovitch lived there two and a half yearsago. Mr. Donetrovitch 
worked very irregularly. Mrs. Donetrovitch is a very good mother. 

Later.—Several attempts were made to locate Mrs. Donetrovitch’s 
brother, Jacob Karavelova, but with no success. 

February 19, 1920.—Telephoned the undertaker. He refused to 
look up the bill or send it, although he said he remembered it was 
either $121 or $125. Healso remembered signing an Industrial Policy. 

[During this period, the record shows letters written to the 
Centralia Charities, asking an investigation of the family’s experiences 
there, to which only very tardy and inadequate replies were received; 
to the railroad, the lodge, the insurance companies, the national 
organizations from which he might have received a benefit, to an 
employer from whom he had undertaken to buy a Liberty Bond | 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 653 


($50), and to several generous persons from whom special contributions 
were solicited for the maintenance of this family—apparently a widow 
and four orphan children, the oldest a boy of ten. 

It is learned that in Centralia she was thought to be a good mother, 
that there was no claim against the company, as he was a trespasser 
at the time of his death, that he had never paid on the bond, that the 
balance ($120) from his life insurance ($300)—after paying for his 
funeral—was paid to the widow. | 

April 21, 1920.—Visited, with visiting housekeeper. Put in 
order all the drawers and closets, also the kitchen closet. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch promised to keep things in better order. She has to 
wash twice a week now, but feels she can manage better when the 
children have a few more clothes. Gave a donation of sheets and 
pillow cases, knives, forks, spoons, and plates. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Boone, a contributor, who will supply 
much of the clothing and some of the household needs. 

May 25, 1920.—Telephoned Mrs. Boone several times during the 
past month. She called on Mrs. Donetrovitch May 24, 1920, and 
gave her the following articles: one large rug, three dresser scarfs, 
two bedspreads, sheets and pillow cases, sewing materials, a cretonne 
bag, two suits for August, four extra pairs of woolen trousers, three 
pairs of light-weight trousers, twelve waists, one dress for Mrs. 
Donetrovitch, one waist (new), one night gown (which Mrs. Donetro- 
vitch did not know the use of), several articles for the baby, plates, 
forks, knives, spoons, soap, two pairs of drawers, two chemises, and 
two sateen petticoats. 

Mrs. John Bowman, of Grand Boulevard, will pay for two quarts 
of milk a day for Mrs. Donetrovitch until September 1. 

June 9, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was hanging up 
clothes. They looked clean. Her house was tidy, and the children 
were clean. 

June 22, 1920.—Visited. Gabriel’s ear looked infected and was 
in bad condition. There was pus around it, and Mrs. Donetrovitch 
said that the Settlement visitor sent someone with her a couple of 
weeks ago to County Hospital, where the child’s ear was attended to. 
He was there two days. She finds it hard to prevent him from scratch- 
ing the ear and to keep it clean. 

She would like to have her teeth fixed. She asked that we send 
interpreter to the clinic with her. She does not wish to go on summer 
outing. 


654 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


June 24, 1920.—Visiting Nurse telephoned; at our request she 
had visited. Gabriel’s ear is in fairly good shape. She thinks the 
trouble is only surface trouble. She has given Mrs. Donetrovitch 
directions for the care of it. She will urge Mrs. Donetrovitch to 
accept summer outing. 

July 30, 1920.—During this month Mrs. Donetrovitch was 

taken to the Dental Clinic, a number of teeth were extracted, 
and her teeth were given a thorough cleaning. She objected strenu- 
ously, and urged that her father never cleaned his teeth in all his 
life and had good teeth until the time he died at a ripe old 
age. " 
She was also taken to Dr. Shoup for examination. She needs 
surgical treatment. He showed her some physical exercises which 
should be taken daily. These help to some extent, but there is no 
real remedy except an operation. 

July 31, 1920.—Mrs. Donetrovitch, August, Gabriel, and Margaret 
were examined by Dr. Freeman of the Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium and sent for another two weeks’ outing. 

August 15, 1920.—When Mrs. Donetrovitch and the family were 
sent on summer outing July 31, it was found that Hadja could not 
get a doctor’s certificate. Dr. Freeman of the Municipal Tubercu- 
losis Sanitarium refused to sign slip because of ‘running nose,” so 
Mrs. Donetrovitch left her behind in our care. At our request, Mrs. 
Varek (case) took care of Hadja for a week and gave her excel- 
lent attention. She found the child quite neglected. The child 
complained that her mother refused her milk, though she is very 
fond of it, etc. At the end of the week (August 6), Hadja was again 
examined by Dr. Freeman for summer outing and was sent to Raynard, 
Illinois, for two weeks by herself, her physical condition having mean- 
while improved. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch and the other children had ‘an enjoyable 
outing. Gabriel was a great favorite at the camp. ‘The people could 
not remember Mrs. Donetrovitch’s name but called her “Mrs. 
Gabriel.” He and the other children look as though they have 
benefited considerably. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch has been visited twice since her return from 
the country, and both times there has been evidence that she made 
unusual efforts to clean up her house and her children. Once she 
was very much provoked at August because visitor caught him with 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 655 


a dirty face. She says she has much trouble getting him to wash 
himself, but that he likes to brush his teeth. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch is very much interested in her own personal 
appearance, perhaps due to her new clothes. She has acquired at 
least two strings of beads, one green and one pink. She has looked 
very neat and attractive the last times we have seen her. 

September 28, 1920.—During September Mrs. Donetrovitch was 
visited regularly. She occasionally gave signs of being interested in 
her housekeeping, but usually the rooms were in disorder. She is 
attending English class at the Settlement and can read and under- 
stand English better than she can speak it. 

October ro, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. King, a volunteer, had been to 
see the family the day before and brought a supply of warm underwear, 
coats, and clothing for the children that her children had outgrown. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch said her brother, Jacob Karavelova, expected to 
return to the Old Country soon and buy a farm, and he would take 
Mrs. Donetrovitch’s daughter Rosa, who was left in the Old Country, 
to work on his farm. This greatly disturbed Mrs. Donetrovitch 
as she wants the Welfare Agency to bring Rosa to the United States 
as she is old enough to work and could help support the children. 

[November 23, 1920.—A Thanksgiving basket was given by an 
evangelical church of the neighborhood. | 

December 28, 1920.—Mrs. Reynolds, of Raynard, sent Mrs. 
Donetrovitch a large box containing three pairs of new woolen blankets, 
two new dresses for Hadja, and a new apron for Mrs. Donetrovitch, 
besides a large quantity of clothing and shoes her children had out- 
grown; toys, candy, apples, and oranges, besides $2.50 in money for 
something extra for Hadja. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch was very much dissatisfied with her Christmas 
this year, as she only received “two chickens in the four Christmas 
baskets sent in, when last year she received six chickens.”’ 

January 19, 1921.—Visited. Hadja and August ill and complained 
of very sore throats. ‘Telephoned county doctor. 

February 10, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch had the house 
very clean and orderly. Gave grocery order for most of her allowance 
to ascertain what food she buys for the children. 

March 2, 1921.—Mrs. Donetrovitch after suffering several months 
with toothache, finally had her front teeth extracted at Municipal 
Tuberculosis Dispensary. 


656 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


April 2, 1921.—Mrs. Donetrovitch visited regularly. On March 
30 visitor found Hadja at home from school, so she was taken to 
school. Her teacher said she often played truant. During March 
there was a substitute teacher and Hadja never came. She does 
poorly in school, perhaps because she cannot see. The school nurse 
had her examined for glasses, and she was given medicine to put in 
her eyes. Mrs. Donetrovitch would not allow the medicine to be put 
in, consequently the child is without glasses. Hadja is very stubborn. 
She would not tell visitor the room she was in—when safely inside 
she cried and said she was late so she stayed at home. 

April 22, 1921.—Visited and learned that Hadja had not been 
home all night. Mrs. Donetrovitch had not worried about her, 
because she thought we had her taken to a downtown school. Even 
when she learned we had not done so, she was very little worried. 
Visitor had to insist on her getting on her things and going out to 
inquire for Hadja through the neighborhood. The school was visited 
—no one had seen the child. The police and hospital were notified, 
and the story was given to newspapers." 

April 27, 1921.—The visiting housekeeper undertook to try to 
teach Mrs. Donetrovitch how to cook and to care for her house. 
New dishes, tablecloth, and pans were bought for Mrs. Donetrovitch, 
who had broken all she had ever had, so that she was using one large 
pan which she placed in the center of the table, and the children and 
she ate out of it. | 

April 28, 1921.—Visiting housekeeper and visitor cleaned Mrs. 
Donetrovitch’s pantry and showed her how to make oatmeal. 

May 5, 1921.—Visiting housekeeper and visitor cleaned Mrs. 
Donetrovitch’s dresser drawers and trunk, also showed her how to 
make the beds. 

May 10, 1921.—Visited. The house was clean. Mrs. Donetro- 
vitch said that she had made macaroni and tomatoes for the children 
and that they liked it so well that she will have to make double the 
recipe. Showed her how to make fried carrots. 

Later.—Took Mrs. Donetrovitch and the children to the Nutrition 
Clinic and learned that the children are all overweight, but they are 
under height. The doctor advised Wassermann tests for the children 
and said that they should all have their tonsils removed. 


*{Hadja had gone home with a schoolmate with whom she spent the night. 
The child’s father telephoned that he had six of his own and could not keep her. 
She had come there because she did not like school.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 657 


May 12, 1921-May 19, t921.—Mrs. Donetrovitch was visited 
regularly. She is trying to take better care of her house. She puts 
clean paper on the pantry shelf every week, and she is very proud of 
her bed with the bolster on it. She said the pillows stay clean so 
much longer. 

May 19; 1921-July 25, 1921.—On May 31, 1921, Miss McCabe, 
Visiting Nurse, took Mrs. Donetrovitch to the Dental Clinic. She 
needs more extractions. Mrs. Donetrovitch has a neighbor in the 
same building who was making Margaret a dress. She is very friendly 
and patches all her clothing for her. 

June 6, 1921.—Mrs. Jim IUlova was found visiting Mrs. Donetro- 
vitch. At first she refused to give her name and address and said she 
was no relation of Mrs. Donetrovich, but that the children called her 
aunt. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch said that she never married Mr. Donetrovitch 
but that they just lived together. They started living together 
when he was seventeen and she was twenty. Mr. Donetrovitch 
lived with his father and two sisters, and Mrs. Donetrovitch went to 
work for Mr. Donetrovitch’s father. Two years later Mr. Donetro- 
vitch came to the United States and Mrs. Donetrovitch followed him. 
She has had seven children. 

June 15, 1921-July 18, 1921.—The family was sent for a two 
weeks’ outing, but June 20 they returned because Gabriel had a cold. 
On July 18 Hadja and Margaret were sent to the family of Mrs. 
Hartzel, for a two weeks’ outing in Freeport, Illinois. August was 
sent to another family in the same city. Dr. Thomas, Municipal 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium, examined them. 

The school nurse got Hadja glasses, but she lost them in the 
park. 

August 5. 1921.—Visited. Margaret and August were very 
much disappointed that they had to come home. Mrs. Hartzel 
gave Margaret and Hadja three new dresses and two aprons each 
and muslin underwear which she made herself with “lots of lace,’ 
Mrs. Donetrovitch said. 

August 8, 1921.—Hadja and Margaret were sent to Sterling, 
Illinois, for two weeks’ outing. They were examined by Dr. Freeman 
of Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 

September 10, 1921 (Saturday).—Visited and found Mrs. Done- 
trovitch in bed. She said she had been sick since Tuesday, but she 
did not telephone us because she thought she would soon be better. 


658 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


County doctor’s report: Mrs. Donetrovitch had an abscess on her 
tonsils. 

September 14, 1921.—Visiting Nurse reported that Mrs. Donetro- 
vitch was very much better, but that they would like her to go to the 
West Side Free Dispensary and have her tonsils removed. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch said that she would do this. The Visiting Nurse will 
take her to the Dispensary and arrange for the operation. 

October 1, 1921.—Mrs. Donetrovitch is not taking Gabriel to the 
Dispensary. The Visiting Nurse is responsible for her attending the 
Dispensary regularly. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch showed visitors dresses she had received 
“from the woman out in the country.” Margaret and Hadja each 
received two. They were hand made and were pink with blue 
trimming. Mrs. Donetrovitch boiled them when she washed, and 
now they are faded. Last week Gabriel ran away from home, and a 
policeman picked him up and took him to the police station. A 
neighboring grocer, who happened to be at the station, recognized 
him and took him home. 

October 20, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was making pies 
for the children’s lunch. She whitewashed her living-rooms. Her 
home was clean and in order. Mrs. Donetrovitch stated that her 
brother Jacob was married three months ago. He married a widow 
much older than himself. She has two grown-up children in Europe 
and is working in a sausage factory and has lots of money. Jacob 
makes good money—working every day. Mrs. Donetrovitch stated 
that usually he gives her a dollar or two every week, but never more. 
She said she would have to starve with the children if she had to 
manage on the money the Welfare Agency gave her.‘ Her brother 
would be willing to pay her rent for her, and he could do more, but 
his wife would be against this. Jacob is trying rather hard to get 
Mrs. Donetrovitch’s daughter, Rosa, here, but he is afraid that they 
will not be able to as she does not know how to read or write. 

November 4, 1921.—Mr. Jacob Karavelova and Mrs. Donetrovitch 
in office by appointment. Mr. Karavelova is a tall, clean-looking 


t [The budget worked out some months before this time was as follows: rent 
$6.00; food $39.56, of which $4.36 came from the County Agent in the form of 
rations; light $1.50; recreation $1.00; education $1.00; health $1.25; incidentals 
$2.25; furnishings $2.75; and clothing ‘‘as needed,” making a total of $50.95 
besides clothing and county rations. The rent and milk bills were paid direct. 
The remainder was given the family in weekly cash allowances of $2.50 and weekly 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 659 


man. His own plan for Mrs. Donetrovitch and her children was that 
Mrs. Donetrovitch should place the children in an orphan asylum, 
and then she could work. 

Both he and his wife have been married before. He has two 
children in Europe, and his wife has two children in Europe. He is 
anxious to return to Poland; he would talk at great length about 
how much better conditions were here than in Europe, but he would 
always end by saying “I’m going back—maybe in the spring.” 

He works in an electric works as a laborer. His check number is 
113 and he earns $30 a week. His wife does not work because she 
is sick, 

November 22, r921.—August, Hadja, and Margaret were examined 
at the Juvenile Psychiatric Bureau.t Mrs. Donetrovitch was given 
nine yards of School Children’s Aid material for clothing for August, 
Hadja, and Margaret. 

December 5, 1921—December 28, 1921.—On December 5, 10921, 
visitor took August, Hadja, and Margaret to the Zion Dispensary, 
where they were examined and appointments made for the removal of 
their tonsils. 

December ro, 1921.—Called and found that August had disappeared 
from home early in the morning after telling his mother that he did 
not intend to have his tonsils removed. Mrs. Donetrovitch said 
that he was afraid because the other children had told him that he 
might die under the operation. 

December 15, 1921.—Hadja and Margaret had their tonsils and 
adenoids removed at the Zion Hospital. They came home December 
12, 1921, and the Visiting Nurse went in to see them the same day, 
as they were quite sick from the operation. Margaret told visitor 
that she thought they would all get well because a man is going to 
pray for them. He prayed for her mother when she was sick. She 


grocery orders of $6.00. The clothing gifts varied from month to month. In 
November, 1921, for example, $100.42 was expended on the family. Of this 
amount $28.08 was for clothing. Of this total, $100.42, $33.50 came from the 
general funds of this agency, while $66.92 came as the response to special appeals.] 

t{[August was found to have an intelligence quotient of 72 and was classified 
as ‘‘borderline” feeble-minded. Hadja’s intelligence quotient was found to be 
92, and her intelligence therefore ‘‘adequate,”’ while Margaret was found to be 
“dull,” with an intelligence quota of 89.6. No one of the children seemed to present 
a behavior problem. Mrs. Donetrovitch had been diagnosed the previous July 
14 as “‘below borderline,” with an intelligence quota of 53, but without indicating 
any need of institutional care.] 


660 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


said she did not know his name, but that he lived in the rear of the 
same building in which they live. 

December 19, 1921.—Visited. Found the children much better. 
The Visiting Nurse has explained to Mrs. Donetrovitch what she 
should feed them. Mrs. Donetrovitch received a letter from the 
Illinois Central Railroad which said she was to receive an eighty-five- 
pound package from Mrs. Sloan, of Urbana. 

[A number of entries about Christmas gifts of one kind or another 
are omitted here. | 

January 6, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch and the children 
very dirty. The house in great disorder. Clothing and food strewn 
all over the floor and in the hallway. Mrs. Donetrovitch had all the 
neighborhood children in the kitchen. She had just finished eating 
some duck, which she said she got in one of her Christmas baskets. 

January 9, 1922.—Visited to pay the rent and found the rooms 
very disorderly and dirty. Mrs. Donetrovitch was frying veal which 
she had left over from one of her Christmas baskets. 

January 14, 1922.—Mrs. Donetrovitch and children were in 
the office to go to the Nutrition Clinic. August did not come, because 
he said it was too cold and he didn’t want to go out doors. 

March 1, 1922—April 1, 1922.—Visitor called. Pension paid 
regularly, and Mrs. Donetrovitch attends a cooking class regularly. 
When visited on March 4 the house was in the usual state of disorder. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch had just settled a fight between August and Hadja. 
She said that when the children fight, she hates to hit them, and so in 
order to make them stop, she strikes an attitude like Elmo, the Lincoln 
who is the hero of a serial movie that is being shown in the neighbor- 
hood. ‘The children start laughing at her and so forget their fight. 

March 11, 1922.—The children attended Nutrition Clinic. When 
visitor came to take them to the clinic, Mrs. Donetrovitch showed 
visitor a picture of Mr. Donetrovitch. Hadja is not wearing her 
glasses, and Mrs. Donetrovitch says that she cannot make her wear 
them if she does not want to do so. 

April 1, 1922—May 20, 1922.—Pension paid regularly, and Mrs. 
Donetrovitch attends cooking class regularly. On April 15, Hadja 
was given a pair of skates. 

May 13, 1922.—Mrs. Donetrovitch and the children were in 
office to go to Nutrition Clinic. 

May 17, 1922.—Visited. The house was clean. Margaret was 
sitting on the floor in her underwear. She said that she did not go to 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 661 


school, as she got up late, but Mrs. Donetrovitch said that she kept 
her home as she had a cough. Margaret refused to dress and go to 
schoo]. She ran into the front room and locked the door and crawled 
under the bed. Gabriel got in through the window and opened the 
door. After a lot of screaming and struggling, Margaret was taken 
to schoo]. She is still in first grade—does not know how to read, 
although the other children are through with the book (first reader). 
She has been out twenty half-days in April and six in May. She 
comes to school late and very dirty. 

Later.—School report of Hadja. Met Hadja’s teacher who said 
that Hadja has been coming to school regularly and is very seldom 
late. She is doing very well in school. She should be wearing her 
glasses, as the school nurse got her another pair. 

The teacher was very much surprised to see Mrs. Donetrovitch 
bring in a bundle of clothes (it was Bundle Day). Hadja was very 
proud, as hers was the biggest. Mrs. Donetrovitch stated that the 
children outgrew this clothing and she knew there were plenty of poor 
children. 

May 19, 1922.—Called and found that August had already gone 
to school, although told to stay at home. 

Later —Called at the school. August started to cry and refused 
to go to the hospital to have his tonsils removed. After getting him 
on the street car he wanted to jump off, and at the hospital he screamed 
and yelled. He would not take a bath, and later, attempted to run 
away in his pajamas. Mrs. Donetrovitch cannot control him, and 
she does not discipline him, as she thinks that he will outgrow it. 

May 20, 1922.—Called for August at the Zion Hospital. His 
tonsils were removed May 19. He was not at all sick and was able 
to go home on the street car. 

Mrs: Donetrovitch and the children were waiting on the street 
for him to come home; they wereall very clean. ‘The house was clean, 
beds were made, and clean bedding on them. ‘The floors were scrubbed 
and everything in order. Mrs. Donetrovitch was cooking oatmeal 
in the double boiler and had everything prepared for August. 

Later.—Telephoned Visiting Nurse Association. 

May 24, 1922.—Neighborhood House telephoned that Mrs. 
Donetrovitch has no fuel. She started to do her laundry but is 
unable to finish it. 

Later.—Visited at 7:00 P.M. No one was at home; all doors 
were opened; fire was burning full blast and there was plenty of wood 


662 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


and coal behind stove. Neighbors said that Mrs. Donetrovitch 
and children had gone to the home of her brother Jacob. 

May 26, 1922.—Met Mrs. Donetrovitch at cooking class. She 
went to see her brother with all the children. August got wood from 
the lumber yard, and neighbors gave her fuel. 

May 26, 1922-June 28, 1922.—Pension paid regularly. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch attending cooking class. June 15, 1922, she and the 
children went to the cooking class picnic at Lincoln Park. 

July 5, 1922.—Hadja and Margaret were sent to Freeport, 
Illinois, for summer outing. They were the guests of the same 
family with whom they spent the summer of 1921. Dr. H. H. Free- 
man, Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary, examined them. 

July 6, 1922.—Mrs. Donetrovitch and August and Gabriel were 
sent to Summer Camp for a two weeks’ outing. Dr. H. H. Freeman, 
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary, examined them. 

August 9, 1922.—August and Gabriel were sent to Harvey, 
Illinois, for two weeks’ outing. Dr. B. T. Fox examined them. 

August 10, 1922—September 1, 1922.—On August 1o Mrs. Done- 
trovitch’s landlady came to the office for her rent. She asked us to 
tell Mrs. Donetrovitch to keep her house cleaner, as it was disgrace- 
fully dirty. 

August 16, 1922.—Hadja and Margaret came home from the 
country. The house was dirty and in great disorder. ‘There were 
papers and boxes all over the kitchen floor. Mrs. Donetrovitch 
said that she got the paper from a rag shop where she has been working 
ever since the boys were sent to the country. Her fingers were all cut 
up and sore, and she was very glad when visitor told her to stop working. 

August 24, 1922.—Met Gabriel and August at the Michigan 
Central Station and took them home. Both of the children had a 
fine time in the country. As soon as Gabriel saw visitor he asked 
where she was going to take him and when told he was going to be 
taken home, he said very emphatically, “I don’t want to go home, 
I want to go back to the country.” 

August 26, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch has not returned 
to work. She said that she worked from August 16 till August 22 
and was not paid. She expects to get her money August 29. She 
does not know how much she will get, but she knows another woman 
who works there and she is getting $12 a week. 

September 1, 1922—September 28, 1922.—On September 6, Mrs. 
Donetrovitch came to the office to ask for her rent. She said 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 663 


that last Saturday (September 2) she stopped working and drew her 
pay of $14. She rather shamefacedly said that it was all gone and 
that she had spent it for meat, ice-cream, sausage, a 75-cent apron, 
a $2.50 pair of shoes for herself, and that she sent the remaining $7.00 
to her daughter Rosa. | 

She said that we could scold her if we wanted to, but she just had 
to send Rosa some money, because the girl is having a very hard 
time in Europe and she has been writing her for money. She said 
that Rosa is fourteen years old, but she doesn’t know how to read or 
write because where she is raised in the country there is no school. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch’s mother died and up until a few months ago, 
Rosa was living with Mrs. Donetrovitch’s stepsister. She, too, has 
died, and now Rosa is with another stepsister. 

Gabriel is going afternoons to kindergarten and he likes it very 
much—in fact he wants to go all day. 

October 3, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was washing 
clothes.. The house was very much in disorder and dirty. Hadja 
and Margaret and Gabriel were playing on the porch with other children 
from the neighborhood. 

October 7, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was washing and 
ironing clothes. She usually does this work on Saturday. Her 
house was dirty and very much in disorder. The table was full of 
crumbs and dirty dishes. When visitor comes, Mrs. Donetrovitch 
usually starts to pick up things and clear off the table. 

November 4, 1922.—Visited previous address. |The same one 
at which the Agency learned to know the family.| The landlady 
stated that the Donetrovitch family lived there about six years ago. 
She remembers the family well, as they had one child by the name of 
Martha, who was sickly and died in that house. There were rumors 
that Mr. and Mrs. Donetrovitch were never married, but she does 
not know if this was true. Mr. Donetrovitch was a very heavy 
drinker and a very irregular worker. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch and children were sitting 
around the kitchen table, which was dirty and had bread and a quarter 
pound of butter on it. The children were putting the butter on the 
bread with a teaspoon. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch has been sick all week witha cold. She is feel- 
ing better at present. She did not come to the office for her pension 
last week, as she went to the grocer to whom the Agency gives her 
grocery orders and he gave her groceries worth $6.00 without the ticket. 


664 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Hadja showed the clothes she received from Mrs. Sloan, in whose 
home she had once had asummer outing. She was very proud of them 
and said that Mrs. Sloan told her that she will take her home with her 
and that she never will return home. MHadja inquired if she could stay 
there until she was a big girl and if she could go there before vacation 
starts. Mrs. Sloan purchased the following for Hadja: red-serge middy 
blouse, blue pleated skirt, two suits winter underwear, pair brown shoes 
~ and stockings, blue woolen sweater, and a blue tam to match. 

Hadja does not wear these things to school every day, but only 
wears them on Sunday and when she goes to Sunday school. 

November 16, 1922.—Read County Agent’s Record M-835: 


March 1, 1917, Mrs. Donetrovitch applied for rations. Mr. Donetro- 
vitch deserted to Akron, Ohio, shortly after Martha was born. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch took out warrant for his arrest. Mrs. Donetrovitch’s brother 
helped with rent and food until a week ago. He went to another city and 
whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Donetrovitch returned March 27, 1917, 
from Ohio with $20. Neighbors report Mr. Donetrovitch no good; he 
drinks. On June 19, 1919, Mr. Donetrovitch was killed at Centralia, 
Indiana. Was insured in Industrial Life Insurance Company for $300. 
The family conditions unchanged. They are receiving rations regularly. 
Only relatives: Jacob Karavelova, brother of Mrs. Donetrovitch. 


November 18, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was getting 
ready to go to grocery store. ‘The house was cold and children were 
in their underwear and barefooted. Mrs. Donetrovitch stated that 
she received County Agent coal, but will not make a fire until later 
when she gets all her groceries; she will then bathe the children and 
dress them. 

Social History.—Mrs. Donetrovitch was raised on a farm. Her 
parents were farmers and owned just a few acres of land. They had 
no live stock. The neighbor farmers would come and mow their land 
for them and in return they would go to work on other farms. 
They owned their own house; but, when Mrs. Donetrovitch was 
sixteen years old, lightning struck it, and it burned down. They 
never were able to build a new one, so they lived in the stable, but 
altered it a little. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch started to school when she was seven years 
old and stopped going when she was thirteen years old, as people 
made fun of her as she was very tall for her age. She later attended 
school Thursdays and Sundays for two years and got as far as sixth 
grade. . 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 665 


Mrs. Donetrovitch always worked on her father’s farm and helped 
with the housework. She knew Mr. Donetrovitch only two months, 
when she went to live with him in his father’s home. Mr. Donetro- 
vitch was traveling with a contractor who was building railroad 
tracks. He was a laborer. Mrs. Donetrovitch was going for water 
one day when she met him. He asked her who she was and later 
told her about himself, where he lived, that his father had a beautiful 
farm and needed help, and that she would be happier there. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch consented to go. It was only two hours’ ride from 
Mrs. Donetrovitch’s farm to Mr. Donetrovitch’s. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch lived with Mr. Donetrovitch’s parents only 
two months and later came back to her home, as she had to work too 
hard. Mr. Donetrovitch was on the road during this time and 
returned after eight months. One year later Rosa was born in her ~ 
parents’ home, and August two years later. Mr. and Mrs. Donetro- 
vitch’s parents, sisters, and neighbors thought it was terrible that she 
had illegitimate children, and everybody said they never would have 
expected anything like that of her, as she was so very religious. Mr. 
Donetrovitch wanted to marry her, but the relatives were against it 
as she was three years older than Mr. Donetrovitch, and he was only 
- seventeen years at that time. Mr. Donetrovitch was never fond of 
any other woman that Mrs. Donetrovitch knows of. He was very 
good to her. He always drank heavily, although he was very young, 
but he never gambled. | 

Her father remarried. She had two stepsisters and one brother, 
Jacob. He came to America a few years after she came and married 
a year ago a widow who has two grown-up daughters in Europe. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch’s sisters married when they were very young and did 
not have any illegitimate children. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch’s father and stepmother died during the war. 
The oldest stepsister died in the spring of 1922. There are one sister 
and brother-in-law and two nieces in Europe. Mrs. Donetrovitch’s 
relatives attended the Serbian Orthodox church regularly in Europe, 
and as Mrs. Donetrovitch would never miss a mass on Sunday, her 
sisters always said that she would be a saint some day. 

She is attending the Roman Catholic church at present, as she 
cannot find her way to the Serbian Orthodox church. The neighbors 
tell her that it is all the same. 

Her mother was not severe with her, but was very good to her, 
and Mrs. Donetrovitch did as she wished. She put her hand over 


666 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


her heart and said that she has a pain in her heart when she thinks 
of her mother, as she was so very good to her. Mr. Donetrovitch 
came to America to his brother two years before Mrs. Donetrovitch. 
He later sent a shipcard for Mrs. Donetrovitch. During this time 
Mrs. Donetrovitch lived with her parents and worked on their farm. 
She brought August with her and left Rosa with her mother. When 
her mother died, Rosa went to live with Mrs. Donetrovitch’s step- 
sister and when she died, she went to live with the other step-sister 
and she is still with her. 

Mr. Donetrovitch was very fond of his children but never would 
“kiss them.” He always promised to marry Mrs. Donetrovitch on 
the next pay day when he would have money, but he always was too 
drunk on pay days so they were never married. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch stated that Mr. Donetrovitch was very hand- 
some and that she loved him very much, and that is why she gave 
up her life for him and now is suffering with the children. She 
cried and said that if he would only be alive and see his children at 
present, he would do the right thing and stop drinking as he was a 
good man and could do anything if he gave up drinking. 

December 2, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was in bed. 
She had two sweaters and a shawl on her head and covered herself . 
with blankets. She would not talk at first, but later said that she 
was very sick. The house was dirty and in great disorder. 

December 8, 1922.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch had a crowd 
of people in her kitchen. Mr. James Illova, who lives in rear of Mrs. 
Donetrovitch and who is a widower and has eight children, was 
visiting. His son James, who is eighteen years old, was there also 
with a concertina. A neighbor and her two children and Mrs. Done- 
trovitch’s brother’s roomer were also there. James was playing the 
concertina, and, when visitor entered, the music ceased and James 
and his father and the roomer left. Mrs. Donetrovitch said that she 
did not know her brother’s roomer’s name, that he came to see how 
Mrs. Donetrovitch was getting along while her brother was preparing 
supper as his wife works. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch was not making any attempt to prepare any 
supper for the children. The table was full of dirty dishes and two 
bottles half filled with milk. She had sausage wrapped up in paper 
and that was the only food in sight. 

December 9, 1922.—Mrs. Donetrovitch has gotten her new teeth 
which makes her look much younger. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 667 


She did not attend Nutrition Clinic, as she did not receive the 
postal card in time. 

December 16, 1922.—Mrs. Donetrovitch was in the office. She 
said that her new teeth fit her very well. The children in the neigh- 
borhood make fun of her and say that she does not look like herself. 

December 20, 1922.—Visited. The children were dressing the 
Christmas tree. They were not getting it ready for Christmas but 
just wanted to know how it would look all fixed up. 

August is taking manual training at school. He has made very 
many interesting articles: horse, chairs, tables, a taxi, and dollars out 
of cigar boxes. August has no place to keep these articles so he puts 
them on the stove so the younger children don’t break them. 

Mrs. Sloan sent the children a box for Christmas. Margaret 
and Hadja received flannel bloomers, stockings, two pairs each; 
August, stockings; Gabriel, stockings and mouth organ. 

[Christmas remembrances are omitted.| 

January 6, 1923.—Visited. The house was clean and the children 
were getting their bath. Mrs. Donetrovitch was baking cakes, as 
she is going to celebrate the Serbian Christmas tomorrow. She saved 
some of the canned goods from our Christmas. She received a nice 
big basket and toys from Brookfield M.E. Church. Hadja received 
a walking doll, Margaret a character doll, August and Gabriel received 
blocks etc. 

Mrs. Sloan sent two boxes by mail consisting of sausages, ham, 
and clothing for the children. She had a basket from County Agent, 
also. 

January 13, 1923.—Mrs. Donetrovitch took all the children to a 
Settlement party. She refused carfare to ride back home insisting 
that the children would rather walk down the street and look at the 
window displays. 

January 22, 1923.—Visited during the afternoon. The children 
did not go to school, except August. Mr. Michael Surowzowa was 
visiting. He brought Mrs. Donetrovitch and the children from 
Hammond, Indiana, where she has been visiting since Sunday, at 
the home of a former neighbor, whom Mrs. Donetrovitch had not 
seen since they moved to Hammond two years ago. Mr. Surowzowa 
left at the visitor’s request, while Mrs. Donetrovitch ran after him, 
telling him to wait at her brother’s until he came home from work. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch got very nervous and stated that Mr. Surow- 
zowa had very good intentions. They expected to be married January 


668 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


25, 1923. She has known him since before her husband’s death, but 
has not seen him since Gabriel was baptized. At that time Mrs. 
Donetrovitch “looked at Mr. Surowzowa but never thought that she 
would marry him.” 

The friend in Hammond has been inviting Mrs. Donetrovitch 
to her home for over a year. They have been trying to marry Mrs. 
Donetrovitch to Mr. Surowzowa, who boards with this friend. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch never went to Hammond as she did not know her way 
there. The friend’s husband called for her and the children pundey 
morning, however, and accompanied them to Hammond. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch had then no intention of marrying Mr. Surow- 
zowa, and he did not mention marriage until late at night when 
everybody was gone to bed. Mrs. Donetrovitch said that he did not 
ask her the question direct, but “ran and ran around the bush” 
and asked her to marry him. He said that he knows that she has 
not had anything to do with men since her husband’s death, and 
knows that she is a good woman. 

January 23, 1923.~—Visited with visiting housekeeper. Mrs. 
Donetrovitch and the children returned from the store where Mrs. 
Donetrovitch was buying her trousseau. Margaret and Gabriel were 
sitting at the table devouring candy. Mrs. Donetrovitch was as 
happy as a little child. She did not wait to take off her hat and coat, 
but immediately began unwrapping her parcels to show the visitors 
the dress and coat she had purchased to be married in. 

Mr. Surowzowa returned last night after visitor left and called 
to her from outside because, as Margaret said, ‘‘he was scared” of 
the visitors. He gave Mrs. Donetrovitch $20 to be used for clothing. 

During the interview Mr. Joe Radowicz came in. When he 
opened the door, Mrs. Donetrovitch announced, smiling and with a 
wave of her hand, ‘‘He wants to marry me, too.” Mr. Radowicz was 
apparently very unhappy because he had learned from Gabriel last 
night that Mrs. Donetrovitch was going to marry Mr. Surowzowa. 
He told how he had come from Joliet last October and boarded first 
with Jacob Karavelova and later secured his own rooms so that he 

™ [January 23, 1923, to the present time. The stepfather is helping the mother 
with her children, furnishing the house, and keeping her up to a decent and com- 
petent standard, the Welfare Agency still sends the children on country outings, and 
Mrs. Donetrovitch is very grateful and friendly. 

The Welfare Agency spent from the general fund $721.87 and from special 
funds $1,161.48, in addition to special gifts in kind—clothing, fuel, milk, ice, 
country holiday, besides all the services given and secured.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 669 


could court Mrs. Donetrovitch. Never before, until tonight, had 
she told him that she would not marry him. When Gabriel told 
him that he was going to have a new papa, it ‘“‘cut his heart like a 
knife.” Mrs. Donetrovitch, who was industriously sewing buttons 
on her new coat, quite gayly informed him that she did not intend 
to marry him, that he had a wife and children in Europe who loved 
him but for whom he did not care. Mr. Radowicz admitted that 
this was so, but he does not consider her his wife, because she ran 
away with another man and had a child by him which she strangled 
to death. She stood trial for this, but apparently was never convicted. 
Mr. Radowicz asked that Mrs. Donetrovitch postpone her wedding 
until she received an answer to a letter which he had written to Europe 
asking for news of his wife. He is sure that she is dead, as he has not 
heard from her for seven years. He has asked that the answer be 
mailed to Mrs. Donetrovitch at her own home. 

Mr. Radowicz has left his work today and is leaving tomorrow 
for Ohio, as he does not care to stay in Chicago after Mrs. Donetro- 
vitch’s marriage. He promised to give her as a wedding gift what 
furniture he has in his rooms. Mr. Radowicz became very sarcastic 
about Mr. Surowzowa, making fun because Mrs. Donetrovitch was 
sewing the coat she had just purchased, and of which she was very 
proud. Heisalso sure that Mr. Surowzowa will not be able to support 
the family on his wages. Mrs. Donetrovitch, however, was not 
worried in the least. 

Mr. Surowzowa is earning $20 a week, and this seems a large sum 
to Mrs. Donetrovitch. She was undaunted in her determination to 
marry him even after visitor explained how much it costs to support 
her family, and that $20 a week was really not enough. Mr. Surow- 
zowa has never been married. Mrs. Donetrovitch is sure that she 
would not have been married, if she had not had her new false teeth. 
Mr. Surowzowa looked into Mrs. Donetrovitch’s eyes, swore, shook 
hands with her, and promised that he. would support the children, 
so she is not afraid to marry him. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch appreciates everything the Welfare Agency 
has done for her and realizes that if she marries Mr. Surowzowa he 
will have to be responsible for the family, and she is running a risk 
of starting her troubles all over again. However, “she likes him,” 
so it settles everything. 

January 24, 1923.—Visited Frank Twoig, Hammond, Indiana. 
He has been a friend to Mr. Surowzowa for a long time. Mr. Surow- 


670 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


zowa has never been married; he works steadily and is a very good 
man. Mr. Twoig is going to quit his work tomorrow and accompany 
Mr. Surowzowa to the city to act as a witness for the marriage 
ceremony. Mr. Twoig is sure that Mr. Surowzowa will be able to 
support Mrs. Donetrovitch and all the children. 

Later.—Visited Mrs. Pavlik, who lives in a small house out in the 
country. She has known Mrs. Donetrovitch for a long time, as they 
are country people and they were formerly neighbors. Mrs. Done- 
trovitch and Mr. Surowzowa have not seen each other since Gabriel 
was baptized. Mrs. Pavlik, her husband, and Mr. Surowzowa talked 
it over thoroughly Sunday, and Mr. Surowzowa is very anxious to 
marry Mrs. Donetrovitch. Mrs. Pavlik has a number of children of 
her own, and Mr. Surowzowa is very fond of them. She thinks that he 
appreciates just what it is to have small children and the amount of 
money it costs to keep up a family, but he wants to marry Mrs. 
Donetrovitch. He works regularly. He worked five years for one 
employer and is in good health. He does not drink and has a bank 
account. 

Mr. Surowzowa will probably live in Mrs. Donetrovitch’s rooms 
until spring. Then either Mr. Twoig or Mr. Pavlik will sell him one 
of their lots, as there are none for sale near him, and they will help 
him build a little house like their own so the family can move out to 
Hammond. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Donetrovitch was making curtains. Mr. 
Surowzowa called this afternoon after work and went to Hammond 
at 8:00 P.M. He went to buy shoes and a hat for Mrs. Donetrovitch. 
He gave her $10. He is coming back tomorrow with Mr. Twoig and 
go to court to be married. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch and the house were filthy and dirty. The 
children were in bed with their clothes on. The beds were dirty— 
no sheets or pillow cases. Mrs. Donetrovitch had not washed the 
bedding for weeks as she has no boiler. Visitor insisted that Mrs. 
Donetrovitch clean up the house, and stayed until the house was 
cleaned and the windows washed and clean curtains were hung up. 
About 11:00 Mrs. Donetrovitch took out a whole pork loin which 
she had roasting in the oven for tomorrow’s wedding celebration. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch has not been living with Mr. Surowzowa. 
She said that she was “pure asa lily.”” Mrs. Donetrovitch asked that 
visitor show her how to put up her hair on crimpers so that she would 
have it curly for the wedding. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 671 


Mr. Radowicz, true to his promise, gave Mrs. Donetrovitch a bed 
and mattress, but when Mr. Surowzowa called he told her to throw both | 
out in the alley as they were old and dirty. He did not think that 
Mrs. Donetrovitch was opening a second-hand store. 

January 25, 1923.—Visited. Mr. Surowzowa and Mr. Twoig 
came from Hammond at 8:30 A.M. Mrs. Donetrovitch was all 
dressed, and they went to court to be married. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch got up at 6:00 to prepare the stuffed cabbage. 
She also made sauerkraut and baked some cakes. 

January 29, 1923.—Mrs. Donetrovitch and Gabriel in office. 
Mrs. Donetrovitch was dressed in her wedding outfit. She came in 
to thank the visitor for whatever had been done for her. She was very 
happy and contented. Mr. Surowzowa is very kind to her and the 
children. He is very strict with the children, and she is very glad 
of this, as she cannot control them herself. He is very particular 
about the house and intends to buy a dresser and wardrobe cabinet 
and a bed for August so the house can be kept cleaner and in order. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch asked visitors to come to call on her some 
Sunday to see Mr. Surowzowa. She said he was very comical— 
made her laugh’so her jaws ached. She did not have her wedding 
band as she left it in the dresser drawer; she was afraid of wearing 
it out. 

March 15, 1923.—Mrs. King, friendly visitor, telephoned for a 
report. She was interested in present developments, but wishes to 
transfer her interest to another family so gave her one. : 

August I, 1923,—Visited to get Mrs. Donetrovitch’s consent to 
send the children to the country. Mrs. Donetrovitch was very 
much pleased to know that the Welfare Agency had not forgotten 
about her children. ‘The children were very happy when they heard 
the word ‘‘country”’ and said they were very anxious to go. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch looks very well, and her personal appearance 
is entirely different from what it has been. Mrs. Donetrovitch said 
she looks so well, because she has no worries, and is very happy. 
Her husband is very good to her and the children. She did not know 
what happiness was until she married Mr. Surowzowa. ‘The children 
are very fond of him and treat him like their own father. 

Mrs. Donetrovitch’s home was in much better order and much 
cleaner than it previously had been. She has a new ice box, and a 
linoleum rug on the kitchen floor. The bed clothes were nice and 
clean and the beds looked most inviting. 


672 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Donetrovitch was cooking green peppers stuffed with rice, 
and hamburger, of which she was very proud, as it looked very 
appetizing. 

August and Gabriel were the guests of one family. Hadja was 
the guest of another, and Margaret of a third family for two weeks. 
They were examined by Dr. Freeman, Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium. 

August 21, 1923.—Mrs. Donetrovitch in office to call for her 
children, who were to come home from the country today. 

Later the children came in happy and contented. They all began 
talking at one time, and telling their mother about the new dresses, 
suits, and hats they received, and about the good times they had. 

Hadja looked exceptionally well. Her cheeks were full and rosy, 
and she was dressed very prettily in a new black taffeta dress, and a 
large black straw hat. She also got a few more new dresses which 
she had packed up. 

Margaret also got some new clothes, but she did not look as well 
as Hadja. Gabriel seemed happy, and kept on telling his mother 
about the new suit he got. August felt blue because he was not 
given anything, and stood quietly in the corner without saying a 
word. 

The children said they enjoyed the country very much, and want 
to go back again next year. 


34. The Case of Marya Lenol 
(Whose Two-M onths-Old Child, Born out of Wedlock, Dies) 


April 28, 1920.—Mrs. Wojcik brought Miss Lenol, an unmarried 
mother, to the office for advice. Miss Lenol is rather an attractive 
girl of nineteen. She was very well dressed and has the appearance of 
being somewhat subnormal. In telling her story, she became confused 
and referred frequently to Mrs. Wojcik. She was born in Chicago 
of Polish parents, July 20, 1900. She attended St. Gabriel’s School 
until she was thirteen (fourth grade), when she claims to have gone 
to work. About eighteen months ago she met Ignatius Ropel, 
twenty-two years old, and they planned to be married. After she 
became pregnant, he refused to marry her. Her father is dead, and 
her mother has married again and has two daughters, one eleven and 
one six years old, by the second marriage. A seventeen-year-old 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 673 


sister, who works at the National Can Company, is living with her 
mother and stepfather,? 

Miss Lenol and her baby, Anna (born March 17, 1920), are living 
with a widowed sister, Mrs. Kolecki, who has two children, a boy of 
four and a baby girl of nine months. Mr. Kolecki was killed in May, 
1919, by an accident in the steel mill where he worked. Ignatius 
Ropel has a sister and a sister-in-law in Chicago. Dr. Labuy attended 
Miss Lenol at the time of her confinement. Her family did not know 
of her condition until the baby was born and feel the disgrace so that 
they plan to move into another neighborhood. She expects when the 
baby is a little older to go back to work. A week ago she received a 
letter from Mr. Jacobs, Ignatius Ropel’s attorney, advising her to call 
and make a settlement; $200 was offered her, which she refused. | 
She consulted the social worker at the Court of Domestic Relations, 
who sent her to Mrs. Wojcik. Mrs. Wojcik brought her to the office.? 

Later—Mrs. Wojcik telephoned warrant has been issued for 
Ignatius Ropel. 

A pril 30, 1920.—Mrs. Wojcik reports State’s Attorney is handling 
case. Mr. Ropel has asked for jury trial. | 

May 4, 1920.—Telephoned Court of Domestic Relations. Case 
will be postponed until May 12. Promised to look up girl’s work 
record and see the doctor. 

May 6, 1920.—Following letter written to manager National 
Can Company by the district superintendent: 

We should be grateful for the work record of Marya Lenol, who worked 
for you as forker under No. 1432 until about two months ago. Since that 
time Miss Lenol has been ill. 

«(This brief record illustrates two points: (1) the limitation of the duty laid 
upon the putative father of a child born out of wedlock to the obligation to pay the 
amount ordered in behalf of the child, so that the child’s death removes all liability 
on the part of the father; (2) the fact that the existence of a statutory, remedy 
or of a public provision such as that under the Bastardy Act (p. 896), is likely 
to have two effects on the case worker: (a) to render her work definite by fixing 
conditions under which advantage may be taken of the provision, (b) to tempt 
her to be satisfied with rendering the specific service necessary to make the provision 
available. Both influences are observable in the definite competence of the 
visitor’s service in this case, as in that to Mrs. Kolecki, Marya’s sister, p. 754, 
and to Paul Macho, p. 739.] 

2 {In this record of the interview in the office a number of facts are brought out: 
(a) the names are obtained of Marya’s employer, (0) of her doctor, (c) of her rela- 
tives; (d) the fact that she had been to the court, and (e) the fact that the alleged 
father had admitted his responsibility by offering to settle although inadequately.] 


674 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later —Visited. Marya is not well and does nothing but cry. 
While Dr. Alfred Labuy attended her for confinement, she has recently 
been going to Dr. Staniszewski, who reports that the baby has 
bronchitis and that Marya is just generally run down. The baby was 
baptized April 19, 1920, in St. Gabriel’s Church under the father’s 
name, Father Czesznak acting as godfather and Mattie Zopalski, a 
friend of Marya’s [who lives on another floor in the same house with 
Marya], as her godmother. Ignatius constantly promised to marry 
Marya and finally set the date on St. Joseph’s Day, which happens 
to be the very day on which the baby was born. She had intercourse 
with him from June, rg19, until December, 1919. He knew she was 
pregnant. Shortly after Christmas he quit work. He had been 
employed in a butcher’s store. After the baby was born, he completely 
changed around; not only said he would never marry Marya, but he 
accused her of having relations with other men and said he was not 
the baby’s father. The only other man whom Marya ever went with 
steadily was Jacob Novak. She emphatically stated that she had 
never had relations with this man or with any other man except 
Ignatius. 

May 7, 1920.—Mrs. Ziemski, who lives underneath Mrs. Kolecki, 
can testify that Ignatius frequently visited Marya up until a month 
or two ago. Mrs. Wojcik testifies that Mrs. Ziemski and Marya 
worked together as mangle girls in the Sunlight Laundry on 
Indiana Avenue under a Mr. Ainsworth in 1917, and Mr. Ainsworth 
will give them both the highest recommendation. 

Later.—Hattie Morowski, sister of Ignatius Ropel, was herself 
pregnant before her marriage. The Ropels forced her husband to 
marry her. She has urged Ignatius to marry Marya because of her 
own experience. 

May 8, 1920.—Letter received from employment manager of the 
National Can Company: 

Miss Marya Lenol entered the employ of the National Can Company, 
Inc., August 8, 1918, leaving February 18, 1920. During her entire service 
with this company, the conduct of Miss Lenol has been very good and her 
attendance has been exceptionally good also. She never mixed with the 
employees. We are sorry to hear of her present misfortune. 


Later.—The baby is very ill. 

Later.—At request of Welfare Agency, Miss Bradley, Infant 
Welfare nurse, came at once; and at her advice baby was brought to 
Infant Welfare Station to see doctor during the afternoon. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 675 


Later.—Dr. Labuy reports that when he last saw Marya about a 
month ago she was in good physical condition. So far as reputation 
goes he had the impression that Marya was a “‘high flyer.” Her sister 
told the doctor she had many beaux. While visitor was there he got 
Father Mroz on the telephone. Father Mroz reported that Ignatius 
Ropel “‘was the one Marya favors for the baby’s father,” but Father 
Mroz had not interviewed the young fellow because he ‘‘ wondered 
whether in reality he was the guilty party as he was a very desirable 
young man.” 

Later.—Visited Jacob Novak. He went with Marya about nine 
months ago but “not seriously.”” He visited her a number of times 
at her sister’s home, and she had several other callers. When he 
knew that she was pregnant, he stopped going to see her. He knows 
the father. 

May to and 11, 1920.—Called at Ignatius Ropel’s home. Both 
evenings he was out in spite of the fact that visitor had called at his 
home each afternoon to let his mother know that visitor would call. 
The family rather gave the impression that Ignatius was very head- 
strong and did exactly as he pleased. 

Later—Father Klusick says that Ignatius Ropel is the father of 
Marya’s child; that he is a “skunk.” That he would like to talk to 
him, but that Ignatius was not the kind that would come near the 
parish house. 

May 15, 1920.—Mattie Zopalski says that although she was 
Marya’s baby’s godmother, she is not an especial friend. She is 
Ignatius Ropel’s sister-in-law. He lived with her for two years. 
She says that Marya is a nice girl as far as she knows and that Ignatius 
is a nice boy “but you know how boys are. Marya was not the 
first, and she was not the last.” 

May 18, 1920.—Took Marya to psychiatrist at West Side 
Dispensary, who gave Marya a very thorough mental and physical 
examination, and reported as follows: 

Mental Examination: Chronological Age, 19 years, 7 months; Mental 
Age, Io years, 8 months; Intelligence Quotient, 67; Mental Status, High- 
grade Moron. 

Language is a handicap to her as they speak Polish at home and she 
went to a Polish school. Most of the twelve-year-old tests were beyond 
her, though in some of them her judgment was good. Her memory is 
very good, but she is easily deceived by questions designed to do so. 

She will do simple work well but she must be watched carefully to keep 
her from sex delinquency, 


676 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Medical examination: Anemia; Wassermann—negative; Recom- 
mendations: She should eat brown bread, green and other vegetables, 
cooked and uncooked eggs, a little meat and fruit, and she should take an 
iron tonic, which we will gladly prescribe. 


May 20, 1920.—After twice being postponed by Mr. Jacobs, the 
lawyer for the defense, Marya’s case was heard in the Court of 
Domestic Relations. Although the case was very hotly fought, the 
jury returned a verdict in favor of Marya. Dr. Gray, to whom the 
Infant Welfare doctor referred Marya, reports that Marya’s baby 
has a congenital leakage of the heart. ‘‘She may live to be eighty-five, 
and she may die at any time.”’ At present she seems much better. 

May 27, 1920.—Mrs. Wojcik telephoned that the baby died at 
eleven o’clock, May 26, with only an hour or two’s warning. They 
had Dr. Gray, but it was the baby’s heart that gave out. The social 
worker at the Court of Domestic Relations will see that Marya’s 
bills at confinement and the baby’s funeral bill are brought into court 
for payment by Ignatius Ropel. Otherwise, he will be free. 

May 29, 1920.—Social worker, Court of Domestic Relations, 
telephoned that this morning Mr. Jacobs entered a plea for a new 
trialon the Ropel case. The judge refused to grant this on the ground 
that the baby was dead. A great argument ensued which will be 
continued June 2, at which time social worker would very much like 
to have the itemized bills. : 

June 2, 1920.—Bills for confinement and funeral delivered to 
social worker, Court of Domestic Relations. 

June 7, 1920.—Marya returned to work June 77 at National Can 
Company. She was given the position of inspector with which she is 
very pleased as the job allows her to sit most of the day next to an open 
doorway where she gets an abundance of fresh air. She reports her 
foreman is very kind to her, and she is very happy to be back at work. 

Marya’s confinement bill and bill for the baby’s funeral (total 
amount of these bills was $78.50) were presented in court June 109. 
A settlement of $80 was made with the understanding that Ignatius 
Ropel would drop the appeal for the new trial. 

July 10, 1920.—Marya continues to work at the National Can 
Company. She is feeling well and seems to have a new grip on life. 
She still lives with her sister. 

™{On June 14 Mrs. Kolecki comes to the visitor and asks help in getting 


compensation for her husband’s death (see p. 754). The two records leave a, sense of 
competent use of the public machinery.] 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 677 


January 13, 1921.—Mrs. Wojcik, friend of Marya’s, reports that 
Marya has been working at the Can Factory and has been making 
between $35 and $40 a week at this work. She looks well and is 
conducting herself in a quiet, orderly way and is really very happy. 
She feels that the Welfare Agency are deserving of her life-long 
gratitude in getting her out of trouble. 

January 21, 1921.—The following letter written by visitor to 
Marya: 


One of our visitors saw Mrs. Wojcik! the other day and reported back 
to me how well you were doing. In spite of the fact that we never went on 
our party which we planned this summer, I have thought of you often and 
hoped that everything was going well. Some day soon when I am not 
quite so busy, I want you and Mrs. Wojcik to come down to my house 
for tea. 


35. The Problem of Hattie Wolenski 
(An Immigrant Unmarried Mother) 


September 25, 1917.—Miss Francis, a Public Health nurse, tele- 
phoned. A young Polish girl was reported to them yesterday. She 
had just had an illegitimate baby born; had not even the assistance 
of neighbors at the time. She was found later, and a midwife was 
called but will not continue her service as the girl will not pay her. 
A nurse attended her this morning and will go in this afternoon with 
clothing for the baby. They know nothing whatever about the case 
but believe that the College Settlement intends reporting it to the 
Welfare Agency for relief. ‘There seemed to be no resources or per- 
sonal connections. 

Later.—Telephoned Miss Graves, worker at College Settlement. 
Neighbors reported the case to them, but the Settlement has not 
followed it or made any plan. 

Later.—Telephoned Miss Francis, asking that nurse supply girl 
with food for today, and visitor will call in the morning. 

Later.—Visited. Girl sitting up, eating her lunch. Says that 
the father of the child has been going with her for three years, and he 
wished to marry her long ago, but she thought she was too young. 
She never had any girlhood and did not wish to be married for some 
time. He several times tried to become intimate with her, but she 


t [See below, p. 758, for record of visit to Mrs, Kolecki’s home in which reference 
is made to Marya.] 


678 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


repulsed him and had him thrown out of the house. He would remain 
away two weeks and then come again. Finally last Christmas, when 
she was ill, he came to the house and used force. He told her if she 
should have a child, she need not worry as he would take care of her. 
She has seen nothing of him for six months and claims she does not 
remember his name; thought it was Stephen Waldek. She had not 
told him that she was pregnant as she herself did not know it until 
five months ago. She had worked until two months before her con- 
finement at a restaurant as dishwasher; at her last place earned $9.00 
a week. She has no relatives here, and when she learned her condition 
she cut off from all her friends as she was so ashamed. Lived on the 
money she had saved, but it is all gone. She lives in two very nicely 
furnished rooms; the furniture is all paid up, otherwise she would 
have had some money in the bank. Rooms are immaculate. She 
cannot read nor write but looks like a bright girl. The baby is a fine 
large boy. Girl began to feel sick September 21, and the baby was 
not born until the next day noon. She had no doctor nor other care 
and thought she would die; neighbor heard the child cry Sunday and 
when she saw girl immediately called midwife. Girl had not associated 
with any of the neighbors and prayed that she might die. ‘The neigh- 
bor called the landlady and a man next door, who acted as god- 
parents, and baby was immediately christened Walter at Holy Name 
Church. 

Girl, who is twenty-three years old, came to the United States 
five years ago from Galicia; came directly to Chicago to a cousin of 
hers, who has since returned to Europe. . Her father died when she 
was two years old and left practically nothing; there were five children 
in the family, and the girl had to go to work at the age of eleven as a 
domestic. Earned very little and had to give most of it to her mother. 
The latter is still living, but she has not heard from home for a long 
time; knows that one brother is in the war. 

She said that the nurse called today and told her they would take 
her to the hospital as she needed doctor’s care. Refused to accept 
any money from visitor, as nurse gave her 50 cents yesterday, and 
she did not need it. Asked girl if she did not wish any of her friends 
to know about her illness. Gave name of Mrs. Michael Zabrinski, 
who lives somewhere on the South Side, she did not know where. ‘This 
friend had not seen girl since May and doés not know about her trouble. 

[Addresses at which girl had formerly lived were ascertained.| 
Girl said she believes Mr. Waldek is living in the neighborhood; is 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 679 


not willing to prosecute him but said that if he were willing to marry 
her she would do so but would not use force. 

Later.—Talked with neighbor, Mrs. Nesek. She said that they 
know nothing about Hattie; she stayed by herself, and they never 
saw any man visiting her. They tried to get her to tell her story, 
but she refused to say anything. [Legal Aid was registered on the 
case. | 

September 28, tor7.—Telephoned Legal Aid. Hattie had a 
claim for wages against the Magnificent Restaurant, 2168 Madison 
Street, for $9.00. So far they have not collected money. 

October rt, rt917.—Visited landlady at previous address. She 
said that Hattie lived there for over a year and that she never 
saw her except when she came to pay the rent. However, people 
named Molenowski, now living at 2732 Landis Street, had mentioned 
several times that they saw men callers. They might be able to 
give more information. 

_ Later —Called on Mrs. Kawalski, a midwife, who formerly lived 
in the same house with Hattie. She was not at home; daughter 
said they know nothing about her. Hattie once told someone they 
knew that she had a sister here. Mrs. Kawalski called on Hattie 
just before she went to the hospital. 

Later. —Visited landlady, Mrs. Pyterek; she is godmother to the 
baby. She knows nothing about Hattie but said that she saw a 
man call on her twice during the six months she has been living here. 
Tried to learn from her who was the father of the child, but she would 
not tell. . 

October 3, 1917.—Telephoned social service worker, County Hos- 
pital. She knew the case but as Hattie was quite sick she could not 
talk with her. The patient is to go home tomorrow; all the social 
worker learned was the name of the man, which was the same as that 
given visitor. She thought if visitor and she both went to see Hattie 
after she goes home, more information could be secured. Made 
appointment with her for October 5. 

October 5, t917.—Visited with county social worker. Hattie 
could not give any further information regarding father of child. 
Said that about a year ago he mentioned that he had a milk depot 
at the corner of Harrison and Racine. Questioned her regarding 
man who had called on her; said he was merely a friend who came to 
see her for a few minutes. Said she has had absolutely no other men 
callers. Said as soon as she feels stronger she will see Mrs. Zabrinski 


680 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


and bring visitor address. She has not received the wages due her 
from Magnificent Restaurant, as it failed. Gave $1.00. 

October 6, 1917.—Tried to locate milk depot at Harrison and 
Racine; learned that there had never been a milk depot there. 
Inquired at saloon on corner, saloon-keeper said he had seen a milk 
wagon with name of Stephen Waldek on it; will be on the look-out 
for it and learn address. 

October 8, 1917.—Visited Holy Name Church. ‘Could not locate 
a Stephen Waldek, but there was a Walter Waldek. ‘They did not 
keep addresses of single men. Walter Waldek has kept up his dues, 
and the priest said that his record was good; did not think he was the 
man visitor was trying to locate. Asked that visitor send Hattie 
to him. 

October 17, t917.—County social worker in office saying that she 
had sent another girl with an illegitimate child to Hattie to live with 
her. She thought one of them could go to work by day and the other 
secure night work and in that way take care of the children. 

Later.—Visited. Hattie said no one had come to see her. She 
would be glad to take in this girl and is certain they could make satis- 
factory arrangements about working. She has been out every day 
looking for Stephen Waldek but so far has found no trace of him. 
Gave $1.50. 

October 18, 1917.—Tried to locate Stephen Waldek in city directory 
but was unable to find anyone by that name. 

October 19, 1917.—Telephoned County Agent explaining circum- 
stances. ‘They will investigate and if necessary grant supplies. 

October 24, t917.—Visited Mrs. Michael Zabrinski, who worked 
in the same restaurant with Hattie Wolenski; has known her only 
about two years and is unable to give any facts of her early history. 
She states that Hattie was a good girl, always repulsing advances 
made her by strange men with whom she came in contact. To Mrs. 
Zabrinski’s knowledge this is her first illegitimate child. She does 
not think Hattie a young girl, however, and gives her age as about 
twenty-eight. . 

Mrs. Zabrinski says that Hattie cared a great deal for Stephen 
Waldek and would have married him at any time but that he postponed 
the marriage from day to day, with excuses of various kinds. Mrs. 
Zabrinski met him only once but knew him by hearsay to be indolent — 
and a heavy drinker. She had no recollection of any remarks ever 
made by Hattie with regard to Stephen and never knew his address. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER ‘ 681 


Mrs. Zabrinski knows of no relatives of Hattie’s except a sister 
(or sister-in-law) whose name and exact address she cannot give, 
‘who lives on the South Side. She says that Hattie asked her and 
several other friends if she might live with them but as all were living 
under very crowded conditions, they were not able to. accommodate 
her. 

October 26, r917.—Visited. Hattie stated that her sister-in-law 
went back to the Old Country before the war began. She was unable 
to get any clues regarding Stephen’s whereabouts. Received supplies 
October 23. Has coal enough for two days more. Gave $2.00 for 
food. 

November 2, 1917.—Visited. Rooms cold as Hattie is out of 
fuel. Said she rememembers now that Stephen’s name is different 
from the one she gave to investigator. When he first started to go 
with her he told her his name was Stephen Wojic; afterward he said 
it was Waldek. Gave $2.00 and 50 cents for fuel. Hattie is anxious 
to learn to write her name, so visitor gave her a writing-lesson. 

November 14, 1917.—Gave $2.00 for food. 

December 11, 1917.—College Settlement reports that they will 
give Christmas basket. 

December 13, 1917.—Visited. Infant Welfare nurse there. 
Hattie said that she had found out through an old friend that Stephen’s 
name is not Waldek but Gutowski and that he has a milk depot some- 
where near Adams and Robey. Welfare Agency is not helping, and 
Hattie seems more anxious to find man; she has heard that he is 
married. She is afraid to go there herself as she thinks he may dis- 
appear. 

December 20, 1917.—Landlady in office asking rent which is three 
months in arrears. Told her Welfare Agency is not responsible 
for same. 

February 4, 1918.—Infant Welfare nurse telephones that Hattie is 
at their office saying she wishes to move; plans to live with another 
girl; wished to know whether Welfare Agency would pay rent and 
moving expenses. Told her Welfare Agency could not undertake 
to do this. She thinks Hattie may be feeble-minded. Told her that 
if she would let Agency know Hattie’s new address we would have 
her examined. 

November 17, 1919.—Miss Hunt of the College Settlement reports 
Miss Wolenski at Settlement; is pregnant, and Stephen Gutowski, 
father of Walter, is responsible. 


682 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Miss Hunt has taken her to Court of Domestic Relations, but 
Mr. Gutowski cannot be located. 

November 18, rotg.—Visited. Miss Wolenski had the doors - 
locked and made no response to knock. Could see Walter sleeping 
on a chair but could see nothing of Miss Wolenski, although visitor 
was sure she was at home as both storm doors were hooked on the 
inside. Talked with tenant who lives upstairs. Miss Wolenski 
has been living here about a month, and tenant stated that a man who 
claims to be her husband rented the rooms and paid a deposit on 
them. ‘Tenant said that man had been there only once since then, 
and she thought this rather suspicious. 

Miss Wolenski does not go out much, and tenant thought that 
she slept a great deal during the day. Although numbers of people 
have called, Miss Wolenski has not answered the door, and the 
landlord has called several times for the rent without getting an 
answer. ‘Tenant knows nothing of Miss Wolenski because she cannot 
speak Polish to her. Stated that she was very filthy in appearance, 
and that she often left the baby at home by himself while she went out. 

November 29, t91t9.—After making a number of visits without 
being able to locate Miss Wolenski at home, learned that the family 
had moved the day previous. ‘Tenant upstairs stated that a man had 
come who was supposed to be her husband, and they had made 
hurried arrangements for moving, although it was raining heavily 
that evening. 

Later. —After securing address from mover, visited Miss Wolenski, 
who at first paid no attention to knock. 

She was very frank in talking about her contact with Stephen 
Gutowski. After the birth of Walter she went to work at a bakery 
at the corner of Washington and Green streets, leaving the child in a 
nursery. She also worked at a bakery at Randolph and California 
streets. Later on, when the baby was about a year old, she started 
working nights and left him sleeping in her room. She had not seen 
Stephen Gutowski up until the time she began working at night. Then 
he came to visit her and stayed with the child while she worked. She 
thinks that he was working as a presser at the time in a tailor-shop 
somewhere on Jackson Street. Recently she moved, but she denied 
that Stephen Gutowski made any arrangements for her moving. 
Stated that she had been working in a restaurant near by and that 
she came here to be near her work. She told very frankly about going 
to College Settlement to make complaint and of going to Court of 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 683 


Domestic Relations to take out warrant, but it was almost impossible 
to get any information in regard to the details of her past life. Miss 
Wolenski was unable to grasp what visitor said without a great deal 
of explanation. Her speech was very incoherent and disjointed, and 
she does not even speak a correct Polish. Was quite willing to have 
arrangements made for care during confinement, if something could 
be done about placing Walter. 

The house was extremely dirty, and the baby was half-dressed. 
Miss Wolenski had been washing and seemed to have only the barest 
necessities in clothing. However, there was plenty of coal and food 
in the house. 

Miss Wolenski herself was extremely filthy and untidy in 
appearance. . 

December 6, 1919.—Miss Wolenski in office asking advice, as she 
claims she has $13, a week’s salary, coming to her. She has tried to 
collect this amount, but proprietor refused to give her the money, 
claiming he has already paid her. Miss Wolenski has not seen 
Stephen Gutowski once since she moved to present address. Has 
no idea where he lives, and is under the impression that he is a married 
man, but is not sure of this. He urged her to move because he 
claimed it was nearer to his place of employment, although he was 
not living with her. However, she claims he came very frequently 
to spend the evening with her. After she moved, he told her that 
she could support herself with home tailoring. She does not know 
where he lives but thinks it is in a suburb. He was at one time in 
the milk business. She knows a man by the name of Spacek, who is 
also in the milk business. Stephen Gutowski also has a stepbrother, 
but she does not know his name or where he lives. Miss Wolenski 
was very neatly dressed in a dark coat, and an attractive purple hat 
and gray shoes. 

December 8, t919.—Located milk depot of Ignatius Spacek. Mr. 
Spacek has known Mr. Gutowski for several years. He saw him 
last about a year ago. Mr. Gutowski had a milk depot at one time, 
but sold this about two years ago, and has since worked as a presser. 
Mr. Spacek does not know where he is working. Mr. Gutowski owes 
him considerable money, which he has never been able to collect. 
Mr. Gutowski is a married man, and has one child living, two having 
died last year. He has had much trouble with his wife, and there 
have been times when they have not lived together. Then Mr. 
Gutowski lived with “his girl,” as Mr. Spacek expressed it, and 


684 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


this has caused much friction between Mr. Gutowski and _ his 
wife. Mr. Spacek seemed to think this was not at all unusual. 
While talking to visitor, he made a statement he guessed she had come 
because Stephen Gutowski was in trouble about his wife and girl. 
Directed visitor to Mr. Gutowski’s half-brother. 

Later—Learned that Stephen Gutowski, who is now working 
in a tailor-shop, is living in a suburb with his family. Visitor felt it 
unwise to secure any more information at this time. Mr. Morowsky, 
half-brother of Stephen Gutowski, is quite a young man, rather short 
and stockily built. He and his wife appear to be of the peasant type. 

Later.—Visited previous address. Miss Wolenski lived here about 
eight months. She claimed to be a widow, her husband having died 
during the influenza epidemic. She worked somewhere on Rhodes 
Avenue, but neighbors did not know where. She took ber baby to the 
nursery every day. Had a man coming to see her quite frequently, 
whom she claimed to be her brother. Neighbors did not know whether 
he stayed with her or not. No one seems to have talked with her 
much, but knew where she moved. They had supposed that brother 
moved family. 

Later.—Visited neighborhood of addresses given by Miss Wolenski 
as previous work places but could find neither bakeries nor lunchrooms 
where she had worked. . 

Later.—Telephoned Court of Domestic Relations address of 
Stephen Gutowski. 

December 9, 1919.—Telephoned Miss Jones of the Lake View Day 
Nursery. Miss Wolenski brought her baby to nursery from February 
20, 1918, to October 19, 1918, with the exception of August, when the 
baby was ill. Upon visits to the home made by visitor from the 
nursery, conditions were found to be good, although the mother lived 
in basement rooms. Everything was clean and appeared to be well 
kept, and the baby was always well dressed and clean when brought 
to nursery. Miss Wolenski worked at Racine and Center avenues. 

Later.—The following letter written the psychiatrist: 

Hattie Wolenski was first referred to us September 25, 1917, upon the 
birth of her baby, Walter. She told our visitor at that time that she had 
gone with the father of the child for three years; and although he wished to 
marry her, she had refused to consent to this as she felt she was too young. 

Miss Wolenski is supposed to have come to America about seven years 
ago from Galicia. She has worked in restaurants as a dishwasher since 
her arrival here, and tells us she worked as a domestic in Europe ever since 
she was eleven years old. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 685 


At that time we were unable to locate Stephen Gutowski, the father of 
the child, because she herself was so vague about his name, place of employ- 
ment, and residence. She was established in her own rooms and, by placing 
the baby in a nursery during the day, was able to maintain herself and the 
child. 

November 17 of this year she was again referred to us for assistance by 
the College Settlement, where she had gone for advice as she was pregnant, 
and Stephen Gutowski, the father of her first child, was responsible for her 
condition. We learned upon visiting that Miss Wolenski had been working 
in restaurants and that Stephen Gutowski frequently spent the evening 
with her, although he is a married man with children. Neighbors at previous 
addresses tell us that she claimed to be a widow, saying that her husband 
had died in the influenza epidemic. She seems to have had little contact 
with her neighbors. 

We feel that Miss Wolenski needs to be examined mentally. She 
apparently knows very little about Stephen Gutowski, his place of employ- 
ment, occupation, etc., and is very vague as to where she herself has worked 
and lived, stating that when she leaves an address she forgets the number 
immediately. Her home is in an extremely filthy and disorderly condition, 
and she and the baby are usually dirty and untidy. She does not talk 
coherently, and it was very hard for her to grasp what visitor said without 
a great deal of explanation. She has been very frank in talking about her 
connection with Stephen Gutowski, and the details of her life, but it has 
been almost impossible to get any detailed account of this. 


December 31, 1919.—Visits have been made during the month. 
Case against Stephen Gutowski came up in court December 21 and 
was continued until February 20 after birth of child. He is reported 
to have left his wife and is living with his cousin, who is reported 
to have offered to make a payment to Miss Wolenski of $200, which 
_ she refused. Mr. Gutowski has come to see Miss Wolenski on several 
occasions since the case was in court, but she refuses to have anything 
to do with him. (Miss Wolenski states that both her father and 
mother are dead, her father having died when she was about two 
years old, and when eight years of age she was forced to go out and 
work in the fields. As near as visitor could learn, she has never had 
any real home.) ‘The family were given a basket from the Christmas 
fund. 

January 2, 1920.—The following report of Hattie’s examination 
received from psychiatrist: 

We wish to report the results of our examination of Hattie Wolenski. 
She has a mental age of nine years, one month. We would consider her a 
defective delinquent. It is a very difficult thing to dispose of this type of 


686 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


patient, as there are now no institutions in this state especially designed 
for these patients. Sometimes a sojourn at the Bridewell has a result, but 
only temporary. 

Since she is a foreigner, we wonder if it would not be well to return her 
to Europe, as she shows a mental condition which would prevent an immi- 
grant from entering this country. Probably if you would get in touch with 
an official of the Immigrant Commission, he could give you some advice. 


February 16, 1920.—On January 16, 1920, accompanied Miss 
Wolenski to West Side Dispensary for examination, which indicated 
that the baby might be born about February 5. Arrangements were 
made for her to get in touch with doctor at time of confinement. How- 
ever, the baby (Elizabeth) was born January 31, during the night, 
and she did not call neighbors or doctor to care for her. Arrangements 
were made for her to go to the hospital, where she remained until 
February 9, 1920, and Walter was placed in the Children’s Refuge. 
When dismissed from the hospital she was in good physical condition. 

February 20, 1920.—Stephen Gutowski in court. He was ordered 
to pay $1,100 for the support of baby, paying $200 the first year and 
$1roo each remaining year, Hattie to remain under the supervision of 
the Welfare Agency. Mr. Gutowski was imprisoned for six months 
for non-payment. 

[February 24, 1920.—See record of Stephen Gutowski, p. 558.] 

March 5, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Morowsky, sister-in-law of Stephen 
Gutowski. She does not know Hattie; stated that her husband had 
tried to settle in court with Hattie for $200 so that the thing could be 
straightened up. Mr. Morowsky knew of Mr. Gutowski’s relations 
with Hattie previous to Walter’s birth, and he endeavored to persuade 
him to keep away from her. 

Later.—Miss Jameson of the Visiting Nurse Association reported 
Hattie Wolenski ill. Called county doctor who later reported that she 
was bothered with chronic appendicitis. She refused to go to the 
hospital for care. She had received a letter from Stephen Gutowski 
asking her to use her influence to have him released from jail, but she 
seems to have lost interest in him. 

April 15, 1920.—Visited Mr. Gutowski in the County Jail. He 
denies that he is the father of either Walter or Elizabeth and reiterated 
that Hattie had other men coming to see her, among whom was 
Ignatius Spacek. He met Hattie through her brother-in-law, who 
was working in a tailor-shop with him. This brother-in-law and 
Hattie’s sister have both died. He stated quite emphatically that 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 687 


Hattie knew from the very beginning that he was a married man, 
and he also stated that the reason that he had gone to see her after 
Walter’s birth was because he was sorry for the baby as she left him 
alone a great deal. He does not want to have anything more to do 
with Hattie. (For other information, see Gutowski record.) . Visitor 
felt that Mr. Gutowski was unreliable in his statements. 

April 30, 1920.—Sent Miss Wolenski a kitchen table and two 
chairs from donation. Also a bundle of baby clothing from stock. 

May 5, 1920.—Letter received from Psychopathic Laboratory 
stating that “there is absolutely no room at State School for the 
Feeble-minded for any female cases, even of the most urgent type.” 
According to order of priority Hattie would be in Class II. She will 
be put high on the second list and every attempt will be made to cut 
down the time of waiting, if Welfare Agency will take the steps to 
have her committed. 

May 13, 1920.—Letter written county official: 

May we ask that an application be filed for the commitment to the 
State School for the Feeble-minded for Hattie Wolenski, who has been 
diagnosed as defective. . 

I have a letter from the Psychopathic Laboratory, dated January 2, 
1920, which states, ‘‘She has a mental age of nine years one month. We 
would consider her a defective delinquent,” also a second letter dated May 
3, 1920, from which I quote, “If you will take steps to have her committed, 
she will be put high on second list and every attempt will be made to cut 
down the time of waiting as much as possible.” 

Hattie Wolenski has given birth to two illegitmate children, and from 
our experience with her these past five months we feel that she is quite 
unequal to providing for herself and should be given custodial care rather 
than such supervision as we are able to provide in her home. 


July 31, 1920.—July 1, Hattie Wolenski and children sent for two 
weeks’ outing; Dr. Wojcik signed medical slips. 

Bought clothing to the amount of $15.24. Hattie, upon her 
return from outing, helped with cleaning office. 

August 29, 1920.—Elizabeth had a rash on her face and body. 
She also seems to be feeling badly. Reported her to Visiting Nurse, 
who stated that rash was due to improper feeding. Miss Wolenski 
has seen nothing of Mr. Gutowski, and visitor feels that she would not 
admit him to the house without an unusual amount of persuasion 
on his part. 

September 28, 1920.—Hattie is taking Elizabeth to Infant Welfare 
regularly. She seems to take good care of the children and keeps 


688 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


them and herself clean and neat; she also attempts to keep her home 
attractive. She painted her kitchen stove delft blue and is quite proud 
of its appearance. She is open to suggestion and usually willing to 
fall in with any plans made for her. 

October 30, 1920.—Gave Hattie two pairs of stockings for Walter 
from donation. 

November 29, 1920.—Hattie is very much alarmed because she 
has had someone knock at her door several evenings the week previous, 
and she is afraid that Mr. Gutowski is attempting to bother her again. 
She is very anxious to move from her present quarters, because she 
wants to have nothing to do with him. She retires very early in order 
not to havea light in the house in the evening, so that if he does come, 
he will have no opportunity to talk to her. Gave clothing for children 
from donation. 

December 3, 1920.—Visited Infant Welfare. Elizabeth was regis- 
tered January 21, 1920, weight on October 8, 1920, 16.5 pounds; 
weight November 12, 1920, 18.6 pounds. Hattie comes regularly 
to the clinic. Children are kept too near stove, and the house is 
poorly ventilated. However, the baby is gaining rapidly. 

December 10, 1920.—Hattie moved to new rooms which are very 
light and cozy. She has very little furniture with which to furnish 
her new place. Also is in need of new curtains. 

December 13, 1920.—Hattie in office, stating that baby Elizabeth 
was sick. 

December 14, 1920.—Talked to Dr. Graves, who states that the 
baby has gastric trouble, due to improper feeding. Suggests that 
Hattie be given instructions as to how to prepare food. 

December 24, 1920.—Lane High School took family for Christmas. 
Gave toys and basket. Hattie also received basket from North 
Shore Settlement. 

Gave Hattie coat from donation. She attended Christmas party 
at College Settlement. 

January 31, 1921.—Elizabeth seems to have recovered from her 
stomach trouble. Hattie goes regularly every two weeks to the Infant 
Welfare Station. She is planning to do some cleaning, starting about 
February 1. She is also taking in a small washing. She has heard 
nothing of Stephen Gutowski. 

February 18, 1921.—Telephoned County Clerk. Will place 
Hattie’s name on the list for the State School for the Feeble-minded. 
She will probably be sent in six or seven weeks. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 689 


March 3, 1921.—Landlady telephoned 4:45 p.m. Hattie had 
everything on wagon and was moving to 7141 Crawford Street. She 
owes rent. Left rooms very dirty. No men around. 

March 15, 1921.—Hattie is working, leaving children with old 
woman in neighborhood. Neighbor does not know just where. . She 
has two rooms in rear part of building. 


36. Maggie Kreisberg and Her Child David 
(Born of a Bigamous Marriage) 


April 24, 1922.—Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg in interviewer’s office, 
stating that her husband left her penniless a week ago. That she is 
his second wife and that Mr. Kreisberg has left a child of a previous 
marriage with her. She is expecting to be confined any day. She 
stated that her husband left her without a cent in the home and that 
she is forced to move out of her flat at 2705 Alexander Street and 
is at present staying with her mother at 2703 Alexander Street. 
Her husband left her checks which had been forged and hence 
came back to her. 

April 26, 1922.—Called at 2703 Alexander Street, where Mrs. 
Blumenthal, mother of Mrs. Kreisberg, lives. Found Mrs. Kreisberg 
in bed. She had given birth to a baby:boy on April 24. She gave 
the following information: After an acquaintance of about four months 
she was married to Mr. Kreisberg on June 17, 1921, in Chicago. 
Mattie, aged thirteen, Mr. Kreisberg’s child of his first marriage, 
had been boarded out. She came to stay with them immediately 
after her marriage. Mr. Kreisberg worked as furrier at Abramson’s 
at 2756 Alexander Street, made good money, averaging between 
$75 and $100 a week. Although he never gave too much money in 
the home, he always gave sufficient to make ends meet. He was 
kind-hearted and good to her and the child; and, although he came 
home late evenings, sometimes as late as two and three o’clock in 
the morning, he was home every night. On the whole their married 
life was fairly happy. Then about three months ago work became 
slack, and Mr. Kreisberg was laid off. He then went into business 
for himself, establishing a furrier shop on Alexander Street near 
Lincoln Avenue. He did fairly well in that business at first and then 
began losing money on it. Mr. Kreisberg began looking around for 
work in other places but was unable to secure employment in Chicago. 
Then, on April 15, he left her a $10 check and told her that he was 


690 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


leaving for Jacksonville, Illinois, where he had been promised employ- 
ment. He stated that if this was unsatisfactory he would come back 
to Chicago; but if satisfactory he would send for her to go there as 
soon as he settled down. Since the fifteenth nothing has been heard 
from him. The $10 check he left she gave to the gas company for 
gas bill to be paid, and a few days later the check was returned to her 
as it had been forged. A few days after that, while they were still 
in their own flat at 2705 Alexander Street, the agent from the furni- 
ture company came, asking for payment. Mrs. Kreisberg was 
astounded at this. They had furnished a beautiful home and had 
everything that was necessary in any self-respecting family, and Mr. 
Kreisberg had informed her that he had furnished all this himself 
and had paid cash for everything at the time they were bought and 
that there was nothing else connected with it. She informed the agent 
that Mr. Kreisberg had left the city; and immediately the next day 
a wagon came from the furniture company, and they moved everything 
from the home until nothing was left, excepting a few cooking utensils 
and the four bare walls. By this time their rent was due, and Mr. 
Kreisberg had paid the landlord with a check just before leaving, 
although it was two days ahead of time for payment. On the same 
day that the furniture company had taken away the furniture the 
landlord came in with the returned forged check. ‘This check too 
served no purpose, and the landlord gave them notice to move. 
Mrs. Kreisberg, who was expecting confinement any day, was at a 
loss as to what she should do; the furniture gone, eviction notice 
on hand, and no cash with which she could meet the various expenses. 
Having no other alternative, she moved in with her mother, who is 
residing at 2703 Alexander Street. However, her mother too is 
very poor. She has been in this country only eight months. Her 
husband had died about three years ago upon his return from the 
army in Europe. The only working member in the family is Mrs. 
Kreisberg’s sister, a young girl of eighteen, who is supporting Mrs. 
Blumenthal and seven other children, Mrs. Kreisberg, her infant, 
and Mattie, the child of Mr. Kreisberg’s previous marriage. Another 
girl of twenty, Mrs. Kreisberg’s sister, is at present out of employment, 
and there is the additional expense of carfare and lunches while search- 
ing for work. Then Mrs. Kreisberg decided to report the state of 
affairs to the Welfare Bureau. ‘This was on the morning of April 24, 
1922. In the evening the infant was born at the home of her mother. 
There was no doctor or nurse who could care for her, and a kindly 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 691 


neighbor finally succeeded in bringing in Dr. Loeb for Mrs. Kreisberg. 
The physician, who had been originally asked for his services, could 
not be reached. 

Mrs. Kreisberg was born in Austria twenty-six years ago. She 
came to America in 1914. Before her marriage she had worked in a 
bindery, making fairly good wages, and she then decided to send for 
her mother and the children. They arrived eight months ago. 
Then the two older girls, next to Mrs. Kreisberg, also went to work, 
and they managed to get along well with the income. She met 
Mr. Kreisberg about four months before they were married. During 
their courtship he seemed to be a perfect gentleman, was extravagant 
in his expenditures, took a cab for the least little journey or trip, 
brought presents constantly; in short, he cut a very admirable figure. 
Then there was the fact that Mrs. Kreisberg and her parents knew 
the Kreisbergs while still in Europe. Both their families come from 
the same part of Austria. Mr. Kreisberg’s father was known to be a 
very fine person, as also his brothers. ‘They are a prosperous family, 
and Mr. Kreisberg while in America had sent enormous sums of money 
to his people in Europe. Mr. Kreisberg has now been in America 
for the past fifteen or sixteen years. ‘The first nine years he lived in 
New York and was married there. His wife died. ‘The child of this 
marriage is Mattie. He then married again; and in the second mar- 
riage domestic difficulty arose, and the two people were divorced. 
Ben, the son of this last marriage, is now in an orphan home in the 
city of New York. A certain Mrs. Ellias, living at 1416 Independ- 
ence Boulevard, Mrs. Kreisberg stated, would be able to give worker 
more information regarding this matter. After they were married, 
that is, Maggie and Mr. Kreisberg, rumors came to Mrs. Kreisberg 
that her husband had had any number of marriages, that he had quite 
a number of children from each marriage, has mistresses in the various 
parts of the city, and so on and so on. However, she was able to 
prove none of these things, but suspicions arose. She then recalled 
how, when they were married on June 17, 1921, Mr. Kreisberg had 
gone under the name of Ewell Crossburg; when she had brought 
this fact to Mr. Kreisberg’s attention, he stated that the pronouncia- 
tion and the spelling of his name are two different things and there 
is nothing illogical about this as there are a great many words that 
are pronounced differently from the way they are spelled. 

Later.—Called at 2756 Alexander Street, at Abramson’s. Spoke 
to Mr. Schlesinger, one of the workers in the shop, who was the only 


692 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


one there. He stated that Mr. Kreisberg had worked at Abramson’s 
but a very short time. He proved to be an expert worker at his trade 
and made between $75 and $100 a week. However, he was an erratic 
individual, extremely nervous, highstrung, and of a suspicious nature. 
At the time he left he went into business for himself in a shop on 
Alexander Street near Lincoln Avenue. 

Later.—Called at 24¢3 Alexander Street, where Mr. Kreisberg 
was supposed to have his own shop. Found place locked, with sign 
in window “‘for rent.”? The place was entirely empty. 

Later.—Called at 2497 Alexander Street at the Fashion Fur 
Shop, very close to where Mr. Kreisberg was supposed to have his 
own shop. Spoke to Mr. Friedman, who gave the following infor- 
mation: About eleven years ago both he and Mr. Kreisberg were 
workers for a certain furrier by the name of Eichner at 29 Adams 
Street. Both men worked there for a number of years. Mr. Fried- 
man states that he has known Mr. Kreisberg for the past eleven years. 
He is a worthless, irresponsible, nervous, erratic person who cannot be 
relied upon in the least. However, he is an expert workman. When 
in the mood he can put out really artistic work. Mr. Friedman 
recalled one day’s work at Eichner’s, which was something in this 
wise. Friedman and Kreisberg associated together. One morning 
they came in to work together, and both had taken off their coats” 
and were putting on their aprons in order to get down to work. About 
ten minutes after they had come to the shop a young woman came in, 
and, when Mr. Kreisberg saw this woman come in, he immediately 
left the shop and never came back there again. Later it was learned 
that this woman was Mr. Kreisberg’s wife, who came from New York 
in search of him. She had two children whom she was trying to 
support. From that moment on, Mr. Friedman states. that he never 
heard of or saw Mr. Kreisberg until a number of years afterward. 
Even then he had the reputation of being very intimate and friendly 
with a great number of women. About a year ago he worked for 
some time at Abramson’s, then at various other little shops in the 
city, and about three months ago went into business for himself. 
However, he evidently went bankrupt and now has left the city. 
Just where he is Mr. Friedman is unable to say. Since Mr. Kreisberg 
left his shop, various customers have come in to Mr. Friedman’s 
asking for their goods which they had left with Mr. Kreisberg in 
hopes that upon his departure Mr. Kreisberg left his various customers’ 
goods with Mr. Friedman. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 693 


Mr. Friedman also recalled an instance when a certain elderly 
man came to ask him regarding Mr. Kreisberg. This man had 
informed him that Mr. Kreisberg had been paying attention to his 
daughter, and he came to ask for references. Mr. Friedman gave 
him what information he had, and he later learned that the marriage 
had been broken off. Since then Mr. Kreisberg has not been on speak- 
ing terms with Mr. Friedman. When questioned as to how Mr. 
Kreisberg could be located, Mr. Friedman stated that the only place 
where there is work in the furrier line in the United States at the 
present time is in Rochester, New York. He expects to be there 
within the next few weeks and should he learn anything of the where- 
abouts of Mr. Kreisberg, he will notify the Bureau. 

May 4, 1922.—Called at 2703 Alexander Street. Mrs. Kreisberg 
showed worker the marriage license Mr. Kreisberg had taken out at 
the time they were married—No. 814884. As yet nothing had been 
heard from Mr. Kreisberg. When questioned regarding personal 
relations between the two people, Mrs. Kreisberg gave the following 
information: Mr. Kreisberg was a well educated and an agreeable 
conversationalist and an expert workman. He was always considerate 
of everybody’s welfare. He was very polite and, as far as she had 
ever noticed, had never done anything that could be found fault with. 
At one time Mr. Kreisberg had been in business in LaSalle, Illinois. 
For some reason or other it did not prosper and he came back to 
Chicago. This was long before they were married, and Mrs. Kreisberg 
believes that he has gone back to this latter place. At the time of 
his departure Mr. Kreisberg left the keys of the store with Mrs. 
Kreisberg, and the next day when she went down there she found 
nothing but the four walls. Mrs. Kreisberg is at a loss to understand 
the man’s actions. Mr. Kreisberg had always shown himself to be 
the best sport, even to the most minute details, and now to turn around 
and leave her and the child penniless is more than she can compre- 
hend. Since he left Chicago, neighbors have been up to see her any 
number of times and have told her of various liaisons that Mr. Kreis- 
berg has had ‘with other women. Mrs. Kreisberg states that the 
only thing she is interested in doing now is to have Mr. Kreisberg 
found and punished properly. 

May 8, 1922.—A certain Mr. Hochenberg in office regarding 
Maggie Kreisberg. He states that he is a neighbor of theirs, and his 
attention has been called to the miserable plight of Mrs. Kreisberg 
and her mother’s family. He gave the following information: A 


694 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Lieberman, brother to Mrs. Blumenthal (mother to Mrs. Kreis- 
berg), had brought over the entire Blumenthal family to America 
about eight or nine months ago. This Mr. Lieberman is a well-to-do, 
prosperous business man. He also had brought over another sister 
of both his and Mrs. Blumenthal’s, a Mrs. Grossman; and upon the 
marriage of Maggie to Mr. Kreisberg, Mr. Lieberman had made a 
$600 loan to Mr. Kreisberg, which was due about two months ago. 
The first payment of $50 Mr. Kreisberg had made, and now Mr. 
Kreisberg being gone, Mr. Lieberman is forced to meet all the other 
payments himself. Mr. Lieberman had also assisted Mrs. Kreisberg 
and her mother’s family all along, and is still doing so, but how long 
he will be able to continue, Mr. Hochenberg states, will just be for a 
short time. Business is very poor, and such a large family requires 
enormous sums of money. Mr. Hochenberg states that he came to 
the office merely to report the situation so that it may not be neglected, 
for the longer it is postponed, the harder it will be later on to unravel. 
He asked that some form of assistance be rendered to Mrs. Kreisberg 
whereby she will not be such a drain on her uncle and her mother. 

Later. —Called at the City Hall in order to verify the Kreis- 
berg marriage. Found the following entries: ‘Samuel Kreisberg 
married to Lillian Rothchild on February 7, 1922, both people living 
at 1317 Carpenter Avenue.” On same record there is: note that 
Mr. Kreisberg had been married to a certain woman by the name of 
Ruth on January 13, 1919, and divorced on September 12, 1920, 
on a charge of cruelty. Mr. Kreisberg was the defendant. 

No. 2—‘‘Ewell Crossburg married to Maggie Blumenthal on 
June 17, 1921. Marriage license No. 814884. No previous marriage 
given.” | 

May 22, 1922.—Letter sent to the New York Hebrew Charities 
asking for a verification of the marriage of Samuel] Kreisberg to 
Rebecca and also an investigation as to the date of birth of Mattie 
and any other dates, names, or places that may be connected with the 
record they have on hand regarding Samuel Kreisberg. 

May 23, 1922.—Mrs. Kreisberg in office asking what is going to 
be done in her case with regard to assisting her, the infant David, 
and Mattie, Mr. Kreisberg’s child from a previous marriage. She 
states that her mother is no longer able to assist her. Her two unmar- 
ried sisters, who are working, have their hands full supporting their 
mother and the younger children. An uncle of hers, a certain Mr. 
Lieberman, who owns a wholesale chicken-market house at 311 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 695 


Cook Street, absolutely refuses to assist the family any longer. He 
had loaned Mr. Kreisberg, while he was staying with his wife, $600, 
$100 of which Mr. Kreisberg himself paid off; and now Mr. Lieberman 
is forced to pay off the other $500 as he had acted as guarantor for 
Mr. Kreisberg, and because of this Mr. Lieberman is very angry 
and states that he has expended as much money as could be expected 
of anyone in assisting relatives. Furthermore, there is a Mrs. Gross- 
man, a sister to Mrs. Blumenthal, whose exact address Mrs. Kreisberg 
does not know, who is being assisted by her brother Mr. Lieberman, 
and he maintains that he is unable to support his own family and 
two others at the same time. Mrs. Kreisberg further stated as soon 
as the infant is a little older and bigger, she will go to work, but as 
things are now it is utterly impossible for her to do so. She requests 
assistance, she stated, only until such time as she is able to go to 
work. — 

Mrs. Kreisberg is a handsome-looking woman, speaks fluently 
and rapidly, and makes a very good impression. She does not impress 
one as being overly concerned over the fact that she has been deserted 
by Mr. Kreisberg. 

May 26, 1922.—Mr. Hochenberg in office. He stated that he 
had been down to visit Mr. Lieberman, pleaded with him, and begged 
that he help out once again his sister and his niece, Mrs. Kreisberg. 
However, Mr. Lieberman insisted that business at the present time is 
very poor and that he has done his utmost for the family and now is 
no longer in a position to do anything. Mr. Hochenberg, therefore, 
has come to office to say that the only source of assistance that Mrs. 
Kreisberg might have is now closed, and that there seems to be 
nothing left for the Bureau but to assist her. Mr. Hochenberg lives 
at 1943 Alexander Street. He happens to know the Kreisberg 
family through neighborly talk and recommendation. 

Later—Mrs. Kreisberg in office stating that she is desperately 
in need of assistance. She cannot impose on her mother and her sisters 
to the extent of having them support her, the baby, and Mattie, the 
child of Mr. Kreisberg’s previous marriage. She complained bitterly 
of her condition and stated that unless she is given assistance, there is 
nothing left for her to do but to commit suicide. 

May 31, 1922.—Called. Social worker at Court of Domestic 
Relations stated that Mrs. Kreisberg had been in to get a warrant 
for her husband. ‘Told social worker that the office was, at the present 
time, trying to verify Mr. Kreisberg’s present status in this marriage, 


696 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


as it was claimed by Mrs. Kreisberg that he had had several previous 
marriages and she did not know whether this last one was legal. 
Social worker was under the impression that it might be just as well 
to have the warrant issued because it might be the means of locating 
Mr. Kreisberg at the present time. If by that time sufficient infor- 
mation had been found to warrant an action for bigamy, he could be 
transferred from the Court of Domestic Relations into the jurisdiction 
of the Criminal Court. 

June 5, 1922.—Letter received from the United Hebrew Charities 
of New York stating that they could find no such name as Kreisberg 
or Crossburg on record at the date given. Information sent them was 
too insufficient for them to trace anything definite. 

June 6, 1922.—Mrs. Kreisberg in office asking for groceries. She 
stated that it is now over a week since she received the $4.00 which 
we sent. ‘This is far too insufficient for herself and the infant to get 
along on, and if it is going to be sent irregularly, as it is being done, 
she is at a loss to understand how she will get on. ‘The only thing 
left for her to do is to do away with herself and the infant as she can 
no longer depend upon her mother and her sisters, and, although she 
has asked her uncle Mr. Lieberman every time for assistance before 
she came to the office, she has been refused, his one reply being each 
and every time that he had helped sufficiently and can do no more. 
Mrs. Kreisberg spoke in a loud, shrill, stormy voice, demanding 
that she be supported until such time as she is able to go to work. 
When worker called her attention to the fact that she is conducting 
herself in an objectionable manner, she apologized. She stated that 
she is suffering so many miseries that she is no longer responsible for 
her actions. She further said that if worker does not believe the fact 
regarding Mr. Lieberman, her uncle, she should for herself ascertain 
this by visiting him. | 

June 14, 1922.—Mrs. Kreisberg telephoned stating that her mother 
is on the point of driving her out of the house. First, because she is 
not paying anything toward the rent. Secondly, because the amount 
she received from the Bureau is far too insufficient to cover all the 
expenses she causes in the home. Pointed out to Mrs. Kreisberg that 
it is as much the duty of her relatives to support her as it is the duty 
of the Bureau. In fact, it is more so. Told her that nothing will 
be sent toward the rent. 

June 20, 1922.—Called at 311 Cook Street on Mr. Lieberman, 
uncle to Mrs. Kreisberg. Mr. Lieberman was not in. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 697 


June 22, 1922.—Mrs. Kreisberg in office. She was very noisy 
and demanded that she be supported adequately; and, if not, she 
threatened to bring the infant to Welfare Bureau, leave it here, and 
thus evade all her responsibility. Explained to Mrs. Kreisberg that 
she was scaring no one by this. First of all the infant is hers, and she 
is the one to take care of it. Leaving the infant at the office would 
mean abandonment on her part, which would in all probability sent- 
ence her to a term in the House of Correction. At this Mrs. Kreisberg 
became more quiet, spoke in a lower voice, and asked if it was in any 
way possible to have the same amount that had been sent her, sent 
her again even though her mother objects to her being in the house 
without paying for same. Again pointed out to Mrs. Kreisberg 
that the assistance being rendered her by office is only temporary and 
may stop at any time should she fail to show a proper attitude or 
appreciation. She then apologized for her rudeness and stated that 
she is so much worried and has so many troubles that she does not 
realize how she is reacting to things. 

July 3, 1922.—Called at the home. Mrs. Kreisberg was very ill 
and wanted a doctor. Connected her with the Dispensary. 

July 8, 1922.—Mrs. Blumenthal called. She stated that the 
doctor had been there a few days ago but that Mrs. Kreisberg was 
suffering again. Also said that Mrs. Kreisberg did not have money 
to buy the baby milk. Requested worker please to investigate and see 
if something could be done. Connected her with the Dispensary again. 

July 11, 1922.—Mrs. Kreisberg in office. Stated that she felt 
much better and that the doctor had been there in response to her call, 
Said that she had called a private doctor the first time as she did not 
know she could get one through us. The doctor had charged $2.00, 
which as yet she has not paid. She also expended $2.60 for medicine 
and asked worker if she could have a refund on same. 

Mrs. Kreisberg happened to remember the address of a Mrs. 
Mary Uhlman, General Delivery, Reno, Nevada, who had at one 
time sent a gift to Mr. Kreisberg’s daughter, Mattie. Mrs. Kreisberg 
sent a letter to Mr. Kreisberg in care of Mrs. Uhlman, Reno, Nevada, 
stating that Mattie is very ill. She received a telegram signed by Mrs. 
Uhlman, asking that a wire be sent at her expense stating the condi- 
tion of the child. Mrs. Kreisberg wired back that the girl was better. 

Mrs. Kreisberg feels that if immediate investigation is made we 
may be able to find Mr. Kreisberg. She left a picture of Mr. Kreisberg 
to be sent to the National Desertion Bureau. 


698 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later.—Letter sent to the National Desertion Bureau suggesting 
the probability of finding Mr. Kreisberg in Reno, Nevada. 

July 15, 1922.—Letter received from National Desertion Bureau 
stating that they were investigating the location of Mr. Kreisberg 
reported to be in Reno and would advise as soon as they had a report. 
The letter states that they have a case of Samuel Kreisberg and Agnes 
Kreisberg (Schmidt) in their office dated March, 1918, and suggest 
perhaps it is the same man. 

July 19, 1922.—Letter sent to National Desertion Bureau stating 
that we are writing in behalf of Maggie and giving a résumé of the case. 

July 27, 1922.—Letter received from National Desertion Bureau 
stating that they had received a communication from their corre- 
spondent in Reno that the matter is receiving attention and that we 
will be advised of results. | 

August 3, 1922.—Letter sent to the National Desertion Bureau 
informing them that the husband of Mrs. Agnes Kreisberg, formerly 
their client, is also the husband of Welfare Bureau applicant, Mrs. 
Maggie Kreisberg. 

August 7, 1922.—Mrs. Kreisberg and the baby David in office. 
She complained bitterly, maintaining that she is being very much 
neglected by the Bureau and that, unless her allowance be increased 
and be sent regularly, she will be forced to desert her child, run away 
from home, or commit suicide. Mrs. Kreisberg appeared to worker 
as being quieter and more rational than on any previous interview. 
She spoke in a low voice, to the point, and did not interrupt while 
worker was explaining things to her. She was in quite a receptive 
mood. 

September 8, 1922.—Letter received from National Desertion 
Bureau stating that Agnes Kreisberg called at their office on August 1 
and volunteered the information that she came from LaSalle, Illinois, 
five years ago to New York. Mr. Kreisberg went to New York three 
yearsago. He bought her a fur coat, etc., and asked for reconciliation, 
which she refused. She has not seen him since. He wrote to her 
twice last year care of general delivery, Chicago. Mr. Kreisberg’s 
daughter, Mattie, wrote to her aunt, Mrs. Mordicai, 12 Cass Street, 
New York City, about four months ago and the aunt sent her money. 
Agnes has a cousin, Mr. Blaustein, who owns a cigar store. ‘This 
cousin knows Mr. Mordicai, who informed the applicant that Mattie 
wrote to her aunt stating that Mr. Kreisberg had again married and 
also had deserted. Agnes Kreisberg stated that they only went 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 699 


. through a Jewish ceremony and they had no license. National 
Desertion Bureau is also asking her to send them a photograph of 
Mr. Kreisberg. 

November 28, 1922.—House visit. Mrs. Kreisberg stated that the 
baby had not been feeling very well due to the fact that the house was 
cold, and she requested that the Bureau send coal. Advised her, 
however, that we could not possibly send coal since the entire family 
was living there and apparently able to keep the house warm, judging 
from what Mrs. Kreisberg had told us concerning the earnings of her 
sister. Mrs. Kreisberg made no reply to this. Worker noticed that 
the house was very well heated. The baby is in better physical 
condition at present. Mrs. Kreisberg has not-had any news at all 
about her husband. Worker noticed that Mattie, whom worker 
had only seen the first time, was seated by herself reading in a corner. 
She is a rather attractive girl and, when spoken to, seemed bright and 
intelligent. Mrs. Kreisberg stated that she can do nothing for Mattie 
and requested the Bureau to interest themselves in her. A neighbor 
had given Mattie some winter clothes, but she is growing out of these. 
She is in the seventh grade and, according to her statement of her 
marks, she is progressing very well. 

Later.—In conferring with supervisor, it was thought best to have 
Mattie come to the office. 

December 28, 1922.—House visit. Mattie was not at home. 
Spoke to Mrs. Kreisberg. She said that she had received a letter 
about two weeks ago, not sent directly to her but to Mattie with her 
husband’s address given as 12 Cass Street, care of Mrs. Mordicai, 
New York. In this letter he also said that he was going to London, 
England, to live. Worker asked her why she did not come in imme- 
diately- after she had received this letter and where the letter was. 
She said that she could not leave the baby. Worker told her that 
at an important time like that, she could have called up immediately 
if she could not take the baby with her. Then worker asked to see 
letter, and Mrs. Kreisberg said that she had torn it up. She said 
that she could not live on the money that the Bureau was sending 
her. Told her emphatically that we could not send her any more 
and that we expected her to go to work as soon as the baby was well 
enough to do without her care. In the meantime we would do every- 
thing to trace her husband. Mrs. Kreisberg gives the impression of 
being a rather. timid woman and one who is very excitable, command- 
ing, and exacting. 


700 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


December 29, 1922.—Letter, including picture of Mr. Kreisberg . 
and Mattie, serit to National Desertion Bureau with the following 
information: 

Mrs. Kreisberg in an interview December 28 stated that Mr. Kreisberg’s 
daughter, Mattie, had received a letter from her father which bore the 
address, 12 Cass Street, care of Mrs. Mordicai, New York. Mrs. Kreisberg 
also told us that her husband volunteered the information that he was 
going to London, but she feels that this is simply a ruse on his part. We 
have not seen this letter as Mrs. Kreisberg destroyed it. Mrs. Kreisberg 
is absolutely certain that her husband is in New York. Would it be possible 
to get some additional information from Mrs. Mordicai ? 


January 8, 1923.—House visit in response to a telephone call from 
Mrs. Kreisberg. Mrs. Kreisberg merely had to report that she could — 
not get along on the $4.29 which the Bureau was sending her because 
of the fact her sister was being married the following week and her 
mother could not afford to keep her. She complained about Mattie. 
Because of the sister’s leaving home, her mother could not keep the 
three of them for $4.29. During the conversation it developed that 
Mr. Kreisberg had a son by the name of Ben who, according to a drift 
of information which Mrs. Kreisberg had once gotten, was being 
boarded in an orphan asylum in New York City. Mrs. Kreisberg 
could give no additional information about this. (It occurred to 
worker, who had once been employed in the Hebrew Orphan Asylum 
in New York City, that she remembered a boy by the name of Ben 
Kreisberg, who possibly answered to the age and description given 
by Mrs. Kreisberg.) 

Mrs. Kreisberg submitted the name of a Mrs. Ellias, 1416 
Independence Boulevard. Shesaid that Mrs. Ellias could give worker 
more definite information about Ben Kreisberg. 

Later.—Called at the home of Mrs. Ellias but the latter was not 
in. Worker left note stating that she would call the following day. 

January 9, 1923.—Again visited Mrs. Ellias. She said that she 
had known Mr. Kreisberg because one of his wives, Rachel, who died 
in New York, was a sister of Mrs. Ellias’ sister-in-law. When Mrs. 
Ellias came from Europe she came directly to Chicago, and Mr. 
Kreisberg hearing that the family was here came to visit them. In 
the course of conversation he told Mrs. Ellias that he had a little boy, 
by the name of Ben, boarding in an orphan asylum in New York. Mrs. 
Ellias also said that there isa Mrs. David Berg, a sister of Mrs. Rachel 
Kreisberg, who died, who lives in Montclair, New Jersey, Box 939. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 7O1 


Later.—Mrs. Kreisberg appeared in office and submitted New 
Year’s card which she had received from a family by the name of 
Rhalkowsky, 2125 Cullen Avenue, New York. Mrs. Kreisberg 
stated that she thinks her husband at times visits this family as they 
were on friendly terms, and perhaps Mr. Kreisberg could be traced 
through this channel. 

January 10, 1923.—Letter sent to Hebrew Orphan Asylum, 
New York City, stating that we had received information from our 
client, Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg, that she had heard her husband make 
a statement that he had a boy who was boarding in an orphan asylum 
in New York City. Secondly, that our worker who was at one time 
connected with that institution remembered a child by the name of 
Kreisberg, and we wondered whether there could be any possible 
connection. Asked the Orphan Asylum to let us know if there is 
any connection, who committed the child, and the addresses of all 
possible relatives and the father, etc. 

January It, 1923.—Letter sent to National Desertion Bureau 
giving them the following supplementary information in addition 
to our letter of December 29, 1922: Mrs. Kreisberg called at our 
office and submitted the address of Mr. and Mrs. Rhalkowsky, 
living at 2125 Cullen Avenue, New York City. It is possible that 
this family can give some information as to the whereabouts of Mr. 
Kreisberg. We also received the address of Mrs. Berg, Montclair, 
New Jersey, Box 939. Mrs. Berg isa sister of Mrs. Rachel Kreisberg, 
who died in New York City. 

January 16, 1923.—Letter received from the Hebrew Orphan 
Asylum, New York City, to the following effect: They state that 
they have a boy, Abe, aged eleven years, in the institution. He was 
admitted December 15, 1915, together with his two half-sisters, 
Hannah and Louise Kuh. ‘The father, Ewell Kreisberg, had deserted 
his family in 1915. He had abandoned them on six previous occasions. 
Mrs. Kreisberg died August 18, 1916, from the effects of an operation. 
This woman had been a widow with three children before her marriage 
to Mr. Kreisberg. ‘They have no record of the father ever having 
visited his boy. There isa maternal aunt, Mrs. Berg, 12 One-hundred 
fifteenth Street, New York. | 

January 18, 1923.—Letter sent to National Desertion Bureau 
stating that we had traced a child by the name of Abe Kreisberg in 
the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in New York, and according to informa- 
tion we received from them the father was Samuel Kreisberg; also 


702 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


two half-sisters, Hannah and Louise Kuh. They also submitted the 
address of a maternal aunt, Mrs. Berg, at 12 One-hundred-fifteenth 


Street. 
January 22, 1923.—Letter received from National Desertion 
Bureau with the following information: 


In answer to yours of the 11th, permit me to inform you that Mrs. 
Agnes Kreisberg was seen on January 6. She stated that Samuel Kreis- 
berg telephoned her on December 28 and arranged to meet her but never 
kept the appointment. She claims that she visits Mrs. Mordicai often and 
that Mrs. Mordicai does not know Mr. Kreisberg’s whereabouts. Other 
clues will be followed up. 


January 26, 1923.—Letter received from National Desertion 
Bureau to the following effect: | 


National Desertion Bureau had communicated with Mrs. David Berg, 
Box 939, Montclair, New Jersey, but found it to be the Mrs. Berg whom we 
had mentioned in our last letter. She told the following facts: That her late 
sister, Rachel, met Mr. Kreisberg in London in 1908. Rachel was at that 
time a widow with four children. She had a well-paying fur business and 
was quite well-to-do. They were duly married and went to Paris, where 
Mr. Kreisberg managed to separate her from her last dollar so that in 1913 
the family in the United States was obliged to forward passage for her and 
the children. Here, too, Mr. Kreisberg resorted to his usual tactics. He 
defrauded his brother-in-law, and subsequently disappeared. There was 
one child of this marriage, Abe, now eleven years of age and an inmate of 
the Hebrew Orphan Asylum of this city. About two weeks ago Abe received 
a letter from his father stating that he intended to go to London and will 
returnina year. After his marriage to Rachel, the latter discovered through 
letters found in his possession that he had previously been married and had 
children. Mr. Kreisberg is in the habit of visiting his child in the orphanage 
several times a year. About a month ago Mr. Kreisberg made an unsuccess- 
ful effort to obtain the child’s discharge. This man is well known among 
furriers in Beeker Street. Mrs. Berg also informed us that this man some- 
times goes under the name of Ewell Bergstein and that under that name he 
married Rachel in London in 1910. On looking through the files of the 
Bureau I found an old record dated March 11, t914. Rachel Bergstein, 
therein mentioned, resided at that time at 97 107th Street, New York 
City. Mrs. Bergstein had four children of a prior marriage, and one, Elsie, 
a girl; born in January 1914, by Kreisberg. November 3, 1913, Bergstein 
or Kreisberg deserted her and the children. This woman died in 1916. 
It is the opinion of the National Desertion Bureau that Kreisberg is still 
in New York. They believe it essential however that an indictment be 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 703 


secured at once, if possible. They have written to the State Department 
to ascertain whether or not this man has applied for a passport and are also 
endeavoring to ascertain through the New York Department of Public 
Welfare if, when Kreisberg made an application for the discharge of the 
child, Abe, he gave any address that may be followed up. It would appear 
that Kreisberg is expecting to marry and that drastic action should be taken 
at once. 


January 26, 1923.—Letter received from National Desertion 
Bureau stating that a Mr. Rhalkowsky of 2125 Cullen Avenue, men- 
tioned in our communication of the eleventh, was interviewed yester- 
day. He stated that he absolutely does not know anything about the 
man and is at a loss to understand how Mrs. Kreisberg in Chicago be- 
came aware of his name and address. He believes, however, that his 
friends in Chicago, who are possibly acquainted with Mrs. Kreisberg, 
informed her that he had been a delegate to Europe and had been 
instrumental in bringing several families to the United States. He 
believes that Mrs. Kreisberg was under the impression that he could 
locate her husband and that is why she gave his name. However, 
they would like to have more details as to how our applicant became 
aware of him and it might be possible that he does know something 
about Kreisberg, and if so, upon receipt of further information they 
will be glad further to assist in locating the man. 

Later.—House visit. Mrs. Kreisberg could give us no further 
information or clues which might assist us in locating Samuel Kreis- 
berg. Spoke to her, however, about the necessity of her going to 
work as we felt that the baby was old enough now and could be left 
in her mother’s care. She stated that her mother was not used to the 
child. ‘Told her that if this was not possible she would have to make 
her own arrangements as far as a day nursery was concerned. Mrs. 
Kreisberg was very much excited about this, but worker made her 
understand that we could not give her money each week now that 
the baby was grown up and did not need her care, and that she simply 
had to think about going to work very quickly. She asked that we 
help until her husband is found. Told her that this is absolutely 
out of the question as we could give no promise as to when Mr. Kreis- 
berg will be found and this had nothing to do with her supporting 
herself. ‘That we expected her to consider this very seriously as 
we could not possibly help her very much longer. She said that the 
baby still needed her care as she was still nursing it. Told her that 
worker would visit the doctor or go to the Welfare Clinic. 


704 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later spoke to Mattie, who stated most emphatically that she 
had not heard from her father and had no idea where he was. She 
says that she had received a letter from her aunt, Mrs. Mordicai, 
12 Cass Street, but this simply contained information about the latter’s 
immediate family. Mattie is a bright child and gave the appearance 
of being a rather sensitive child. She was neatly dressed and said that 
a friend of the family had given her the dress which she wore. She is 
rather an attractive child and gave the impression of being in good 
physical condition. She said that she had always been with her father 
previous to his marriage to Maggie Kreisberg; that is, she had not 
lived at the same place that he had, but had been boarding. She 
stated that she has not heard from her father since he left Chicago 
about eight months ago. She also said that Mrs. Kreisberg is very 
good to her, and she simply feels as though she were a member of the 
family. She sleeps in the kitchen with Mrs. Kreisberg’s younger 
sister. She is in the the high seventh grade. She insisted all the 
time that she did not write to anyone else; in fact, had no other 
relatives but Mrs. Mordicai, who was an aunt. However, she has not 
heard very recently from Mrs. Mordicai. Worker did not get the 
impression that Mattie could give any information additional to what 
we already had. 

January 27, 1923——Mrs. Kreisberg telephoned. Stated that 
her husband was not a citizen and wondered whether he could get 
a passport to go abroad or whether he will be permitted to return. 
While on the telephone, worker asked her how she got the name of 
Mr. Rhalkowsky. (According to question asked by National Desertion 
Bureau.) Mrs. Kreisberg stated that she did not know him, but she 
had received a New Year’s card, which she had submitted to worker, 
from a Mr. Rhalkowsky at the address given on the card, and that she 
feels that the card really came from Kreisberg, bearing Rhalkowsky’s 
address. She herself did not know who the man is or anything about 
his family. She therefore is of the opinion that Mr. Kreisberg is 
known to Mr. Rhalkowsky’s family or otherwise he would not have 
submitted their address. 

January 29, 1923.—Letter sent to National Desertion Bureau 
to the following effect: That Maggie Kreisberg had received a New 
Year’s card from Samuel Kreisberg which bore the address of the 
Rhalkowsky family of 2125 Cullen Avenue. Mrs. Kreisberg states 
that she absolutely has no idea who Mr. Rhalkowsky is and she believes 
that if Mr. Kreisberg sent the card from the Rhalkowsky home, 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 705 


Mr. Rhalkowsky surely knows something about Mr. Kreisberg’s 
whereabouts. 

_ February’7, 1923.—Letter received from the National Desertion 
Bureau with the following information: That they will again endeavor 
to interview Mr. Rhalkowsky. They also learned that Mr. Kreisberg 
has not applied for the child’s discharge to the New York Department 
of Public Welfare. No news has as yet been gotten from the State 
Department. 

February 19, 1923.—Letter sent to National Desertion Bureau 
with regard to extradition warrant for Mr. Kreisberg. We have not 
yet been able to come to any definite decision, but will let them know 
as soon as we do. 

Letter received from National Desertion Bureau to the following 
effect: | 

We wish to inform you that our worker again called on Mr. Rhalkowsky 
and advised him of the contents of your letter of January 29. He is at a 
loss to understand the matter. However, after showing him the photograph 
of the man he stated that he is sure he saw him somewhere, but could not 
recall where. He requests that we loan him the picture of the man so that 
he could make inquiries among furriers with whom he was acquainted. 


February 20, 1923.—House visit. Mrs. Kreisberg was not at 
home. Worker spoke to Mrs. Blumenthal. She said that Mrs. 
Kreisberg and the baby had been sick. She said that this is the first 
day that Mrs. Kreisberg had taken the baby out. Mrs. Blumenthal 
then said that she did not know what to do about Mattie. She 
simply kept the child out of pity, and she did not feel she could afford 
to keep her any more. One of the women in the fish store in the same 
house in which the Blumenthals live gives Mattie some clothes, but 
otherwise Mrs. Blumenthal supports her. She said that she does not 
begrudge the child what she gives her, but she cannot afford to keep 
Mattie without any money any longer. Left message asking Mrs. 
Kreisberg to call on February 21. 

February 21, 1923.—Mrs. Kreisberg in office. She stated that 
she has been sick and that is the reason why she did not take the baby 
to the Welfare Station. She then said that the baby weighed about 
three pounds when it was born and was very hard to raise. He is 
very delicate, and she has to give him very intensive care. When 
he was a very young child, she had to get up during the night for 
extra feeding, and she said that even at present he is not in good physi- 
cal condition and for this reason she is afraid to wean him. Asked 


706 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mrs. Kreisberg what she did before she was married. She said that 
she lived with her uncle, Mr. Lieberman, and that she worked very 
intermittently. The last position she held was in a bindery, in which 
she simply sorted books. Worker pointed out to her that she could 
surely make $4.29 a week, and without doubt very much more, and 
that it was about time she realized that she must make plans for herself 
and look for a position. She said that she is afraid to leave the baby. 
Spoke to her as to whether she had made any future plans for the baby 
and herself. She said that her mother would not keep the baby as 
she is an elderly woman and cannot do so and it would mean that 
she take the baby toanursery. She does not feel strong enough to do 
this. She complained of feeling very weak at times. This is the first 
time that Mrs. Kreisberg had ever complained of her physical condition 
to worker. Told Mrs. Kreisberg that we wished her to take the baby 
to the Dispensary on the morning of Feburary 23 and that she herself 
would be examined the same day in the afternoon. Gave her a Dis- 
pensary card and instructions. Mrs. Kreisberg promised to take the 
baby and also have herself examined. Background histories were 
made out for her and baby. Mrs. Kreisberg then said that she is 
very anxious to know whether her husband will be found. She does 
not care as far as support is concerned. Mrs. Kreisberg submitted 
the address of her uncle, Mr. Lieberman, Franklin 9063, 311 Cook 
Street. Mrs. Kreisberg stated that before her marriage she had lived 
with her uncle and that he had been very kind to her. Now, however, 
in view of the fact that her mother and sisters are here, he does not 
seem to be concerned in her welfare at all. She then stated that she 
cannot possibly keep Mattie any longer as her sister has gotten married 
and there isn’t a sufficient amount of income. She said that she 
doesn’t like to give her up, but under the present circumstances she 
cannot keep her any longer. 


Later—Background history sent in for Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg 
and David. 

February 23, 1923.—Letter received from National Desertion 
Bureau to the following effect: 


Supplementing our communication of the 15th ve Samuel Kreisberg, 
permit me to advise you that we have been unable to obtain any information 
from the State Department as to whether a passport has been issued to Mr. 
Kreisberg and that we have been informed by the department that request 
for this information must come from Mrs. Kreisberg personally. They 
therefore suggest that she write at once and refer to No. 1-24-1246. We 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 707 


are continuing at this end to do all we can to locate the deserter. We are 
still awaiting word from you as to whether an extradition warrant has been 
secured by you. 


March 1, 1923.—Letter received from Legal Aid Department 
containing the following information: In the series of Kreisberg cases 
recently brought to the attention of Legal Aid Department, worker 
advises as follows: 

On Tuesday afternoon, March 6, at 2:00, at the office of Mrs. 
Gratz, in charge of family cases for the Indictment Department of 
the State’s Attorney’s office, the following should be present: both of 
the Mrs. Kreisbergs known in Chicago, together with an eye-witness 
to the first Mrs. Kreisberg’s marriage in Chicago. ‘The worker 
in the case should likewise be present and have with her certified 
copies of both of the marriage licenses mentioned in the Kreisberg 
record. 

The State’s Attorney’s office will not advance the expense of extra- 
dition in this case. ‘There isa bare possibility that the expenses may 
be refunded to the Welfare Bureau in case there is a conviction, but 
there is at present no guaranty of this. It will be therefore necessary 
to take up at once with the general superintendent the matter of paying 
the extradition expenses in this case so that if an indictment is returned, 
a warrant may go forth at once for the arrest of Mr. Kreisberg. Legal 
Aid awaits the confirmation of this from the district. Legal Aid 
worker will be present at the conference here mentioned :in Mrs. 
Gratz’s office. 

March 2, 1923—Letter received from the Dispensary giving 
tentative report and asking that patient return for re-examination 
on Monday, March 5, at 1:00 P.M. 

March 3, 1923.—Called at the address, 1317 Carpenter Avenue, 
in order to get Mrs. Lillian Kreisberg and advise her that it would 
be necessary for her to appear on March 6 in the State’s Attorney’s 
office. After going through the house could get no information what- 
ever, as the family moved about a week previous. 

Later. —After calling at the grocery store, was told by the woman 
in charge that a friend of the boy had said that the family had moved to 
a place on Van Buren and Anne streets. Could give no definite 
address. 

Later.—Called at Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg’s house to find out 
whether she had gotten any information as to the exact whereabouts 
of the Rothchild family. No one answered knock. 


708 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later —Went over to the region on Van Buren and Anne streets. 
Canvassed the four blocks on either side and finally located the family. 
The Rothchilds have moved into a fish store, which they have just 
opened at 3355 Congress Street. Spoke to Lillian and her mother. 
Lillian gave the following story: 

On October 14, 1920, she had been married in the Jewish faith. 
She had not been married legally because of the fact that Samuel 
Kreisberg had been divorced from Mrs. Ruth Simpson and the year 
necessary before remarriage had not yet expired. In November and 
December, 1920, and January, 1921, she was ill at home. During 
February and March, 1921, she got better but still stayed at home. 
In April of 1921 Mr. Kreisberg moved into her mother’s house. 
From May to June they lived at 1443 Crawford Boulevard. OnJuner 
they quarreled and separated. Mrs. Kreisberg went to her mother, 
and she didn’t know what became of Mr. Kreisberg. During the 
months from June to October he had been living with Maggie Kreis- 
berg. In the meantime Mrs. Lillian Kreisberg became pregnant. 
When she found out that he had been living with Maggie Kreisberg, 
she had him arrested in October and put under bond. Mrs. Lillian 
Kreisberg stated that she did not know at the time that he was married 
legally to Maggie Kreisberg. She contends, however, that Maggie 
knew of her relationship to Mr. Kreisberg and did not tell her that 
she was legally married to him. The trial was set for January 3, 
and was postponed to February 15. ‘The baby was born in January 
and on February 7, 1922, Mr. Kreisberg took out a license at the City 
Hall. Both of them took this license back to the rabbi who had 
married them. On March 8 the trial came up, but Mr. Kreisberg 
showed that he had the license and the trial had been dismissed. He 
left in April, and she has not heard anything from him, until about 
three months ago, when an aunt of hers, whose name she refused to 
give, had received a letter from a man in New York inclosing a letter 
from Mr. Kreisberg asking Lillian to join him in New York. Nothing 
further was said of this, and Mrs. Kreisberg did not get in touch with 
him. She also said that she had gotten a divorce September 11, 1922, 
in the Superior Court on the ground of adultery. Worker later saw 
the decree, No. 492436. 

Mrs. Kreisberg said that she will have absolutely nothing to do 
with the case at all. .She is very glad if he is caught, but that nothing 
will be done through her. She said that she is divorced and she has 
nothing further of interest to do with him. Worker tried to talk 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 709 


to her and show her the danger of having a man like Kreisberg at 
large in the country, and that it was in her power to help us get him, 
but she absolutely would hear nothing about this at all. She said that 
she had spent her last money to get this divorce, and since she has it 
she is free and she wishes to have nothing at all to do with the case. 
Mrs. Rothchild has moved into the fish store so that Lillian Kreisberg 
will not have to go out and make a living. They are all extremely 
fond of the child, Richard. Also learned indirectly that Mrs. Roth- 
child’s son is the owner of a Packard machine. 

March 5, 1923.—Called at the City Hall and got the marriage 
licenses of Lillian Rothchild Kreisberg and Maggie Blumenthal 
Kreisberg. The license of Samuel and Lillian was taken out on Feb- 
ruary 7, 1922; Rabbi Hillman living at 1822 Green Street married 
them. The license of Ewell Crossburg and Maggie Blumenthal was 
taken out on June 17, 1921. Reverend H. Eisenstein, 2062 Alexander 
Street, performed the ceremony. 

Later.—Again called at the house of Mrs. Lillian Rothchild and 
tried to persuade her to come to the office so that she could be inter- 
viewed by Legal Aid workers. Mrs. Kreisberg immediately began 
to talk about the fact that she felt she ought to have some support 
for the child. Worker then explained to her that we could not do 
anything for her or the child if we did not get Mr. Kreisberg in Chicago 
and that once we got him we could then talk about support for the 
child, and there is no doubt about it that he would be made to support 
the child. Mrs. Kreisberg immediately became interested but then 
again changed her mind, stating that she did not want to have anything 
to do with the matter. Worker again persuaded her that it was to 
her own advantage and that of her child that Mr. Kreisberg be brought 
to Chicago, for if it was possible to make him support the children 
here, her son would certainly become entitled to support. Mrs. 
Kreisberg then, coerced by Mrs. Rothchild, decided that she would 
come to the office in the afternoon. In view of the fact that worker 
was afraid that she would change her mind, promised to call for her 
in about half an hour. | 

Later.—Went to the home of Maggie Kreisberg. Learned that 
Maggie had to go to the Dispensary on that afternoon. Told her 
that she must be in the office at 3:30, and if she had any difficulty 
she should call worker and inform her of this fact. She promised 
to do so. She had also taken the child to the Infant Welfare 
Station. Mrs. Kreisberg stated that she had tried to wean the 


710 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


baby but that it would not take any other food and she did not 
know what to do. 

Later —Called for Mrs. Lillian Kreisberg, Mrs. Rothchild, and 
the baby and brought them to office. Interviewed by Legal Aid 
workers. It was explained to Mrs. Kreisberg that, in the point of 
time according to the marriage certificates, Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg 
is the legitimate wife and that she, Mrs. Lillian Kreisberg, is not. 
Legal Aid worker persuaded her to appear on the afternoon of March 
6 in the District Attorney’s office, but Mrs. Rothchild and Mrs. Kreis- 
berg stated that they could not possibly do this as Tuesday was a very 
busy day in their store. Promised to come on the morning of March 
7 at g:oo and sign a complaint against Mr. Kreisberg. Mrs. Lillian 
Kreisberg wavered a great deal, saying that she did not wish to sign 
anything, but finally explained to her that someone else could sign 
the complaint and if she did not do this she would be needed to testify 
against Mr. Kreisberg in the Grand Jury, but that we would prefer 
that she sign the complaint herself. Finally promised to do so. 

Later—Worker spoke to Maggie Kreisberg and advised her to 
appear at the office on the afternoon of March 6 at 1:00 with a witness 
to her marriage. 

March 6, 1923.—Went with Legal Aid worker,: Mrs. Maggie 
Kreisberg, and witness, Mrs. Kaufman, living at 1464 Albany Street. 
The latter had been present at Maggie’s wedding ceremony. Sub- 
mitted the marriage certificates of Mrs. Maggie Crossburg and Mrs. 
Lillian Kreisberg. Gave statement of our knowledge of the situation 
in connection with the marriages of the two wives. Mrs. Maggie 
’ Crossburg gave her version of the story. She stated that she knew 
absolutely nothing of Mr. Kreisberg’s marriage with Lillian at the 
time that he married her or of her relationship with him. She stated 
that they had lived happily together when he suddenly disappeared, 
a week prior to the birth of David. When asked how she found out 
about Mrs. Lillian Kreisberg, she stated that some of the neighbors 
had told her of a woman whose husband has disappeared and that it 
was in this way that she found out about Lillian Rothchild Kreisberg. 
She could give no information at all about Mrs. Ruth Simpson, from 
whom Samuel Kreisberg was supposed to have been divorced on Sep- 
tember 12, 1920. It. was decided that it would be necessary to verify 
the marriage and divorce of Mrs. Ruth Simpson and Samuel Kreisberg. 

Called at the office of Mrs. Gratz, special deputy of the State’s 
Attorney’s office, where a statement was given by Maggie Kreisberg, 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 711 


Legal Aid Worker, and district worker. Mrs. Kreisberg’s story was 
in effect as indicated on the record and that of both workers sum- 
marizing the record. Mrs. Gratz stated that should it develop in 
fact that a previous marriage to Ruth Simpson had taken place, of 
which marriage there was a divorce within the period of one year 
antedating Maggie Kreisberg’s marriage, then Maggie’s marriage is 
illegal and her marriage, in fact, would be the bigamous one. Mrs. 
Gratz was told of our inability to locate Ruth Simpson, but that we 
would make an effort to trace her through any possible address on 
Kreisberg’s divorce from her, should that be located. 

Later.—Called at office of clerk of Superior Court. Found under 
No. 538870 that on September 12, 1920, Ruth Simpson obtained a 
divorce from Samuel Kreisberg on the grounds of cruelty. Personal 
service was had on Mr. Kreisberg at that time, and he filed his answer 
and appearance through Attorney Rudolph Hourwich. He did not 
appear at the final hearing, however, and the divorce was got by 
default. The date of marriage given on this was January 13, 1919. 

Later.—Called at City Hall. Verified the divorce of Ruth Simpson 
from Samuel Kreisberg and traced the marriage certificate. Accord- 
ing to it Ruth Simpson and Samuel Kreisberg were married January 
13, 1919; number of license 60861. Religious ceremony performed 
by Rabbi Freund at 1607 Homan Avenue. Address given for Mrs. 
Ruth Kreisberg in the divorce proceedings was 1484 Homan Avenue. 
They were divorced September 12, 1920, on the grounds of cruelty; 
Meyer and Meyer, 411 National Bank Building, attorney for Mrs. 
Ruth Kreisberg; Rudolph Hourwich, attorney for Samuel Kreisberg. 
The number of the divorce paper is 538870. 

March 7, 1923.—Called at Criminal Court to meet Mrs. Lillian 
Kreisberg, who did not appear with her mother. After waiting for 
about an hour, it was decided that it would be necessary to find some 
trace of Mrs. Ruth Simpson. 

Call at Mrs. Gratz’s office, State’s Attorney’s office. Lillian 
Rothchild Kreisberg did not appear as she had promised. On pre- 
sentation of the divorce, Mrs. Gratz stated that, should the marriage 
of Ruth Simpson be proved and the divorce be proved, then Maggie 
Kreisberg’s marriage would be the bigamous marriage. However, 
in order to prove this it will be necessary to locate someone who was 
present at Ruth Simpson’s marriage to Samuel Kreisberg. For all 
purposes, even for the prosecution of Mr. Kreisberg, because of his 
marriage within the year of the divorce, it would be necessary to prove 


712 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


the marriage of Ruth to Samuel by means other than merely the 
legal divorce certificate from the county clerk. 

Worker then suggested to Mrs. Gratz that the matter be taken 
up with the Indictment Department in order to learn which one of the 
three following complaints [all felonies] if any, Mr. Kreisberg can be 
held on: No. 1, bigamy charge; No. 2, marriage of a divorced person 
within a year of the divorce; No. 3, abandonment of child under the 
age of one. 

The last charge would refer to the abandonment of Lillian Roth- 
child’s child, since her marriage will then have proved to be the legal 
marriage. Mrs. Gratz will take this matter up with the Indictment 
Department and will let us hear from her within a day or two. 

Called at 1484 Homan Avenue, which is the last address given in 
the divorce papers of Mrs. Ruth Simpson Kreisberg. Went through 
the house and questioned residents but could get absolutely no infor- 
mation as to whether a Mrs. Simpson or a Mrs. Kreisberg had lived 
in the house. The people living there now are new tenants. Also 
inquired at the neighboring grocery store but could get no information 
whatsoever. 

Later.—Called at 1607 Homan Avenue, the address given for 
Rabbi Freund. Found that he moved about a year ago. Was told, 
however, that if worker would inquire in the meat market across the 
street, worker might get information. 

Later.—Called there. Was asked if Rabbi Freund was also a 
Schochet. Worker stated he probably was. Was therefore given the 
address of 1904 Troy Avenue. 

Later.—Called at 1904 Troy Avenue and spoke to Rabbi Freund. 
He stated that he remembered Mr. Kreisberg and remembered the 
marriage but could give no information about Mrs. Simpson. He said 
at that time he had no idea of Mr. Kreisberg’s character or of his former 
actions; that the couple had been married legally by him and that was 
all he could tell. Worker asked whether he knew of any of Mr. 
Kreisberg’s friends or possible relatives, or any of Mrs. Simpson’s. 
He knew absolutely nothing about either of the two people. He 
then submitted the name of Mrs. Mazur, owner of a bakery store at 
Homan and Argyle streets, who might be able to give worker informa- 
tion, and a Mrs. Ellinger, who had a grocery store on Homan and 
Alexander streets. Rabbi Freund promised to let worker know 
if he could get any information whatsoever in the neighborhood. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 713 


March 8, 1923.—Called and spoke to Mrs. Ellinger. She said 
that she had no idea of any Mrs. Simpson. 

Called on Mrs. Mazur. She also could give no information, 
but, while worker was talking, a visitor, who happened to be in the 
house and who lives at 1484 Homan, stated that about two and a 
half or three years ago a Mrs. Graham had been living in a flat at 
1486 and that she had kept boarders. It was very possible therefore 
that Mrs. Simpson lived there at the time. Suggested that worker 
interview Mrs. Weinstein in a fish store. Mrs. Weinstein herself 
might not be able to give any information about Mrs. Simpson, but 
a woman who was living with Mrs. Weinstein, who at one time had 
boarded with Mrs. Graham, might be of assistance. 

Later.—Called on Mrs. Weinstein and learned that Mrs. Bernhardt 
lived with her. Went upstairs and spoke to Mrs. Bernhardt. She 
told the following story: She had lived with a Mrs. Graham and had 
moved there after Mrs. Simpson Kreisberg had moved out. She 
had heard, however, at the time, about the story that Mr. Kreisberg 
had been married so many times and Mrs. Simpson had been divorced. 
Worker asked whether she knew where Mrs. Graham lived, but she 
stated that Mrs. Graham had moved and was living somewhere in the 
neighborhood of Homan and Albemarle streets. With the directions 
given by Mrs. Bernhardt worker found the house in which Mrs. 
Graham had lived, only to learn that she had moved about two weeks 
ago. None of the neighbors could give any information of her where- 
abouts; but worker asked some children playing in the yard whether 
they had played with any of Mrs. Graham’s children and was told that 
one of the girls knew Maizie Graham and that she had attended the 
Lawson School. Worker will therefore call at the Lawson School 
and try to trace the transfer card given to Maizie. All the neighbors 
could tell was that Mrs. Graham had moved farther west. 

March 9, 1923.—Called at the Lawson School and discovered that 
Maizie Graham had been transferred to the Cullen School, and was 
living at 1317 Kildare Avenue. 

Later —Called at this address and learned that it was not correct. 
Finally traced the Graham family to 1350 Kildare Avenue. Inter- 
viewed Mrs. Graham. She stated that she had known Mrs. Simpson 
and had also known Mr. Kreisberg. For a long time, however, 
according to her statement, they did not live together. She did not 
know whether they had been divorced at that time or not, but during 


714 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


this time Mrs. Simpson had gone to Detroit. When she came back 
she came in the company of a man by the name of Mr. Lubin. Mrs. 
Graham did not know whether she had married him or not, nor could 
she give the exact date of her return. She then said that Mrs. Simpson 
had returned to Detroit with Mr. Lubin, and at present she thinks 
she is still living in Detroit, for otherwise Mrs. Simpson would certainly 
have come to see her as they were very good friends. She said that 
the last she heard was that Mrs. Simpson was in Detroit and had 
opened a delicatessen shop. Mrs. Graham could not give the names 
or addresses of any of Mrs. Simpson’s relatives. Stated, however, 
that Mrs. Simpson’s best friend, a woman by the name of Mrs. New- 
field, who would surely know about Mrs. Simpson, if anyone did here 
in the city, lives in the region of May and Adams streets and owns 
property somewhere around the southeast corner of May and Adams. 

Later—Called in this district. After making inquiries finally 
located a Mrs. Newfield at the Rigi European Hotel. She was not 
in the hotel at the moment, however. (The name Newfield also 
appeared on the divorce papers which worker had seen.) 

March ro, 1923.—Telephoned the Rigi and spoke to Mrs. Newfield. 
She stated that in her opinion Mrs. Simpson was living in Detroit. 
She could not give the exact address. She promised to let worker 
know the names of some relatives of Mrs. Simpson’s living on Inde- 
pendence Boulevard. 

Worker called each day but was never successful in finding Mrs. 
Newfield at the hotel, but she is still living there, however. Spoke 
to supervisor concerning Mrs. Newfield, and was told to try to iden- 
tify Mrs. Newfield as the woman who signed the divorce decree as 
she could also act as a witness to identify Mr. Kreisberg in case we 
were not able to locate Mrs. Simpson, or if she did not live in Chicago, 
and we could not get her to return here. 

Later.—The following letter sent to National Desertion Bureau: 

We find ourselves in great difficulty in this case as far as finding a charge 
upon which to indict Mr. Kreisberg is concerned. The reasons are as 
follows: It was definitely determined by copying the documents that Mr. 
Kreisberg was married to one Ruth Simpson in 1919. Mrs. Simpson, who 
is now missing and whom we know to be the necessary witness, divorced 
Mr. Kreisberg in September, 1920. Mr. Kreisberg married Maggie in 
June, 1921. This marriage is illegal because any marriage contracted by a 
person divorced in Illinois within one year of said divorce is void. Mr. 
Kreisberg married Lillian in February, 1922, which is the only legal marriage 
we have. Our problem now is to locate Ruth Simpson Kreisberg. If we 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER : 715 


can locate her and so establish for criminal purposes the identity of the 
man she divorced as the man who married within a year of that divorce, 
we can then hold Kreisberg on the charge of marrying within a year of the 
divorce, which is a felony and punishable by a penitentiary sentence. We 
are vigorously on the trail of Ruth Simpson because we are most earnest in 
our anxiety to get Kreisberg indicted and punished. ‘To secure this evidence 
is now the only thing that stands between us and the indictment. We shall 
be ready to extradite on the instant of the indictment if by that time you 
have located Mr. Kreisberg. 


Later.—Background history and a letter received from the 
Dispensary. The diagnosis for Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg, chronic 
pulmonary tuberculosis (slightly active). Prognosis fairly good. 
Needs a complete rest. Sanatorium care recommended. Patient 
may not work. Probable duration of present limitations indefinite. 

[This diagnosis was followed by placing David through the Home 
Finding Division, sending Maggie to the sanatorium, and leaving 
Mattie in Mrs. Blumenthal’s home in the hope that Mr. Kreisberg 
would come to Chicago to see her. The facts later brought out about 
Mattie and her support are omitted. The plans for the indictment 
went forward as shown by the following correspondence:] 

1. Letter, dated March 23, 1923, to National Desertion Bureau, 
New York City, from Jewish Welfare Bureau: 


In addition to the information given in our letter of March 10, we wish 
to state the following: 

We have succeeded in locating a Mrs. Newfield, who was a witness to 
the divorce proceedings of Samuel Kreisberg and Ruth Simpson. Mrs. 
Simpson herself is living in Detroit, but we are unable to obtain the exact 
address. If Mrs. Newfield will testify that she knew Mr. Kreisberg at 
the time she was Ruth Simpson’s witness in the divorce case and that she 
knew Ruth was alive at the time of his marriage to Maggie Blumenthal, 
the State’s Attorney will then have a fully prepared case against him—the 
crime of marrying within a year of the divorce. Our Legal Aid Department 
is arranging for a conference with Mrs. Newfield prior to the date of hearing 
before the Grand Jury. According to a statement given by Mrs. Newfield, 
she has promised to act as necessary witness. As we stated in our last letter, 
we shall be ready to extradite on the instant of the indictment if by that 
time you have located Mr. Kreisberg. 


2. Letter, dated March 28, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We are in receipt of yours of the 23d instant, with reference to the 
Kreisberg case. We await word from you as to whether an indictment 


716 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


and extradition warrant has been secured. Has your applicant written the 
State Department as per my recent suggestion ? 


3. Telegram, dated March 29, 1923, from National Desertion 
Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Located Samuel Kreisberg’s employer. Deserter expected New York 
Friday. Rush extradition warrant. 


4. Letter, dated March 29, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


You have no doubt received our wire of even date, re Samuel Kreisberg. 
The only clue we had in this case was that the man is a furrier, and an investi- 
gator was assigned to canvass the various fur shops. After a good deal 
of effort we ascertained that he is connected with a Mr. Pushkin, furrier, 
in this city, as a traveling salesman. After the situation was explained 
to Mr. Pushkin, he promised to co-operate with us and showed our worker a 
telegram which he had received from the deserter last Thursday. The wire 
is dated at Buffalo and requests that Pushkin send him $100 as he intends to 
return to New York the following Friday (tomorrow). Mr. Pushkin had 
wired him the money and expects Kreisberg at his place tomorrow. 

Mr. Pushkin informed us that he has known Kreisberg for a long time; 
that about two years ago Kreisberg had sold his store in Montreal. He 
knows of two of his marriages, one to a Mrs. Bacon, a widow who had died 
leaving two children, and another by whom he has one child and who 
resides in New York. Kreisberg informed Pushkin that all the children are 
in an orphanage and that he supports them. 

Mr. Pushkin, for obvious reasons, does not want his name connected 
with the case or his confidence betrayed. He does not wish Kreisberg to 
be arrested in his place of business but has promised to keep us closely 
informed regarding Kreisberg’s arrival and his movements thereafter. For 
this reason may we ask that in sending a request to the New York police 
for the arrest of the man the Chicago authorities should call upon us to 
aid in identifying the fugitive. 

We sincerely trust that you will take immediate action in this case in 
view of Kreisberg’s prior history. 


5. Telegram, dated March 30, 1923, to the National Desertion 
Bureau from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

Re Samuel Kreisberg. We are proceeding with the indictment. 

6. Telegram, dated April 2, 1923, to the National Desertion 
Bureau from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Samuel Kreisberg indicted for marrying within year of divorce. Our 
Police Department has notified your Police Headquarters to get in touch 
with you. Kindly act accordingly. 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 17 


7. Telegram, dated April 4, 1923, from the National Desertion 
Bureau to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Samuel Kreisberg expected by Pushkin employer, 70 Beeker Street, 
New York, any day. Kreisberg’s last address: 1834 Broad Street, Buffalo, 
New York. Notify Buffalo police. 


8. Telegram, dated April 4, 1923, to National Desertion Bureau: 


As Chicago police have already wired New York police Headquarters 
to arrest Samuel Kreisberg we think it would be a grave mistake to compli- 
cate matters by wiring Buffalo and perhaps scare man. Since you expect 
him any day would it not be best to wait a day? 


g. Letter, dated April 5, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Last night we wired you that Kreisberg has not yet returned to New 
York, but that we succeeded in ascertaining from his employer, Mr. Pushkin, 
that though he is expected any day, he is still believed to be at 1834 Broad 
Street, Buffalo. 

We sincerely trust that the action has already been taken by the Chicago 
police with the view to apprehending the fugitive in Buffalo. We are, how- 
ever, continuing to hold the matter under close observation at this end 
and will get in touch with the police at once should Kreisberg reach this 
city. 

I will thank you to advise me as soon as you have received definite 

‘word from Buffalo. : 


to. Telegram, dated April 6, 1923, to National Desertion Bureau 
from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Samuel Kreisberg. We have notified Chicago police and will leave 
the matter regarding notifying Buffalo to them. 


11. Letter, dated April 5, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Permit me to acknowledge receipt of your night letter which has just 
come to our attention. Mr. Pushkin, Kreisberg’s employer, informed us 
today that Kreisberg had not written him since he had wired him the $100, 
which the fugitive had asked for. Subsequent thereto Mr. Pushkin sent him 
a bag of furs. Today the empty bag was returned with no comment from 
Kreisberg. Mr. Pushkin informs us that he intends to write Kreisberg 
today to find out what detains him in Buffalo. He assures us that he will 
let us know as soon as the fugitive returns to New York. However, I do 
not believe that the matter will be complicated, as you seem to fear, by 
having the Buffalo police endeavor to effect Kreisberg’s arrest, after a 
discreet investigation. 


718 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


We will exercise due diligence in apprehending Kreisberg as soon as he 
arrives in New York but believe it will expedite matters, besides saving 
considerable on the cost of extradition, if the Buffalo authorities are success- 
ful in arresting him. 


12. Telegram, dated April 13, 1923, from National Desertion 
Bureau to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Bureau succeeded arresting Samuel Kreisberg today. Letter follows. 


13. Letter, dated April 13, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


You have no doubt received our wire of even date advising you that 
we have succeeded in arresting Samuel Kreisberg. The writer appeared 
at the Magistrate’s Court, and Kreisberg was held one week until April 20 
pending the arrival of an officer with extradition papers from your city. 
Kreisberg has consented to return to Chicago to face the charge. 

I had a long talk with Kreisberg this morning. He admitted his mar- 
riage to Ruth, to Lillian, and to Maggie but denied that there was anything 
but a Jewish marriage ceremony between him and Agnes, though he admits 
being the father of two children by her. He insists that he was never mar- 
ried more than five times. 

It may be that he will be arraigned at the Family Court of New York 
as the Department of Public Welfare wishes to settle an account with him for 
the support and maintenance of his son, Abe, who was committed in 1916 
as a public charge and in whose behalf Kreisberg has never since contributed 
any money. We will advise you of further developments. 


14. Letter, dated April 17, 1923, to the National Desertion Bureau 
from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


In reply to your letter of April 13, we wish to advise that our Police 
Department is waiting a statement from New York Police Headquarters 
to the effect that Mr. Kreisberg is waiving extradition papers over his signa- 
ture. As soon as this is received our police will proceed. We are taking 
this precaution as we do not want to lose our money in case Mr. Kreisberg 
should fight extradition when our officer gets there. 


15. Letter, dated April 23, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


No doubt Samuel Kreisberg has already been brought to your city. 
On Friday last I appeared before Magistrate Brown and though no officer 
from Chicago was present a telegram had been received from the Chicago 
Police Department advising that an officer is enroute. The extradition 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER 710 


papers were sent here and were duly honored by the Governor. We there- 
upon had Kreisberg committed for thirty days, pending the arrival of the 
officer. Your man came here on Friday afternoon and as the defendant 
agreed to return at once he was surrendered to his custody. 

The Department of Public Welfare of New York had a non-support 
warrant against Kreisberg in behalf of the son, Abe, for whose support 
he had not contributed since 1916. Another of his children, Dora, was an 
inmate of the Home for Hebrew Infants, but as Kreisberg married Dora’s 
mother, Agnes, by Jewish ceremony only, bastardy proceedings would have 
to be begun. In view of the fact that you were anxious to extradite him, 
the Commissioner of Welfare decided to waive his proceedings for the time 
being and consented to surrender him to the Chicago police. 

I trust that you will see to it that this man is given drastic punishment 
in view of the history of this case. 


16. Letter, dated May 17, 1923, to the superintendent, Hebrew 
Orphan Asylum, 1560 Amsterdam Avenue, New York City, from 
Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Re Abe Kreisberg 


May we ask you kindly to co-operate with us in the following matter: 

You may be interested to know that the father of the above, Samuel 
Kreisberg, has been extradited to Chicago and at present is awaiting trial 
on charges of bastardy and marrying within a year after a previous divorce. 
Mr. Kreisberg is to be examined in the Psychopathic Hospital; and in order 
to get as complete a social history as possible, may we ask you kindly to 
give us information about Abe in connection with mental abilities, habits, 
activities, and general progress. 

May we ask you kindly to answer this immediately. 


17. Letter, dated May 20, 1923, from the superintendent of the 
Hebrew Orphan Asylum, New York City, to Jewish Welfare Bureau, 
Chicago: 

Replying to your letter of the 17th instant, relative to the case of Abe 
Kreisberg, permit me to state that the boy was born on June 28, rort. 

He is in class VI B of public school and has an J.Q. of 1.14. His schol- 
astic work is good, and his general deportment in and out of school is also 
good. He seems to be a boy of normal habits, engaging in all the activities 
of boys of his age. 

His social life may also be called normal. He is quite companionable, 
his friends being boys about his own age and of the same grade. He is 
somewhat undersized but not unattractive. He is making normal progress 
in all activities. 


720 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


18. Letter, dated May 23, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


We are very sorry that we did not give you any information concerning 
Samuel Kreisberg at an earlier date, but, due to the rapidity and changing 
of events, we could not do so sooner. 

On April 24, the day on which Mr. Kreisberg was brought back to Chi- 
cago, he was taken to the County Jail and was held on the charge of marrying 
within a year of his divorce from Mrs. Ruth Simpson. 

On April 26 Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg came to the Court of Domestic 
Relations to take out a bastardy warrant against her alleged husband; 
and on April 27, when our worker called at the County Jail, it was found that 
Mr. Kreisberg had given bond early in the morning of April 26, so that he 
was no longer in the County Jail when the bastardy warrant reached there. 
Upon conferring with his attorney, we were told that he felt that Mr. Kreis- 
berg should be out on bond at the earliest possible moment so as to give 
him opportunity to have his defense prepared. It was our understanding 
that this trial in the Criminal Court would be put on the sheet sometime 
during the coming fall. Our worker then found him in the home of Mrs. 
Blumenthal, mother of Mrs. Maggie Kreisberg. Mr. Kreisberg told the 
story of his marital entanglements and this coincided, with the exception of 
a few deviations, with the information received from you. It was then 
decided in view of the fact that the bastardy warrant had not yet been 
served, that this same should again be undertaken so that Mr. Kreisberg 
would be held on two charges. This warrant was served on May g, and on 
May to Mr. Kreisberg pleaded guilty in the Court of Domestic Relations 
and was sentenced to the County Jail for six months if he failed to make pay- 
ments for the support of his and Maggie Blumenthal’s child. 

On May 15, much sooner than we had expected, we were informed that 
the Kreisberg case would be tried in the Criminal Court, but this was post- 
poned for a final hearing on May 21. On that date Mr. Kreisberg, following 
the advice of his counsel, pleaded guilty to the charge of having married 
within a year of his divorce and a conviction was obtained. On May 25 
the length of his sentence in jail will be established. We shall advise you as 
soon as we are informed of same. 


19. Letter, dated June 6, 1923, from counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 

We herewith acknowledge receipt of yours of May 23, re Samuel 
Kreisberg. Will you kindly advise us as to the final disposition of the case ? 

20. Letter, dated June 8, 1923, to counsel for the National 
Desertion Bureau from the Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


In answer to your letter which we received June 8, we should like to 
state the following: 


THE UNMARRIED MOTHER ET 


On June 4, 1923, Samuel Kreisberg was sentenced to the State Peniten- 
tiary for a term of one to three years. He will not be eligible for parole 
until he will have served at least eleven months. Mr. Kreisberg was sen- 
tenced on the ground that he had married within one year after a divorce. 
The verdict entered in the bastardy charge in the Court of Domestic 
Relations was finally set aside with the provision that if the Jewish Welfare 
Bureau wished to take action at the expiration of Mr. Kreisberg’s 
sentence at the penitentiary, that action could be taken any time within two 
years. 


[July 1, 1923, a statute enacted by the Illinois Legislature during 
the session of 1923, repealing the section of the Divorce Law on which 
this conviction rested, became effective. See below, p. 896. Mr. 
Kreisberg’s confinement lasted, then only four weeks, and in August he 
was in Chicago complaining of the care given. Mattie by Mrs. 
Blumenthal. The bastardy order is, of course, revived, and he was 
placed under bonds to contribute to the support of David. The points 
covered by these portions of the record are sufficiently covered in 
other cases and are therefore omitted here.] 


21. Letter, dated August 28, 1923, from Thomas A. Meyer, 
attorney-at-law, Chicago, to Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


Please be advised that Mr. Kreisberg conferred with me in reference 
to the status of his children who are at present with the mother of his recent 
wife. He claims that the old lady does not permit him to see the oldest 
child and is influencing her considerably against the father; also, that the 
other infant is very much neglected, the old lady being a sick woman. 

If those are the facts, I would suggest that you make an investigation, 
and I will instruct my client to pay for the support of the children, if placed 
by you elsewhere, where the morale of the children will be bettered and they 
will not be prejudiced against their father. It seems to me that this is an 
important question to be decided without much delay, for the best interest 
of the children. 

Furthermore, he advises me that the old lady refused to give out his 
clothing and other wearing apparel, of which he is very much in need. You 
will appreciate that the man is financially in a very destitute condition,. 
having started to work just last week, and is in need of wearing apparel, 
which is apparently of no use to the old lady, except for the purpose of 
harassing him. I do not suppose that it will be necessary for me to have 
any orders of court to that effect, as I am sure your influence with the 
old lady will go a long way to settle this dispute. He has an unquestion- 
able right to place his oldest child beyond the custody of the old lady, who 
is in no way related to the child, and who is not giving it the proper care. 


pee. FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


I presume the sum of ten dollars will be sufficient to keep her in some 
other place, which my client will contribute. 

I suppose, by this time, we ought to have the marriage annulled, and 
if you desire me to file the bill on her behalf, I will do so, or else you may do 
it yourself if you so desire. The marriage ought to be annulled, in view 
of the circumstances. 

I trust that all is well with you and that after your vacation you will 
be ready to take the matter up with me for early disposition. 


22. Letter, dated September 17, 1923, to Thomas B. Meyer, 
attorney-at-law, Chicago, from Jewish Welfare Bureau, Chicago: 


In reply to your letter of August 28, we have spoken to Mrs. Blumenthal, 
the mother of Mr. Kreisberg’s wife, regarding the clothing and other wearing 
apparel which Mr. Kreisberg informed you had been refused him by his 
mother-in-law. She told us that Mr. Kreisberg had taken everything that 
belonged to him, and in fact still owes her $6.50, amount which Mrs. Blum- 
enthal paid for his trunk which was sent from New York. 

We are investigating the charges made by Mr. Kreisberg that the Blum- 
enthal family is influencing his oldest child against him. As soon as we 
have all the facts we shall be glad to let you know. 


SECTION VII 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY AND THE FAMILY 
WELFARE AGENCY 


A. INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT 


37- The Family of Katherine Konczewski 
(Whose Husband, Wallentis, Had Been Killed 
in One of the Steel Mills) 


[Mrs. Konczewski lived in a two-story, old frame house in a 
district in the southern part of the city, which was formerly swampy 
farm land and is now a very new, but rapidly developing section of 
the city. The cottage is set back from the street, which runs north 
and south, so that there is plenty of room for a nice grass plot and a 
vegetable garden in front of the house. A new brick bungalow is 
just being erected on the southeast corner of the lot, but when Mrs. 
Konczewski lived here, there must have been considerable garden 
space. The streets are ungraded for the most part, and, except for a 
short stretch on the block to the north, cinder paths are the rule. A 
great many of the frame cottages look as though they had been built 
by relatively early settlers in this district, but there are many new 
brick bungalows and frame houses. Many of the houses have nice 
vegetable and flower gardens, while ducks and chickens add another 
rural touch. The east side of the Konczewski block is not built up 
at all, but immediately north and south one finds a great many old 
as well as new homes. A little south on the parallel streets to the east 
and west are springing up rows upon rows of stereotyped houses 
belonging to workingmen. Immediately to the west, however, only 
a few scattered houses have been built so far, and from there on, only 
weed-covered vacant lots extend for three blocks to the west. There 
are a great many Poles in this neighborhood.] 

November 3, 1919 (Monday).—|A nurse from the Municipal 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium telephoned asking an investigation of Mrs. 
Konczewski. The next day, before any visit had been made, a South 
Chicago representative of the Court of Domestic Relations likewise 
telephoned. No agency was at the time registered, and the following 
day, the fifth, a visit was made to the home, a three-room apartment on 
the first floor of a two-story dwelling.] 

723 


724 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


November 5, r919.—Visited. Mrs. Kate Ganczyka, who lives 
above Mrs. Konczewski, interpreted.t Mrs. Konczewski had been 
feeling miserable, so Mrs. Ganczyka had taken Mrs. Konczewski 
with her when she went to the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
Dispensary. Mrs. Konczewski is a tall, thin, sad-faced woman with 
five well-kept children, Frank (born December 3, 1907), Stephen 
(born December 3, rg10), Sophie (born February 28, 1912), Edward 
(born August 4, 1915), and Stanley (born April 3, 1918). 

Mr. Konczewski worked as a lead liner (work number unknown) 
for the Great Lakes Steel Company until about a year and a half ago, 
when a piece of iron fell on him while he was at work. He was taken 
to the company hospital, where he died about three months later, on 
July 3, 1918. Mrs. Konczewski says the company gave her $400 in a 
lump and $60 a month for a year afterward (paid through a Mr. 
Noble) and then stopped payment so that now she receives nothing. 
Her husband was insured in the Saint Cecilia’s Church Society for 
$340. She paid $400 of the money she received after her husband’s 
death on the house in which she is now living. The $12 she receives 
each month in rent from the family living above her on second floor 
she pays to Mr. Jung, near Sixty-seventh Street and Salem Avenue 
(exact address unknown), from whom she is buying the property. 
She showed visitor a Republic Building and Loan Association Book 
No. 2579 showing one payment of $32. She thinks the Great Lakes 
Steel Company buried Mr. Konczewski. At least she could not give 
the name or receipted bill from undertaker.. Father Mayewski at 
St. Cecilia’s Church is “mad at her” because she is sending her children 
to the public school and because she would not turn over $500 of her 
money to his keeping. Frank is in Room 202, Stephen in Room 204, 
and Sophie in Room 106 of the O’Reilley School. 

«(This first interview is a good illustration of the loss resulting from inability 
to speak the language. The visitor had a very good sequence to her questions— 
Mr. Konczewski’s employment and the name of his employer, the cause of his 
death, the insurance, compensation, details of his burial, the children’s schooling, 
the nationality, origin, and family ties of Mr. and Mrs. Konczewski, the church 
affiliations, the school attendance of the children; all of these points are covered. 
The trouble is that, due to Mrs. Konczewski’s lack of English, the visitor misunder- 
stands the situation as to (1) the date of Mr. Konczewski’s death, (2) the amount 
of compensation, (3) the amount already paid, (4) the lawyer, (5) the undertaker; 
so that at the second visit the following Tuesday, the whole thing had to be gone over 
again. And Mr. and Mrs. Konczewski had been in the city fourteen years and 


the five children born here are all American citizens! See below, p. 907, for statute 
governing compensation in cases of iridustrial accident. ] 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 725 


Mrs. Konczewski has been fourteen years in the United States. 
She was married on a Wednesday in November, 1905, in St. Unafree 
Church in Zesow, Austrian Poland. In this town both she and her 
husband were born. They came to this country immediately after 
their marriage, and all the children were born in Chicago. Mr. 
Konczewski was not naturalized. He has no relatives in this country. 
Mrs. Konczewski, whose maiden name was Guzmewicz,-has two 
_brothers. One of them, Frank Guzmewicz, is married, living a half- 
block south of her at 2270 Zenia Street. This brother is not good to 
- her. He is out on strike now and has two handicapped children to 
care for—a deaf-and-dumb child nine years and a smaller child with 
a broken foot.. Mrs. Konczewski says Frank has threatened to kill 
her children if they bother him. The other brother, Mark Guzmewicz, 
is unmarried. He was discharged from the army about three months 
ago and lived with Mrs. Konczewski until a month ago. He helped 
out some during the two months’ residence with her. Mrs. Kon- 
czewski has no idea where he went when he left her place. She says 
she owes the grocer, Kukulski, at Seventieth and Jackson about 
$140. She has been to County Agent, but he will not give her supplies. 
He says she ought to go to work and support herself. Visitor promised 
to see what could be done. 

November 10, 1919.—Telephoned Municipal Tuberculosis Sanita- 
rium. Nurse says that Mrs. Konczewski is under observation and is 
coming regularly to the Dispensary. As yet no diagnosis has been 
made. She has lost greatly in weight and needs more nourishing 
food. The Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium will let us know as 
soon as diagnosis is made. 

November 11, 1919.—Called with Marya Klarkowski, interpreter, 
to get Mr. Konczewski’s work number and to verify statements made 
by Mrs. Ganczyka, who interpreted very poorly at previous visit. 
Mrs. Konczewski has no record of Mr. Konczewski’s work number and 
could not give the name of any friend who might knowit. She reiterat- 
ed that he was a lead liner in open hearth and that he had been hurt 
May 5, 1918, but had died July 31, 1918, instead of July 3. Prosynski, 
Ninety-third and Essex streets, was the undertaker. The steel 
company has made a settlement of $4,000 instead of $400. Mr. 
Noble, lawyer, of Cook and Company, on Essex Street near Seventy- 
second Street, knows all about this. Mrs. Konczewski has received 
a lump sum of $1,600 and borrowed $1,000 more from the Republic 
Loan and Building Association to buy: her home, for which she paid 


726 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Mr. Jung $2,600. She now has to pay interest on the money borrowed, 
but she still has money coming to her from the Great Lakes Steel 
Company. For the last four months, however, she has heard nothing 
from them. Her brother Mark has seen her during the past week 
but would not leave his address, saying “he would see the lawyer 
himself.”’ About two months ago she had to pay $70 for repairs on 
the house. ‘The geese and chickens running about in the yard belong 
to Mrs. Konczewski’s tenant. [Two previous addresses were obtained.] . 

Later.—Called at her brother Frank Guzmewicz. He was out, but 
his wife, who has five children, seemed surprised that Mrs. Konczewski 
needed outside aid. She said that Mrs. Konczewski had bought 
her house only two months ago. Until then she had lived in the first 
floor of their house, paying $8.00 a month. Mrs. Guzmewicz thinks 
that there is a payment of about $100 due this month from the Great 
Lakes Steel Company. She believes that Mark has to sign papers to 
get this. Mrs. Guzmewicz does not know where Mark works or lives. 
He and Mrs. Konczewski have quarreled, and perhaps this is the reason 
for Mrs. Konczewski’s not receiving her money. Mrs. Guzmewicz’ 
husband had just gone back to work November to, so they have all 
they can do to support their own family. 

Later.—Went to Squire O’Rourke’s office between Eighty-second 
and Eighty-third on Essex Street, which is where Cook and Company 
used to be. Found that Robert T. Noble was the lawyer whom the 
Great Lakes Steel Company had employed to take care of Mrs. Kon- 
czewski’s compensation. Mr. Noble was not in, but Mr. Graham 
Williams let visitor read copy of the Probate Court’s proceedings, 
file No. 5231, document 786, page 329. The settlement was for $4,000." 
Of this $147.50 had been paid in bimonthly instalments of $33.13 before 
September 1, 1918, when the case came into court, leaving $3,852.50. 
The understanding was that this amount was to be paid to Mrs. Kon- 
czewski in continued bimonthly instalments of $33.13. However, on 
July 1, 1919, Mrs. Konczewski filed a petition asking that her share 
of the whole amount be paid her ina lump sum. On this date there 
remained $3,189.90. The court granted this plea; whereupon this 
amount of money was commuted to $3,008.74 by the Industrial 
Accident Board, and Mrs. Konczewski was made a cash settlement 
of $1,504.37. . The remaining $1,504.37 was placed as a trust with 
Guardian Trust and Savings Bank. This latter amount is payable 


1[This amount is the maximum allowance under the Illinois Workmen’s 
Compensation Act.] 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 727 


only on the majority of each minor; $421.22 was placed in Stanley’s 
name, $361.04 is in Edward’s name, $270.79 is in Steve’s name, $240.70 
in Sophie’s name, and $210.62 isin Frank’sname. Mr. Williams thinks 
that a small percentage of this money, about $2.00 a week for each 
child, is payable by Guardian Trust and Savings Bank to Mrs. 
Konczewski each month beginning sometime this month. He feels 
sure that Mrs. Konczewski herself is the person who signs for this 
payment. When Mrs. Konczewski came to make application for her 
cash settlement, Mark accompanied her, saying that he had looked over 
the property which she proposed to buy and found it a good investment; 
that when the Great Lakes Steel Company through Mr. Noble objected 
to turning over to Mrs. Konczewski her entire share of the money, 
her brother had insisted upon the settlement, saying that if she needed 
money, he would help her. 

Later.—Called in office of Republic Building and Loan Association 
in office of Squire O’Rourke and verified their loan of $1,000 on August 
23, 1919, to Mrs. Konczewski. ‘To date she has paid $32 on the prin- 
cipal and $7.79 interest. In months containing four Mondays she is 
to pay $10 on principal and $5.83 interest. In months with five 
Mondays she is to pay $13 on principal and $5.83 interest. 

Later.—Visited Kukulski, grocer. Mrs. Konczewski owes $80 
there at present. 

November 13, t919.—Called Prosynski, undertaker, and got an 
itemized bill. 

Later.—Called again at Kukulski’s, the grocer, and learned that 
Mrs. Konczewski had paid a bill of about $42 early in summer and that 
she had run a “‘book”’ almost constantly since her husband’s death. 

Later —Called at County Agent’s and read their record of the 
family, which showed that Mrs. Konczewski had received $1,000 insur- 
ance from the Polish National Association and agreed with what we 
had found out in regard to the Great Lakes Steel Company settlement. 
The County Agent had dropped the case as they had been unable 
to secure definite information about the family. 

November 14, 1919.—Called at Mr. Jung’s, Sixty-seventh and 
Salem streets, and Mrs. Jung verified the fact that Mrs. Konczewski 
had paid her husband $2,600 for the house. Said that Mrs. Konczewski 
had had to borrow money to do this but that she had paid in full. 

Later —Guardian Trust and Savings Bank said that money was 
in their bank in trust for the children, but that nothing, not even 
interest, was to be given to Mrs. Konczewski without a special court 


728 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


order; that the entire amount was to be held in trust until each child 
became of age. 

November 15, 1919.—Called on Mr. Noble. Mr. Noble entered a 
court order? on October 14, 1919, providing that the Guardian Trust, 
and Savings Bank pay to Mrs. Konczewski $2.00 a week for each of 
her five children, which would amount to something over $40 a month; 
that in addition to this they give her $80 to buy winter clothing for 
the children. Mr. Noble promised to go down to court November 17 
and stay there until the order goes through. He said that Mrs. 
Konczewski’s priest (would not give name) and a Polish lawyer, 
who is going to ask a fee of $300, had both tried to get control of the 
money which the Great Lakes Steel Company had settled on the 
family and that it was with difficulty that he, Mr. Noble, had kept 
control of it. That finally when Mark, Mrs. Konczewski’s brother, 
had come and pleaded with him to let Mrs. Konczewski buy the present 
property which she holds, he had himself gone and looked over the 
property and finally consented to let her buy it with the understanding 
that Mark would help if necessary. When Mark was discharged from 
the army, he came and lived with Mrs. Konczewski, turning over his 
entire pay check to her. For two months things went well until 
Mark began to go with a young Polish girl. This infuriated Mrs. 
Konczewski, and she kept at Mark until he finally left her. Mr. 
Noble has seen Mark recently, although he does not know where he 
works nor what his address is. He says Mark is probably to be mar- 
ried, but says he will help as much as he can, though soon he will be 
unable to help at all. He describes Mark as a good, open-faced youth, 
wanting to do the right thing but finding it very difficult to get along 
with Mrs. Konczewski, who has an ungovernable temper. He says 
Mrs. Konczewski has no business sense whatsoever. At one time 
Mark gave her a $50 Liberty Bond to keep for a rainy day. Mrs. 
Konczewski gave it to a half-sister for safe-keeping and, when she 
wanted the money, found the half-sister had spent it.2 Mr. Noble’s 
plan for the family seems to be to let Mrs. Konczewski keep the house 


«[This complicated court procedure is no longer necessary. In 19109, in fact, 
it was probably a matter of caution, rather than of necessity, as the Board had 
already been given the power to decide such questions as these.] 


2[There are frequent references in the records to the inability of foreign-born 
persons to realize the value of the Liberty Bonds. They are often quite at a loss 
to measure in any true way the value of United States currency, and these new forms 
of security were to them often wholly unintelligible. See Breckinridge, New Homes 
for Old, chap. iv, pp. 88-91, for discussion of this point.] 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 729 


for the next six months or so and to see if she can manage to live and 
keep up her payments on the $1,000 borrowed during this time; if 
not, to have her sell the property. Asked Mr. Noble to secure Mark’s 
address if possible. 

Later——Called at Frank Guzmewicz’. Mr. Guzmewicz not 
at home. Talked with Mrs. Guzmewicz. She says Mark will come 
to Sunday dinner at Mrs. Konczewski’s on November 16; that neither 
she nor her husband knows his exact address though they know 
he is living at a hotel™ on Forty-second Street. Mrs. Guzmewicz 
admitted that Mark intended to be married. Promised to try to 
secure his address. 

November 16, ro1g (Sunday).—Called at Mrs. Konczewski’s. 
Mark had not come to dinner. Mrs. Konczewski still insists she had 
no idea where he is living, although she says she is sure her brother 
Frank knows; that Mark has registered at some hotel under an 
assumed name. Asked if she could not give the name of some friend 
who. would know where Mark lived. She said perhaps Beneck Simo- 
nowski, Eighty-eighth Street and South Shore Drive, might know. 

Later —Called at Beneck Simonowski’s. He was not at home, 
but woman in house said he would be home all day November 17 
Promised to call. 

November 17, 1919.—Called on Beneck Simonowski and asked for 
Mark Guzmewicz’ address. Mr. Simonowski refused to give this 
pretending he did not understand visitor. Perhaps he did not. 

Later —Called at Frank Guzmewicz’. Mr. Guzmewicz says 
he thinks Mark is staying at the South Park Hotel, Forty-second 
and Lake Park Avenue, that he thinks Mark has registered under his 
own name. Mark told him a week ago when he last saw him that he 
intended to be married November 14 and was then going away perhaps 
to Mexico. Frank does not know whether he has actually gone or 
not. He, however, has not seen him. Frank seems to be a stolid 
and unintelligent, but well-meaning man. He thinks Mrs. Konczew- 
ski was very foolish to buy her house as she could have stayed on in 
his house, paying only $8.00 a month rent. He realizes that even 

1[This expression “living at a hotel” is again an illustration of the language 
difficulty. By Mr. Guzmewicz it was literally used, that is, it applied to any one 
eating and sleeping at the hotel without regard to the conditions on which he 
obtained his room and board; to the visitor it suggested the patron of the hotel, 
and she therefore looked for the registration of a person who was on the room list 
rather than on the pay-roll of the hotel. See second entry of November 17, 1919. 


“Frank Guzmewicz thought that his brother Mark had registered under his own 
name” at the South Park Hotel.] 


730 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


if she gets the $40 a month from the Guardian Trust and Savings, 
she will be unable to live on this and keep up the interest on the $1,000 
borrowed. He is unable to help. 

November 19, 1919.—Got the school records for Frank, Steve, 
and Sophie. All the three children come to school regularly and are 
bright and well dressed. These children are noticeably cleaner and 
brighter looking than the other children in their respective rooms and 
the teachers spoke very highly of them. 

November 20, 19t9.—Called at South Park Hotel to learn, if 
possible, the address of Mark Guzmewicz. ‘Talked with the manager, 
who seemed interested. He inquired of employees for such boy, but 
he was unknown. The manager consulted registry, but found no one 
by that name. Visitor left card; and he said that if Mark could be 
found or any information obtained, he would notify Welfare Agency. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Konczewski had received $150 from Mr. 
Noble, with which she immediately started to pay her debts. She 
had already paid $30 to Mrs. Ganczyka, the tenant who lives upstairs. 
She still owes this woman $20 more. She intends to pay her grocery 
bill of $80, $25 to the Republic Building and Loan Association, $2.00 
for gas, $5.00 for her water tax. She has heard nothing more of her 
brother Mark, but the Simonowskis have promised to let her know if 
he comes to see them. They do not know his address. Frank was 
home from school because his shoes were in such bad condition. The 
man who interpreted said that Mark was using an assumed name these 
days. That one way to identify him was that he had badly smashed 
the last three fingers of his left hand. When Mark was home last 
he had told Mrs. Konczewski that she ought to go out and work and 
support her own children. 

November 21, t919.—Mrs. Konczewski had been to the school 
about clothes, but they only gave the little girl a note to get a pair of 
shoes. Told Mrs. Konczewski that she must pay only $40 on grocery 
bill now and then $10 a month later. Made her understand through 
interpreter (neighbor, a plumber) that Welfare Agency could not give 
her any more grocery orders. Interpreter said that there was no use 
trying to get any help from Father Mayewski; that all he would do 
was to try to get money from the people, not give help.t 


«[This statement about the priest is of course not to be taken as true, but as 
the view of some neighbors of Mrs. Konczewski as to the reasons for the priest’s 
interest. The visitor of course took occasion to obtain the priest’s version (entry 
of November 26, 1919). The lawyer distrusted the priest, the priest the lawyer.] 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 731 


Later—Went to O’Reilley School to leave School Children’s 
Aid card for clothes for children. The principal took card but would 
not promise to sign it, saying, ‘‘Other families needed clothing besides 
the Konczewskis.’’! 

Later.—Called to see Mr. Noble, who said that Mrs. Konczewski 
would receive $50 every five weeks, December 23, 1919, being date 
for next payment. Mark Guzmewicz had been to see him about a 
week ago, but he did not remember his address. Mr. Noble repeated 
that he thought it would be a mistake for Mrs. Konczewski to sell 
her property. Thinks she should be helped until property is paid for. 

November 22, 1919.—Asked Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium 
nurse to send us report on this family. 

November 25, 1919.—Telephoned Father Mayewski, St. Cecilia’s 
Church, and made appointment to talk over family with him No- 
vember 26. 

Volunteer took boy’s blue suit with extra pants for one of the boys. 

November 26, 1919.—Called on Father Mayewski. He says 
Mrs. Konczewski is a splendid mother and a thoroughly moral woman. 
He knows nothing about any insurance which she received from the 
church. She got $4,000 from the Great Lakes Steel Company, 
and he went two or three times to see about this at Lawyer Noble’s. 
His only quarrel with Mrs. Konczewski is that she borrowed her $1,000 
from the Republic Building and Loan Association instead of from the 
Church Building and Loan Association, where the interest would 
not be so high. He knows Mark only slightly and says he has not 
been registered at this church for some months. Frank, however, 
the other brother, is a good man, but has his hands full with his chil- 
dren. Father Mayewski feels that the move away from the lower 
part of Frank’s house to Mrs. Konczewski’s present home was a good 
one as the former place was not sanitary. 

Later.—Called on Mrs. Konczewski. The house was clean, and 
Mrs. Konczewski looks somewhat better. Her back, however, 
continues to trouble her. She goes every week to the Municipal 

1[The reaction of the principal to this appeal in behalf of the Konczewski 
children illustrates the inappropriateness of calling the persons to whom the 
Society is ministering ‘‘clients.’””’ The moment the slightest tinge of partisanship 
characterizes an appeal, there is resentment. The principal had in mind all the 
needy children in the school and insisted that the need of each should be contem- 
plated in view of the needs of all. The client has been one to whom either the 
patron showed special favor or the attorney rendered the services of special 
pleading.] 


732 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Tuberculosis Sanitarium and is taking their medicine regularly. ‘The 
children are all once more in school. She understands that she is to 
get only a little paid on her various bills and will pay them up month 
by month. Left oranges, apples, and sugar given by South Shore 
Baptist Sunday School. 


Later.—Thanksgiving basket sent by South Side Woman’s Club. 


November 28, r919.—Mrs. Konczewski very grateful for her 
Thanksgiving basket. At last she has Mark’s address. Came there 
for Thanksgiving and quite willingly left his address. Questioned 
Mrs. Konczewski about neighborhood gossip to effect that her brother 
Frank has $800 which she lent him. This, she says, is nonsense. 
She has lent him nothing. Neighbors are evidently jealous because 
she is once more on her feet. 


December 3, 1919.—Telephoned Mark. Landlord answered and 
said that Mark was not in at present, but that he roomed there. 


December 8, 1919.—Miss Lewis, Great Lakes Steel Company, 
telephoned to say that Mrs. Konczewski had received $4,000 compen- 
sation for her husband’s death and that he had been a good steady 
workman. 


December 16, t919.—Visited. An attractive young Polish woman 
came to the door. She said she was Mark’s wife; that she and Mark 
were married about a month ago. They had stayed only a few days 
at the place on Lake Shore Avenue where they were living when visitor 
telephoned Mark and then had come to Mrs. Konczewski to make 
their permanent home. They pay board. Mrs. Konczewski and 
the children seemed very fond of Mrs. .Guzmewicz. Mrs. Guz- 
mewicz says Mark is ‘“‘crazy about the children and so is she.” 


Later—Met Lawyer Noble on train. Said Mrs. Konczewski 
would get her next Great Lakes Steel check December 26; glad to 
know Mark had returned and was helping with income. Said he 
felt sure all along that Mark was going to do the right thing. 


December 20, 1919.—Letter received from Municipal Tuberculosis 
Sanitarium as follows: 


Mrs. Konczewski was examined, November 29, 1919 by Dr. E. B. 
Foster and found to have pulmonary tuberculosis incipient ‘‘B.” I believe 
she can follow the appropriate treatment at home. Sophie, aged seven, is 
being carried under observation. She apparently had an acute infection 
when she came in, November 10, probably pharyngitis, but she has not been 
into the dispensary since, so we are unable to give any further information. 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 733 


December 30, 1919.—Mrs. Konczewski said that the baby, Stanley, 
had been sick; that she had called a Polish doctor, could not spell 
name, and paid him $3.50. Explained to Mrs. Konczewski that she 
must not do this again. When any member of the family is sick, 
she is to telephone the Welfare Agency and let them call county 
doctor.t. The child is well now. Mrs. Konczewski has not been down 
to the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary for a month. 
Explained to her that to keep well it was necessary for her to go once 
every two weeks. She promised to go December 31. Steve and 
Edward both need shoes. As children are having vacation, Mrs. 
Guzmewicz can bring the children to the office December 31. Here- 
after when they need clothes or shoes they must go to the teacher. 
Explained to Mrs. Konczewski that if she was to own her property, 
she must be very careful and wise in spending the $62.50 which she 
gets each month. 

December 31,, 1919.—Mrs. Guzmewicz, Steve, and Edward in 
office. Gave underwear, shoes, boy’s waists, and Christmas toys, 
as the Konczewskis had received no Christmas basket from the 
Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 

January 26, 1920.—Neighbor, Mr. Mayer, telephoned baby very 
sick, order for doctor. 

Later.—Telephoned Visiting Nurse, county doctor, and three other 
doctors. Finally, Dr. Lettman promised to call at once. 

January 27, 1920.—Mr. Mayer, neighbor, telephoned baby 
Stanley died January 26 at 12:30 P.M. Doctor had called before 
baby died. 

Later —Visitor called. A $20 coffin,? from Prosynski, Ninety-third 
and Essex streets had arrived. Mrs. Konczewski carried $20 insurance 
on Stanley. Told her to go at once to Prosynski and tell him to keep 
expenses down to $40 at most. 


1 [The difficulty of depending on free medical service has already been pointed 
out. See the Juraitis case, p. 36. In this instance, Mrs. Konczewski is pitiably 
responsive and within the month telephones for medical aid. There is no suggestion 
that either the mother or the visitor connected the death with the use of the county 
doctor, but the sequence of events is very painful. See entries of January 26, 1920, 
and January 27, 1920.] 

2[This apparently heartless emphasis on keeping down the expense instead of 
attempting to comfort the mother is the result of two sets of circumstances, (1) 
the knowledge that the undertaker will charge all that the market will bear and 
resentment at that fact, (2) the reliance on church and family to bring consolation 
in time of bereavement.] 


734 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 28, 1920.—Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium nurse 
reports that their nurse is calling in the home and that Mrs. Konczew- 
ski is not well. . 

January 31, 1920.—Mr. Mayer, neighbor, telephoned to ask 
whether Welfare Agency would pay for Stanley’s funeral. Told him 
to tell Mrs. Konczewski that Mark must help her with this. Promised 
visit February 3. 

February 3, 1920.—Mrs. Konczewski very discouraged, Said 
that Stanley’s funeral had cost $50 and if the Welfare Agency did 
not help her she did not see how she could get along as Mark has been 
ill with influenza for past two weeks, but was back at work this morn- 
ing. He-continues to live with her. The doctor told him two or 
three days a week was as much as he ought to work. Mrs. Konczewski 
also asked that visitor talk to the principal of the school, to see that 
children are admitted to school. They were sent home after baby 
died as the school thinks the child died of diphtheria. 

February 5, 1920.—Mark is sick again. He has been working for 
the past two weeks with the Indiana Steel Company. Their doctor 
is taking care of him. Saw the death certificate for Stanley signed 
by Dr. Boganazeski; cause of death: broncho-pneumonia. Mrs. 
Konczewski reports she has not received check this month from 
Great Lakes Steel Company as Mr. Noble is sick and cannot go down 
to Guardian Trust and Savings Bank for it. 

Later.—Explained to principal, O’Reilley School, that the Kon- 
czewski baby died of broncho-pneumonia and asked that children be 
allowed to return. The principal said “‘it was none of the Welfare 
Agency’s business or even hers when the children were to return to 
school. That only the health officer could say that.” (Several of 
the neighborhood children reported that the Konczewskis had scarlet 
fever at the house.) School report as follows, Frank and Steve good 
behavior, good scholarship, good attendance. Sophie, poor attendance. 

February 6, 1920.—Delivered check for $60 which visitor had 
secured from Guardian Trust and Savings Bank. Mrs. Konczewski 
looks much better and, as visitor instructed, had been down to Muni- 
cipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium Dispensary and is drinking two glasses 
of milk a day. Mark promises to stay with his sister so long as his 
wife does not bother him.? 


* {Mark’s marriage had proved an apparent failure and he and his wife had 
separated. His married life was encountering difficulties. He had married in 
haste. The following entry from the record of his relationship to the Welfare 
Agency explains some of the difficulties the visitor had been meeting. ] 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 735 


December 19, t919.—Mrs. Mark Guzmewicz telephoned office to 
ask visitor to meet her in South Chicago during the afternoon. 

Later —Met Mrs. Guzmewicz, who is a very attractive young 
Polish woman eighteen years old. She was very much upset. Said 
she had no one but visitor to whom to turn for advice and so she 
had telephoned. It seems that Mark had told her nothing of his 
obligation to his sister. Until a week before their marriage on Novem- 
ber 16, at St. Peter’s Church, Mark had intended marrying her older 
sister, Gertrude. He had married her chiefly to get rid of the sister 
whom he did not want to marry. She knew that he preferred her 
to her sister but did not know until after she had married that Mark 
had had illicit relations with her sister. During the month that she 
had been married, she has tried to find out exactly what their obliga- 
tions are to Mrs. Konczewski, but neither Mark nor Mrs. Konczewski 
has answered any of her questions. Mrs. Guzmewicz thinks she is 
pregnant and is naturally very worried about her future. Her own 
mother and father are well-off people living in South Bend, Indiana. 
She has two brothers and three sisters in South Bend and an aunt 
in Chicago. Her parents have given her no help of any kind since she 
was thirteen years old. She described her mother as the sort of woman 
who bore her children simply because she did not know how to keep 
from having children and beat and abused them in every way until 
they were thirteen years old when each of them was forced to leave 
home. Mrs. Guzmewicz is now only eighteen and during the past 
five years has been doing housework. Mark is working at the George 
Snyder Company, Fifty-fourth Street and Washington Avenue, where 
he gets $27 a week. Visitor explained to Mrs. Guzmewicz that Mark 
was under no legal obligation to his sister, but was under a very strong 
moral obligation since he had promised to help her out when he had 
gone with her and persuaded the lawyer to make her a cash settlement. 
Mrs. Guzmewicz says both she and Mark are very fond of the Kon- 
czewski children, that she is willing to help out all she can, but that 
she thinks she will go crazy if she has to live in the same house with 
the Konczewskis. She feels that Mrs. Konczewski is constantly coming 
between her and her husband and that both families would get along 
much better if they were living in separate quarters. Invited Mrs. 
Guzmewicz and Mark to visitor’s home Sunday, December 21, to talk 
matters over. 

December 21, 1919.—Mark telephoned to say that his wife was 
sick in bed; that otherwise they would have been very glad to come 
and that he would come any time visitor appointed. 


736 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


December 30, 1919.—Mrs. Guzmewicz telephoned visitor at her 
home at 8:30 P.M., saying that she was afraid to stay at Mrs. Kon- 
czewski’s house any longer; that Mrs. Konczewski had threatened to 
beat her and that in her weakened condition she did not see how she 
could stand living in such close quarters with so many children much 
longer. ‘Told her to come to office next day. 

[The rest of that record will not be given here, but neither young 
Mrs. Guzmewicz nor Mark was prepared for the exigencies of married 
life in so confused and complicated a situation. He is suffering from 
the effects of his army experience, and during the next few weeks 
and months, the experiment of living with his sister’s family was aban- 
doned; Mrs. Mark attempted to bring him into the Court of Domestic 
Relations for non-support; she was diagnosed as a “pathological liar’’; 
he and she separated and both went to work. Mark showed symptoms 
of dementia praecox and finally suffered a nervous breakdown and was 
treated in one of the United States Hospitals. Later a baby boy was 
born. Mark left the hospital and was traveling as salesman for a big 
mercantile establishment where he worked on commission to maintain 
the family. There was an unadjusted claim for compensation in 
connection with which the services of the American Red Cross were 
being sought. | 

February 19, 1920.—Mrs. Konczewski continues to go to Dispen- 
sary regularly. 

February 28, 1920.—Mark left February 21 because he did not 
want to be bothered any more by his wife. 

March 2, 1920.—Mrs. Konczewski has worked for the past two 
days in some factory’ (unable to give name). She leaves at 6:00 
A.M. and does not get home until 7:30 p.m. Explained to her and to 
Frank that she has tuberculosis and that she must not work until she 
is stronger. Left clothes for the children. Mark is living at 835 
Tolman Aveune, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

March 8, 1920.—At visitor’s request, Mrs. Konczewski has given 
up her factory work. She would like one or two places within walking 
distance to do day work. Her sister-in-law, Mrs. Frank Guzmewicz, 
will keep the children. She gets very tired just staying at home. 

March 27, 1920.—The children were at home alone. Mrs. Kon- 
czewski is working four and a half days a week for the Car Manufactur- 


* [We find here the problem of Mrs. Konczewski’s employment. She is away 
from home at least twelve and a half hours, the Welfare Agency is not putting in 
relief, and the income from the compensation and the rent, reduced by repairs, 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY fie fi 


ing Company, leaving the house at 7:30 and arriving home at 6:00. 
The children buy their lunches at school, and Edward spends the 
day with Mrs. Frank Guzmewicz. Mrs. Konczewski makes from 
$15 to $45 a month. She likes the work much better than doing day 
work, and she is not working ina dusty place. She continues to drink 
two glasses of milk a day and is eating fresh eggs, as the chickens 
have begun to lay. Mark is not living with them. 

April 10, 1920.—Mrs. Konczewski continues to work at the same 
place. Frank says that she keeps well and drinks her milk every day. 
They are getting along very well. 

May 28, 1920——Mrs. Konczewski telephoned that during the 
afternoon of May 26 Frank took $15 from his mother’s pocketbook 
and left the house, saying he was going for candy. At 6:30 when his 
mother returned home from work, Frank had not returned and he 
did not come home that night nor the next day. 

Telephoned precinct police station. Gave description of boy. 
The morning of May 28, Frank was picked up by the police and 
kept in the matron’s room. During the day visitor called to see him. 
He cried and said that his mother beat him; that he spent the night 
wandering up and down Oglesby Avenue, and had spent most of the 
next day in Bessemer Park. He was eager to get home and promised 
not to run away again. He was allowed to go home in the evening 
when his mother had returned from work. 

June 1-28, 1920.—Mrs. Konczewski is having trouble with her 
tenants upstairs... Mr. Ganczyka refuses to move, saying he will not 
leave until the police throw him out. Gave Mrs. Konczewski land- 
lord’s five-day notice. Referred her to Squire O’Rourke’s office for 
further information and explained to her procedure of eviction.” 

Visitor met Mrs. Konczewski at Municipal Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium. She goes once a month to the Dispensary. She is feel- 
ing well. 

She has one of the best amateur gardens that can be found any- 
where in the neighborhood. They have all the vegetables they can 


taxes, etc.,isinadequate. She is driven to work then by her fear of losing her house. 
She tries factory work, then considers ‘‘day work” but prefers a factory job with 
a shorter day and in a place that is not dusty. She comes back later, however, to 
“day’s work” (January 18, 1921).] 

t [The record contains no reference to Mrs. Konczewski’s former trouble with 
her tenants. She has appeared, however, as a woman of violent temper.] 


2[ See above, p. 103.] 


738 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


possibly eat and sometimes she is able to sell some. They also have 
fresh eggs. She continues to drink her three glasses of milk a day. 

July 14, 1920.—Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium reports Mrs. 
Konczewski is getting along nicely. She should continue to come 
once a month for treatment and observation. 

August 4, 1920.—Mrs. Konczewski working in piston-ring depart- 
ment at Ninety-fifth Street and Colfax Avenue, earning $17. Says 
it is easier than her former job. Children all well. Ganczyka family 
moved three weeks ago. Stafanski family living upstairs with three 
children. Children all seem to get along together. 

September 28, 1920.—Visited. Mrs. Konczewski was not home, 
but visitor talked with Mrs. Frank Guzmewicz. She said that the 
Konczewskis were doing very nicely. Mrs. Konczewski had said, 
if visitor called, to ask her if Welfare Agency could help them with 
coal this winter, as that was the only thing she needs. She thinks 
they will have a hard time to get it. Otherwise the family does not 
need our help. 

November 2, 1920.—Great Lakes Steel Company Goodfellows have 
sent coal, as Welfare Agency requested, to Mrs. Konczewski. ‘They 
will continue to supply coal to this family throughout the winter. 

December 25, 1920.—Blaine High School provided Christmas for 
family. 

January 18, 1921.—Mrs. Guzmewicz (case) asks that we take 
up again the matter of coal for Mrs. Konczewski with the Great Lakes 
Steel Company. ‘They sent one ton of coal, but Mrs. Konczewski 
has used this up. Mrs. Konczewski is no longer working for the Car 
Manufacturing Company, but is doing “‘day’s work” four days a 
week. Frank has been sick. Since Stanley’s death the money held 
in trust for him has been divided up among the other children. 
Recently Mrs. Konczewski was asked to sign some paper in connection 
with this. Since signing the paper, there has been some delay in her 
check. Mark went to Mr. Noble’s office and found that Mr. Noble 
had died and that Mr. Williams who was in charge of the office did 
not seem to know what he was talking about. Asked that we take 
up the matter and find out what is wrong. 

July 20, 1923.—Visited. The family has moved several blocks 
west and south of where they formerly lived. They are in a two- 
story modern-appearing cottage, which is neat and attractive. The 
neighborhood is further developed than the other neighborhood. 
The streets are graded, and there are cement sidewalks. However, 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 739 


there are still many vacant lots and gardens. Mrs. Konczewski’s 
front lawn and back yard are well kept. 

Mrs. Konczewski was not at home, but visitor found Edward 
playing in front of the house. He is a bashful youngster of almost 
eight years. He looked very clean for a small boy. He was promoted 
to the second grade last June. He goes to the grade school about 
ten blocks south and east. Mrs. Konczewski does day work in differ- 
ent homes, leaving early in the morning and returning in the evening. 
Frank is working, but Edward does not know who his employer is. 
Sophie is sick in a hospital. Edward could not tell what was the 
matter with her, nor did he know the name of the hospital. He was 
not interested in going to the country this summer. 


38. The Family of Paul Macho 
(A Hungarian Steel-W orker Whose Foot Has Been Injured in the Mills) 


[The Machos lived on the first floor of a plain, two-story, frame 
house, which is now in need of painting. There is a small front porch 
and a very large porch along the back of the house. A cement sidewalk 
leads to the back yard scattered with cinders. Within a radius of 
two blocks, north, east, and south, the district is very new, and the 
houses are far apart on the street just north of them. 

Some very attractive frame and brick bungalows have been put 
up recently, but there is still much vacant land in the neighborhood. 
There is an automobile shop just to the west, and a dyeing establish- 
ment and a small factory a little farther away. ‘The street to the 
north and toward the east is just beginning to develop, but going west 
there are small factories, stores, machine shops, and some residences. 

No particular nationality lives in this neighborhood. ‘There are 
Americans and foreigners of all kinds. It is a mixed neighborhood. 
About four blocks to the south a Polish community begins, extending 
several blocks.] 

February 19, 1920.—Mrs. Chalmers, Maryland Avenue, reports 
that Mr. Macho had his foot hurt while working for the American 
Steel Company. He has been out of work for nearly a year and 
has been unable to effect a settlement with the company. Family 
were found in destitute condition by census enumerator, who reported 
it to Mrs. Chalmers. The neighbors have sent in some clothing for 

«(See below, p. 907, for statute governing compensation in cases of industrial 
accidents. | 


740 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


the two girls and Peter. Mr. Macho has been examined by a number 
of doctors and has put his case in the hands of a lawyer. Mrs. Chal- 
mers understands that the company offer him $1,000 cash, but will 
not re-employ him. 

Later—Visited. Mr. Macho is an intelligent-looking young 
Hungarian man, at present very despondent and bitter toward the 
American Steel Company. His wife, American-born, is a large, 
good-natured, slovenly woman with four very bright, attractive 
children, Eleanor (born August 11, 1908), Eugene (born August 3, 
1909), Mary (born October 14, 1910), and Peter (born October 16, 
1919). The three older children go to the public school. Mr. Macho 
says that they came to Chicago from Birmingham in August, 1918. 
He worked from that time until his accident, December 24, 1918, 
as a millwright’s helper for the American Steel Company, never missing 
a day and working overtime every chance he got. 

The accident occurred through his sledging down a slide door which 
had become fast in the mill. The door suddenly loosened, catching his 
foot and hurling him head first off the door to the floor. He was taken 
at once to the doctor’s office in the mill and from there by ambulance to 
Dr. McBride’s office. Dr. McBride, after the examination, told him 
that his only injury was a sprained foot and asked him whether he 
wished to go home or to the Great Lakes Steel Company Hospital. 
Mr. Macho replied that if that was all the matter with him, he would go 
home. Dr. McBride’s assistant called on him later that day and said 
he would be back again in two or three more days. The next day, 
however, his foot caused him such pain that he called in Dr. K.K. 
James, who had been the family’s physician. Dr. James gave him 
a hypodermic and asked him whether he wished him to take the case. 
Mr. Macho said no, that Dr. McBride, the steel company doctor, 
was looking after his foot and he called Dr. James simply because he 
could not wait until Dr. McBride came. For the next week Mr. 
Macho remained in bed under Dr. McBride’s care. At the end of 
this time the steel company had three X-ray pictures taken of his foot. 
Two of these they showed to Mr. Macho, saying that there was no 
fracture and that everything was all right. 

Accordingly, Mr. Macho went back to work in the mills. For 
about two months he was given bench work. Then he was made 
supply clerk for the millwright division, which meant a great deal of 
walking around on his foot. Almost immediately after he started 
this job his foot swelled up, and he could not even stand on it, and he 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 74t 


had a relapse lasting from May 4, 1919, until September, roro. 
During this period he took his case to Attorney Kramer, Commercial 
Avenue, who in turn took up the case with the company lawyer, 
Attorney Graham. The steel company lawyer told Mr. Macho to go 
back to work to see once more how his foot acted. Accordingly, in 
September he went back and worked first for seven or eight days on a 
crane and then one night on a scale grab, after which his foot had 
swelled so that he could not work. He notified Attorney Graham, 
who took up the situation with the superintendent of the accident 
department, whereupon he said “that the man was lazy” and that 
was the only kind of job they had for him in the mills. 

The hearing came up before the Industrial Accident Board in 
October. Shortly after this, October 20, the following decision was 
handed down: that Mr. Macho was to receive half-wages, $15 a 
week for fifty weeks, and that at the end of that time he was to be 
on his own responsibility. This is the compensation given for 50 
per cent loss of one foot. Mr. Macho claimed that Dr. James said 
that his foot was absolutely no good and that he would be better 
off with an artificial foot than with his foot as it now is. After this 
decision, Mr. Macho took his case to Attorney Benjamin Monroe, 
Cottage Grove Avenue, who has been working on the case since, 
So far, Mr. Macho has received $382.50 from the company. He 
expects a check within the week for $300 for compensation since last 
September. This will leave him less than $150 more coming from 
the company. After that he has no idea what will become of him. 
The X-ray pictures of the man’s foot were taken at the Jefferson Park 
Hospital (Dr. James and Dr. Drake) and at Latimer Hospital (Dr. 
Hall). The Jefferson X-ray pictures Mr. Macho has seen, and he 
says they show that his foot never will be any good. Dr. Hall told 
Mr. Macho that there was nothing the matter with his foot; that he 
could not see why he did not go to work. 

Since last September Mr. Macho has been selling papers mornings 
near his home, making from 50 cents to 75 cents a morning. He has 
borrowed over $180 for current expenses from his brother-in-law, 
Charles Gallagher, who lives upstairs. He has received county supplies 
for the past three months and owes $50 in doctor bills and $150 in 
lawyer’s bills. Beside this he owes so much on his furniture that the 
merchant is going to take that back next month. His lease expires in 
March, and they will have to move, though they are not behind in 
the rent, which is $10. Mr. Macho says that although he paid 46 


742 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


cents a week to the Company Insurance Society, he has received 
nothing from it since his accident, as the company informed him that 
their insurance only covered accidents outside the plant; that accidents 
inside of the plant were taken care of by the company compensation. 

Mr. Macho says that although he signed up to take out his citizen- 
ship papers at the mill, they never actually applied for them because 
he did not know the name of the boat on which he came over. He and 
his brother and father and a first cousin came to the United States 
from Austria, landing in New York and going directly to Johnstown, 
Pennsylvania, when Mr. Macho was seven years old. He does not 
know what part of Hungary he came from and has not kept in touch 
with his family except with one sister, Mrs. Mary Brinco, who lives 
in Biloxi, Mississippi, and one brother, John Macholak, who lives in 
Birmingham. He has a married sister living there, one brother in 
Detroit, and another in the West. He has shortened his name in an 
attempt to make it sound more American. He is unduly proud of 
the fact that his wife is American-born. Mrs. Macho, who is of 
Irish-American parentage, was born in Iowa. She is Protestant, but 
Mr. Macho and the children are Catholic and go to St. Anne’s. Mr. 
and Mrs. Macho were married in a mining town in Illinois, April 10, 
1907, by a Protestant minister. In Johnstown he worked in the mines, 
and later he worked in the mines outside of Peoria, Illinois. After 
this he went to Birmingham with his brother and worked at a steel 
mill on Second Street. His brother John has been employed by this 
firm for twenty-seven years as an otl man. He worked in the blowing- 
room department as a repair man. Mrs. Macho’s brother, Charles 
Gallagher, lives in the apartment above. 

Later.—Learned through Confidential Exchange that the family 
were known to Latimer Hospital, October 16, 1919; to the Infant 
Welfare Society, November 13, r919; to the Visiting Nurse Association 
(under different spelling) November 29, 1919; to the School Children’s 
Aid, December 30, 1919; and to the County Agent, December 13, 1919. 

February 24, 1920.—Read County Agent’s report. It throws no 
new light on the case. 

Later.—Called Miss Copeland, Infant Welfare Society. She 
reports that Mrs. Macho brought baby once to station but never 
returned. 

Later.—Telephoned Visiting Nurse Association. They report 
that Miss Gano’s (American Steel Company) letter covers everything 
they know. Ed 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 743, 


February 25, 1t920.—Following letter received from Latimer 
Hospital: 


Paul Macho was here July 23, ro19, for an X-ray of old fracture of 
left foot. He left the same day, unimproved. He entered the hospital 
as a patient of Dr. Hall’s August 13, r919, and was discharged August 24, 
1919, improved. The diagnosis was old trauma of left heel. Mrs. Macho 
was an obstetrical patient here October 11, 1919, and was discharged Octo- 
ber 25, t919. One of our nurses investigated the home and found it in 
wretched condition. The mother was referred to the Infant Welfare Society. 

For further information regarding the family would refer you to the 
American Steel Works. Mr. Macho was working for them at the time of 
his accident, and they encountered a great deal of trouble with the family. 
Miss Gano was the nurse with whom we worked. 


February 25, 1920.—The following letter received from the Ameri- 
can Steel Company. 


Your favor of February 20, with reference to Paul Macho, addressed 
to Miss Gano, has been referred to me, and in reply, thereto, I take pleasure 
in giving you the following history of the case: 

Mr. Macho was injured while employed in our Mill No. 3 on December 
24, 1918. He was repairing a large door on the side of the mill building 
when he fell from the door to the ground below, a distance of about six feet, 
and injured his left heel. He was sent to the hospital and treated by our 
surgeon, Dr. McBride. He returned to work on March 3 on easy work; 
but, on account of slackened operations and business depression, he was 
laid off on May 13, 1919; he remained off until September 8, during all which 
time we paid him compensation amounting to $15 per week, or a total of 
$382.50 during this time. His attorney advised him to resume work early 
in June, but he did not do so until September 8, when he showed up at work, 
and we placed him on an electric crane, breaking in; this was a job which 
did not require him to be on his feet continually; he worked one turn of 
eight hours on this job and came into the office and said he could not hold 
this job because it was of such a nature that his feet pained him so that he 
could not stand it, and he went home and has not worked since. 

Since that time the case has been heard several times before the Indus- 
trial Commission, with the result that the Commission made an award of 
$610 in addition to the $382.50 which he had already received. During 
the latter part of his litigation with the company he was represented by 
Attorney Monroe. On February 9, Attorney Monroe and Mr. Macho 
went before the Commission and agreed and entered into a stipulation that 
the case before the Board be dismissed and an award of $610 be made. 
After all arrangements for settlement had been made and a check prepared, 
Mr. Macho and his attorney refused to accept the amount of the award 
and left the city office. 


744 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


So far as our doctor’s advice in this matter goes, Mr. Macho is able to 
do the work which we offered him to do, and any time he desires to accept 
this award, which was agreed upon between his attorney and a representative 
of our company, we will be glad to pay it. 

I might say in connection with this case, that our Goodfellow Club 
last fall purchased clothes for the children and assisted them in other ways. 
However, I do not feel it incumbent upon us now to assist him, as we believe 
he is able to work, and we can see no reason to assist a person who has a 
sum of $610 awaiting his pleasure of acceptance. I have noticed him for 
several months past, selling newspapers and upon investigation I find that 
his income from this source is about 75 cents per day. 

Of course, this man did have a rather severe injury, but there is no 
reason according to our doctors why this should disable him for life. 

From March 3, the day he first returned to work until May 13, we gave 
him a job that did not require his walking to any great extent, in other 
words, a job threading bolts, at which he could sit down most of the time, 
but when slackened operations came on it was necessary to reduce the force, 
and as he had been complaining all the time, we felt it our duty to lay him 
off, but you will notice that when we did lay him off, we resumed paying 
him compensation; in other words, we felt that he was able to work, but as 
he was complaining about the work which we gave him, we also felt that he 
would be better satisfied doing nothing and receiving $15 per week, which 
we believe proved true. 

I trust I have given you sufficient outline in this letter to enable you to 
decide your procedure in the case. 


February 28, 1920.—Telephoned Attorney Monroe. He is sick. 

Later.—Read Industrial Accident Commission record. Petition 
for claim was first filed June 23, 1919. The hearing was in October, 
and the decision was handed down October 20, 1919, by Arbitrator 
Pense. It read: “$15 a week for sixty-six and one-half weeks for per- 
manent loss of 40 per cent of the use of the left foot on the basis of 
Mr. Macho’s annual earnings for the year before the accident being 
$1,560.”” November 31, 1919, the petition for review was filed. 

February 9, 1920, on the date set for the rehearing, both parties 
asked that the case be dismissed and the award of the arbitrator be 
confirmed. ‘Therefore, Mr. Macho at the present time is entitled only 
to the compensation reported above. Letters from Dr. Hall and Dr. 
Greatheart to the Commission follow. 

Copy of letter from Industrial Commission Record No. 16210, 
Letter dated August 21, 1919, from Dr. John L. Hall: 

I have now had this man under observation and treatment at Latimer 
Hospital for about ten days. The recent X-ray picture made at the hospital 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 745 


shows that the fracture of the oscalcis which he sustained at the time he was 
injured, and which showed plainly in the X-ray plates taken in January, 
which are now in his possession, has completely healed. The pain and 
disability which were evident when he came to me were undoubtedly caused 
by his having considerable strain upon the longitudinal arch. ‘The sensi- 
tiveness has practically gone, and I have had a supporting insole made to 
go inside of his shoe, and he is ready for discharge from the hospital. I can 
see no reason why he should not make a complete recovery and be able to 
return to work within two weeks. He has no permanent disability. 


Copy of letter from Industrial Commission Record No. 16210. 
Letter dated October 8, 1919 from Dr. F. T. Greatheart, medical 
director, Illinois Industrial Commission: 


On December 24, 1918, this man fell about fourteen feet landing on a 
concrete floor. 

He suffered a fracture of the oscalcis, and now has callus behind and 
underneath the external malleolus. He has some pronation of the foot 
and a loss of lateral mobility. His shoe shows that he is walking on the 
inside of the foot to the exclusion of the outside. He is wearing an extension 
heel, but I believe the sole should also be built up so that it will support his 
foot in the interior part as well as the posterior, along the inner margin. 

At this time this man has about 4o per cent disability of the left foot, 
but I believe this disability could be considerably relieved if the callus was 
removed from behind and underneath the external malleolus, since this is 
the place he complains of most of his pain. He also has a bone protruding 
at the back of the heel which should be removed at the same time, and would 
give considerable relief. I believe his disability could be reduced to about 
1o per cent. Most of his disability comes from the fact that the callus 
behind and underneath the external malleolus hits the external malleolus 
and pinches the tendons running under it when he tries to plantaflex his 
foot. 


Later—Saw chairman of the Industrial Commission. Case 
can be reviewed on petition any time within eighteen months after 
date of the accident if it can be proved that disability is greater than 
at time of last hearing. Dr. Drake testified as follows: He had 
examined Mr. Macho June 1, 1919, when Dr. James called him in, in 
consultation. At this time he suggested an X-ray picture and gave 
a general examination. ‘The picture showed a longitudinal fracture. 
He estimated the permanent disability as from 35 per cent to 50 per 
cent of loss of the left foot and said “if man is forced to remain on his 
feet, condition will become worse” and that before he could work on 
the foot he would have to have a reconstruction of joint. Dr. James 


746 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


bore out Dr. Drake’s testimony. He had examined the man the day 
of the injury, again in May, and on October 1. He testified man was 
unable to step on the ball of foot. Representative of the plant tried 
to prove Mr. Macho was lazy because he said he could not do the work 
given him by the company. It was brought out, however, through 
cross-questioning that there was no provision made for sitting down 
in either of the jobs given Mr. Macho at the mills (work on the scale 
grab or threading bolts). In fact, that there was no work in the mill 
which could be done by a person sitting down. 

March 1, 1920.—Following letter written Birmingham Associated 
Charities, by the district superintendent of Family Welfare Agency: 


We are interested in the family of Paul and Rose Macho. On 
December 24, 1918, while working for the American Steel Company, 
Mr. Macho was thrown fourteen feet to a cement floor, which resulted 
in a fracture of one of the bones of his foot. The Industrial Accident 
Commission of Illinois have allowed him only $15 a week for sixty-six 
and one-half weeks in spite of the fact that he has permanently lost 
4o per cent of the use of his left foot. We are securing additional infor- 
“mation about the man with a view toward asking for a review of the case 
if the facts warrant it. Mr. Macho gives the following relatives: 

Mrs. Mary (Mike) Brinco, 84 Gulf Street, Biloxi, Mississippi, sister. 

Mrs. Laziak, 2714 Thirty-seventh Street, Birmingham, Alabama, 
sister. 

John Macholak, 2714 Thirty-seventh Street, Birmingham, Alabama, 
brother. 

We should very much appreciate your calling on these people and secur- 
ing the following information: first, the town, county, and province in 
Hungary from which the family came; second, the month and year that 
Mr. Paul Macho came to America; third, the name of the boat on which 
he came (Mr. Macho has been unable to secure his naturalization papers 
through lack of this information); fourth, what the family say of him; 
fifth, the type of people the relatives are. We should very much appreciate 
your securing the work record for this man at Brown and Warrens on Second 
Street, where Mr. Macho says he was employed as a repair man in the 
blowing-room. Mr. Macho reports that his brother, John Macholak, has 
been employed by this same firm as an oil man for the past twenty years. 

March 6, 1920.—Following reply received from Associated Chari- 
ties of Birmingham: 

In accordance with your request, we called upon Mrs. Laziak, who 
lives at 2714 Thirty-seventh Street, and regret our being unable to get any 
definite information. She could not give us any of the information requested 
in your letter. 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 747 


While Thirty-seventh Street is in an undesirable district, the woman 
was pleasant and neat. She has two rooms which were also neat, and the 
two children were pleasant and clean. It has been two years since she saw 
her brother. At that time she gave him $30 to cover transportation to 
Chicago. The woman spoke very little English. 

John Macholak lives at 2714 Thirty-seventh Street and works in a 
nearby mill. They also have two rooms, and five children. The rooms 
were very clean and neat, and the woman also was clean. She spoke no 
English, but, with the aid of a neighbor woman, we learned that Paul Macho 
and family lived with this family for several months before he went to 
Chicago about two years ago. They have not seen him since and did not 
know he had been injured. 

By writing Mrs. Mary Brinco, who lives at 84 Gulf Street, Biloxi, 
Mississippi, direct, you might be able to get more intelligent information, 
as she is the oldest of the family and came to this country first. Paul Macho 
went to live with this sister upon his arrival in America. 

We regret our inability to be of further assistance to you in this instance. 


March 12, 1920.—Attorney, Legal Aid Bureau, went over the 
case thoroughly and said that unless the amount of permanent dis- 
ability of Mr. Macho’s foot was greater at this time than at the time 
of either of the hearings, it would be impossible to secure greater 
compensation for Mr. Macho. If Mr. Macho had lost the entire 
use of his foot, he would only have received 125 weeks’ pay. With 
only 40 per cent loss he had received sixty-six and one-half weeks’ pay. 

March 13, 1920.—Jones and Addington, hardware manufacturers, 
will be glad to give Mr. Macho a job where he can sit down. 

March 16, 1920.—Explained to Mr. Macho that unless he could 
prove that his foot was worse today than when the case was tried 
before the Industrial Accident Board and unless petition for review 
was filed within eighteen months after the date of accident, he could 
getnothing more. Asked him to go to Dr. J. L. Hall for re-examination. 
He will consult his lawyer, Mr. Monroe, who has been sick for the past 
three weeks, and if the lawyer consents will go. He refused to go with 
visitor to Jones and Addington’s to see about a job where he could sit 
down, saying it would hurt his case. He cried twice and seemed very 
bitter and difficult to persuade to do anything. All he does is sit 
and brood about the extent of his injury. 

March 17, 1920.—Case presented at Advisory Committee. Deci- 
sion: Mr. Carpenter to confer with Mr. Belmont of the American 
Steel Company in regard to the situation, and visitor to consult with 
the Great Lakes Steel Company physician in regard to the man’s injury. 


748 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Later—Mrs. Macho telephoned that her husband had decided 
to accept the offer of work at Jones and Addington’s. 

Later.—Took Mr. Macho to Jones and Addington’s, where he was 
employed at 35 cents an hour, eight hours a day, doing work which 
did not require his standing. 

March 22, 1920.—Took cane and naturalization book to Mrs. 
Macho. 

March 23, 1920.—Mrs. Macho telephoned to ask visitor to make 
appointment for her husband with Dr. Hall. 

March 27, 1920.—Took Mr. and Mrs. Macho to Dr. Hall’s office 
for appointment with Dr. Hall’s assistant, Dr. Meyer. After explain- 
ing situation to Dr. Meyer, he refused to look at the man’s foot, saying 
that if visitor telephoned at 3:00, March 30, 1920, Dr. Hall would 
make an appointment to look over the man’s foot himself. Dr. Meyer 
promised to report all the points of the case to Dr. Hall. 

March 31, 1920——Verified fact that Mr. Monroe, attorney for 
Mr. Macho, had died. Mr. and Mrs. Macho would like advice as to 
their next move. 

A pril 6, 1920.—As arranged, took Mr. Macho for examination to 
Dr. Hall, who said that he remembered Mr. Macho well. He re-read 
his letter of August 21, 1919, and said that after again examining the 
man’s foot he would stand by that former statement. He read Dr. 
Greatheart’s letter of October 8, 1919, and said that he believes compen- 
sation on a basis of 40 per cent disability was generous. That if he 
had been testifying before the Industrial Accident Board, he would 
have recommended much less. 

Later he talked alone with visitor and said there was no reason 
why this man should not do work which required the use of his injured 
foot. That Mr. Macho had only a slight loss of lateral mobility and 
this could be greatly diminished by the use of his foot. He advised 
that an arch support be worn inside the man’s shoe. An appointment 
was made for Latimer Hospital, 8:45, April 10, 1920. He stated 
three or four times that the man’s trouble was almost entirely mental 
and said that it all began when Mr. Macho first saw an X-ray plate 
which showed he had a fracture of the bone. 

April 7, 1920.—Mr. Macho cut his thumb very badly on a piece 
of rusty tin while making a fire in the stove. He went to work, but 
his foreman sent him home and told him to rest up for a day or two 
until his hand got better. Gave card with instructions for surgical 
clinic, St. Anne’s Hospital, for April 8,1920. Explained to both Mr. and 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 740 


~Mrs. Macho that Dr. Hall had said there was nothing permanently 
wrong with his foot. He needed no operation. The only way to get 
back the fullest possible use of his foot was to use it more and more. 
In view of this statement it would be ridiculous to attempt to reopen 
the case before the Industrial Accident Board. Mr. Macho asked 
visitor to take up the matter of the lump settlement with the American 
Steel Company. 

April 10, 1920.—Dr. Hall himself made the plaster cast of Mr. 
Macho’s foot at the Latimer Hospital. He spent a great deal of time 
and trouble with the foot and made a special order of the silver blade 
which is to go inside the shoe. 

April 12, 1920.—Mr. Macho, as instructed, had his wound 
dressed at St. Anne’s Hospital. Mrs. Macho in office for clothing. 

April 13, 1920.—Telephoned Miss Gano, American Steel 
Company. She directed visitor to Mr. English, 808 Wabash Avenue. 

April 14, 1920.—At visitor’s request, Mr. Kramer [the lawyer] 
finally consented to make his bill $100 instead of $150 and to telephone 
this down to Mr. English. 

Later.—At visitor’s request, Dr. James and Dr. Drake reduced 
their bills from $25 to $20. 

April 15, 1920.—Mr. Macho accompanied visitor to Latimer 
Hospital, where Dr. Hall fitted the silver arch support to his foot. 

Later —By appointment interviewed Mr. English, American Steel 
Company. In spite of every possible appeal, he would not give one 
cent more than the $610 which the Industrial Accident Board com- 
pelled the company to pay. In addition to this, he presented a bill 
for $58.50 from the company for clothing and schoolbooks which the 
Goodfellow Department under Miss Gano has “given the family” 
during the man’s early illness. He finally threw out this bill and 
promised visitor that, if Mr. Macho’s foot in the next few years should 
become worse and the foot have to be amputated (which Dr. Hall 
says is absolute nonsense), the company will pay the difference between 
the 40 per cent permanent disability and the entire loss of the foot. 
Mr. English would not put this in writing, saying it would not be 
“good business.” The American Steel Company will not re-employ 
Mr. Macho. 

April 16, 1920.—Explained the entire situation to Mr. and Mrs. 
Macho and advised them to accept the $610 and forget about the past. 
Mr. Macho threatens to bum his way on freight trains up to the Mayo 
Brothers and get their diagnosis before signing away his rights for 


750 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


only $610. Mr. and Mrs. Macho will think over the situation fully 
and give visitor their decision. Gave note to County Agent for shoes 
for Eugene. 

April 19, 1920.—Mrs. Macho in office for clothing as instructed. 
Mr. Macho is sick with a very bad cold. 

As requested, county doctor called and diagnosed Mr. Macho’s 
trouble as acute bronchitis. 

Mr. English, American Steel Company, reported that Mr. O’Don- 
nel of the firm of Nicholls and O’Donnel, 9 South Dearborn Street, 
is now handling Mr. Macho’s case. Interviewed Mr. O’Donnel. 
He will drop the case and ask Mr. Nicholls to explain to the Machos 
the futility of their trying to get more money. 

April 24, 1920.—The Machos placed the two boys in St. Joseph’s 
Home, May 1, 1920, and are now looking for furnished rooms, as the 
Central Furniture Company will call for their furniture May 5. Mrs. 
Macho has signed a release for the furniture. 

Found suitable house at $10 a month at 9120 Brandon Avenue. 
Mr. and Mrs. Macho will move into this place with the understanding 
that we will pay the first month’s rent and donate furniture. 

Later —Mr. Reed, manager of Central Furniture Store, will leave 
the bare necessitites of housekeeping until May 19. The Machos 
have paid nothing on their furniture since May, to19. On a total 
bill of $393.09 they have paid only $100.80. 

May 1, 1920.—Following letter sent to superintendent, New 
Orleans Family Welfare Society: 


We should be grateful if you would have your correspondent in Biloxi 
call on Mrs. Michael Brinco, 84 Gulf Street, Biloxi, Mississippi, and secure 
the following information for us: 

1. The town, country, and province in Austria from which Mr. Paul 
Macho, brother to Mrs. Brinco, came to America. 

2. The name of the boat on which he came. (Mr. Macho has been 
unable to secure his naturalization papers through lack of this information.) 

3. What this sister has to say of Mr. Paul Macho. 

4. The type of person this sister is. 

Mr. Macho, who lives at 9120 Brandon Avenue, was hurt in an industrial 
accident December 24, 1918, while working for the American Steel Company. 
He was thrown fourteen feet to a cement floor, which resulted in the fracture 
in one of the bones of his foot. 

The Industrial Accident Commission of Illinois have allowed him com- 
pensation for 40 per cent permanent disability of this foot. He is now doing 
light work, which does not pay him enough entirely to support his family. 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 751 


He tells us that Mrs. Brinco is worth approximately $40,000. Possibly, 
if she understood that her brother needed only a little temporary assistance, 
she would be willing to contribute something until the man is once more on 
his own feet. 


May 8, 1920.—Family moved to the new cottage. Purchased 
- stove for $10. 

May 10, 1920.—General office truck delivered three chairs and 
three tables donated by Mrs. Robert F. Graves and office, and two 
beds donated by Mrs. Trevor, 7390 East End Avenue. Sheets and 
pillow cases given out of office stock. 

May 12, 1920.—Eugene issick. The Visiting Nursecalled. They 
sent for the county doctor, but as he did not come Mr. Macho took 
Eugene to the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. ‘They report he 
needs his tonsils and adenoids out. Mrs. Macho refuses to have this 
done. 

May 15, 1920.—The following letters received, forwarded from 
the New Orleans Family Welfare Organization: 

Letter dated May 10, 1920, to the superintendent, New Orleans 
Family Welfare Society from R. P. Adams, Biloxi, Mississippi: 


Your letter of the sixth to the pastor of the Presbyterian church was 
handed me for investigation. The inclosed letter is all the information 
obtainable and believe it is all they know. I am advised that Mr. Brinco 
has property valued at about $15,000. I visited their home; they are 
prosperous. Mr. Brinco works in the coal mines. 


Letter, dated May 8, 1920, to R. P. Adams, Biloxi, Mississippi, 
from Michael Brinco: 


In reply to your letter concerning Paul Macho: 

The place or town where he came from is Volyke Czorovec, county of 
Zemplinska, state of Czeshio, Hungary. I can’t tell the name of the boat 
he came here on, he was about 12 years old when he came to America, he 
was a good person when he resided with me. His sister is a good person, 
attends to church regularly. In reply to the last statement concerning the 
wealth of Mrs. Brinco is entirely wrong. 


May 15, 1920-June 1, 1920.—Instead of going to the West 
Side Dispensary for examination as arranged, Mr. Macho took his 
last pay check for $27.50 and went to the Mayo Clinic at Rochester, 
Minnesota. 

Visited. Mrs. Macho’s mother and sister-in-law were calling on 
her. The mother is a very nice-looking woman of fifty-three years. 


752 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


She has a careworn face and seems to have a great deal of trouble in 
her own family. As teamsters were on strike, left emergency cash 
for coal. 

May 25, 1920.—Following letter sent to the Mayo Clinic, Roch- 
ester, Minnesota, by district superintendent: 


Mr. Paul Macho, 9120 Brandon Avenue, whom you examined under 
registration No. 2156 on May 20, has asked us to write to you in regard 
to his foot. 

On October 20, 1919, when his case against the American Steel Company 
came before the Illinois Industrial Commission, he was awarded $992.50 
on the basis of 40 per cent permanent disability of his injured foot. We 
are inclosing the letters of Drs. John L. Hall and F. T. Greatheart, on whose 
testimony the award was made. Mr. Macho has felt all along that his foot 
was a total permanent disability and was determined not to accept the award 
of the Illinois Industrial Commission until he had been examined at your 
clinic. 

If in your opinion his foot is totally permanently disabled or if the dis- 
ability is greater than 4o per cent, his case can be reopened. He would be 
very grateful if you would send the X-ray plates and a statement of your 
diagnosis and prognosis together with the amount of permanent disability 
which in your opinion he has sustained, to Dr. F. T. Greatheart, medical 
director, Illinois Industrial Commission, 139 North Clark Street. Would 
it be too much trouble for you to send a copy of this letter to us and to Mr. 
Macho? Mr. Macho cannot say enough in praise of your clinic and particu- 
larly of your own kindness to him. 

We deeply appreciate the time and trouble you have given to this 
discouraged man and assure you once we have your statement in our hands 
we will reopen his case at once. 


June 1, 1920.—The following letter received from the Mayo Clinic: 


Your letter of May 25 is received, and we are very glad to hear from you. 

We were evidently misinformed in some way by Mr. Paul Macho. 
We were under the impression that he had as yet received no compensation, 
and he also told us there had been no fracture of the oscalcis discovered. 

We thought if that was the case you would surely be glad to know of the 
findings made here. We find, as Drs. Hall and Greatheart did, that there 
was a fracture of the left oscalcis, and the man is suffering from a permanent 
disability. I note you say he has been made an award on the basis of 40 
per cent permanent disability of his injured foot. I must confess I am 
unfamiliar with the laws governing the awarding of compensation for dis- 
abilities. Dr. Greatheart, in his capacity would, of course, be much more 
familiar with these laws. 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 753 


I do not believe there will be more than 40 per cent disability of Mr. 
Macho’s foot. This 40 per cent disability of his foot will, however, we 
believe, exclude him from following his occupation as steel worker. 


June 9, 1920.—Mrs. Macho of her own accord secured a position 
as chambermaid in the St. James Hotel on South Park Avenue, 
working from 8:00 to 12:00 and two hours on Sunday, for which she 
gets paid $15 a week. Mr. Macho will continue to work at Jones and 
Addington Company until he can get something better. He agrees 
with visitor that one more trial should be made at the American Steel 
Company. If this proves unsuccessful, he will try to get better-paid 
work in some automobile shop which will give him a chance to use 
his knowledge as a machinist. 

June 10, 1920.—Mr. English, American Steel Company, tele- 
phoned for report on case. 

June 16, 1920.—After much persuasion, Mrs. Macho allowed 
Eugene to have tonsillectomy performed, which was done at St. 
Anne’s Hospital, June 15. Eugene came through the operation very 
well and went home today. The baby got kerosene in his eyes and 
was treated at St. Anne’s Hospital. Mrs. Macho’s teeth are in bad 
condition. She will go down to the St. Anne’s Dental Clinic for 
treatment. 

June 22, 1920.—Mr. Macho finally accepted the award of the 
Industrial Accident Commission and received $510 from Mr. English, 
June 21, 1920. The remaining $100 was kept with Mr. Macho’s 
sanction by Mr. English for the lawyer’s fee with the understanding 
that it was not to be paid Mr. Kramer until visitor had one more 
interview with him. At Mr. Macho’s request, visitor received $40 of 
Mr. Macho’s money and paid Dr. James and Dr. Drake. Mr. 
Kramer, in his final interview reduced his fee to $90 whereupon $10 
more will be delivered to Mr. Macho through visitor. 

June 28, 1920.—Mr. Macho’s first papers were filled out. 

July to, 1920.—Mrs. Macho reports that Mr. Macho gave up 
his job at Jones and Addington Company right after the settlement 
with the American Steel Company, and worked one day at Indiana 
Harbor, but found the work too hard. About a week ago he left for 
Biloxi to see his sister and find out about his ‘estate in the Old Coun- 
try.” Mrs. Macho understands that last year Mrs. Brinco received 
$2,000 from her property in Austria. Peter has been sick all week; 
that is why Mrs. Macho has not worked for the St. James Hotel. 
Mr. Macho left Mrs. Macho most of the money. 


754 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


July 21, 1920.—Mr. Macho returned July 18, 1920. Had no 
luck. His brother-in-law had everything rented out but would very 
much like family to move to Biloxi; would give them furniture, etc. 
Gave Mrs. Macho card to Lllinois Free Employment Bureau. 

August 4, 1920.—Mr. Macho sleeping; is working nights as general 
help in Indiana Harbor (number unknown) earning $5.00a day. Mrs. 
Macho has not been to dentist because of bad cold; is still coughing. 
Baby also had bad cold; both improved. Mrs. Macho has bought 
second-hand White sewing-machine, $20, and is sewing school clothes 
for children. Advised against moving nearer Mr. Macho’s work until 
he is sure of work being satisfactory; has been there one week. 

August 20, 1920.—Mrs. Macho telephoned that her husband 
had. quit the job in Indiana Harbor as it was too hard. He is now 
looking for a position as watchman. He understands that he can 
take out his second papers on October 1, 1920. 

August 27, 1920.—Mrs. Macho in office. Given clothing. They 
are getting along well, as Mr. Macho got the position he was looking 
for. Mr. Macho is still complaining constantly of his foot. 

December 1, 1920.—Visited and found that family has moved from 
the cottage. Neighbors do not know where they live now. 


39. The Family of Mrs. Helen Kolecki 
(The Widow of a Polish Steel-Worker, Killed While at His Job) 


[This family lived in a fairly new two-story brick building, second 
floor, rear, on a street running northwest and southeast. There is a 
grocery store in the front of the building, and a vegetable garden 
joins the house on the east. There is a chicken house back of the 
vegetable garden. On the west there is a vacant lot, then a saloon 
at the corner a half-block away. On the opposite side, there is also 
a saloon at the corner and there are two-story, plain frame cottages 
with small but neat inclosed front yards. Directly south the Balti- 
more and Ohio Railroad yards and the Illinois Central tracks extend a 
considerable distance, while to the southeast the steel mills jut in to 
within three blocks. ‘There is a public playground just a little west 
of the home and a great Polish Catholic church a block or so to the 
north. | 

June 14, 1920.—Mrs. Kolecki, a sister of Marya Lenol [whose 
baby had died May 26], in office. Her husband was burned to death 
in the Great Lakes Steel Mills, May 13, 1919, where he was working as 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 755 


a craneman.’ He was not insured, and as yet she has not received 
any compensation for his death. She still owes the undertaker $216, 
Veronica was born two months after Mr. Kolecki’s death. Because 
of this there has been some confusion as to the amount of compensation 
to which she is entitled. 

She reports that the Great Lakes Steel Company have offered her 
first $3,300 and later $3,750 insettlement. She refused these amounts, 
feeling they were not adequate compensation for her husband’s 
death. She would be very grateful if the Agency would find out what 
her rights in the matter are. 

Visited.—Mrs. Kolecki is a plump, clean-looking, young matron, 
who speaks English well and keeps a very clean, orderly, four-room 
home, for which she pays $12. She is terribly afraid of anything to 
do with law or the courts and says for this reason she has let the matter 
drag on for overa year. Her sister, Marya, lives with her, and besides 
the baby, Veronica, there is a four-year-old boy, Walter. Besides 
Marya Lenol there is a sister Phyllis, and her mother has married 
again, a Mr. John Czarniecki, and has two daughters by the second 
marriage. 

June 17, 1920.—Letter written to the Great Lakes Steel Company, 
Chicago: 

Mrs. Helen Kolecki, 2437 Buena Avenue, reports that her husband, 
Walter Kolecki, who worked for you as a craneman, was burned to death 
in the mills on May 13, to19. Although thirteen months has elapsed, she 
says that she has received no compensation for his death. Any information 
you can give us in regard to this matter, we shall greatly appreciate. 


June 18, 1920.—Letter received from the supervisor of labor 
and safety, Great Lakes Steel Company, Chicago: 

Replying to your letter of the 17th instant, relative to the claim of Mrs. 
Helen Kolecki, 2437 Buena Avenue, I wish to state that one Walter Kolecki, 
who undoubtedly is the person mentioned in your letter, did meet his death 
in our plant in the manner and at the time as stated by Mrs. Kolecki. 
We have, however, tendered Mrs. Kolecki the legal amount of compensation 
as provided by the State Compensation Laws. This has been tendered 
to her on two or three occasions, but so far she has not accepted. We 
stand ready at any time to settle with her. 


June 29, 1920.—Visited office Illinois Industrial Accident Com- 
mission and was told this case had never been received. 


1 [See below, p. 907, for statute governing compensation in cases of industrial 
accident.] 


756 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


June 30, 1920.—Visited office of Great Lakes Steel Mills. Was 
referred by general superintendent to Mr. Cabell, the man in charge 
of legal matters of this kind. Mr. Cabell reported that the Great 
Lakes Steel Company offered several times to effect a settlement of 
case with Mrs. Kolecki but had been unsuccessful. ‘The case had been 
long standing, and they would like to have it settled. Mr. Cabell 
stated as the accident occurred before the amendment to law of 
June 28, 1919, it would have to go through the old procedure, 
namely having an administrator appointed and settled through the 
Probate Court. He offered to have an administrator appointed 
through his office without any expense to Mrs. Kolecki, if we would 
bring her to office for the signing of necessary papers. As to the max- 
imum of $4,000 which is allowed under the new law, he said the amount 
paid would rest with the Board when the case was received. What- 
ever they allowed would be paid by the company. 

July 6, 1920.—Attorney for Legal Aid Bureau reports that settle- 
ment would come under old law as death occurred before law was 
amended, which was $3,500, and that company was giving her benefit 
of new amendment when offering her $3,750. He advised letting 
Mr. Cabell’s office appoint administrator and proceed with the case. 

July 9, 1920.—Visited Mrs. Kolecki. Explained fully to her 
regarding amount of compensation due, and reasons for same. She 
consented to go with visitor to Great Lakes Steel Company, Mr. 
Cabell’s office. She still feels her husband’s death very keenly, 
and has great dread of any court proceedings. She has had a great 
deal of advice from her friends and neighbors, who have, no doubt, 
misinformed her regarding the case. Her husband had worked for 
the Great Lakes Steel Company as craneman for over twelve years. 
Her home and children are beautifully kept. She has been living 
(contrary to writeup of June 14, 1920, to the effect that Mr. Kolecki 
was not insured), since her husband’s death, on insurance ($1,000) 
paid her by order Modern Woodmen, and is planning to go to work in 
a few months if mother moves near her. 

July 14, 1920.—Accompanied Mrs. Kolecki to Mr. Cabell’s office 
as prearranged. Mr. Cabell was ill, but his assistant took us to the 
office of White and Simonds, attorneys and counsellors-at-law, 
9340 Commercial Avenue, where Mr. White went over the case, 
taking necessary data. Mrs. Kolecki is to return to office July 15 
for signing petition asking that Mr. White be appointed administrator 
of estate. 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 757 


July 17, 1920.—Accompanied Mrs. Kolecki.to Probate Court 
clerk’s office, meeting Mr. White at said office. Mr. White told 
visitor and Mrs. Kolecki that the company had arranged to settle 
for $4,000 instead of the sum named previously. 

July 19, 1920.—Accompanied Mrs. Kolecki to Probate Judge’s 
office with Mr. White where petition was heard. Went with Mr. 
White to Industrial Commission Board, where was told the case could 
not be reviewed before August 15, but thought the first payment 
could be made before that date. 

July 30, 1920.—Called Mrs. Kolecki. She said she still owed 
undertaker $216. When Mr. Kolecki was killed, she had $250 saved, 
and had in the house $300 in Liberty Bonds; $200 of this, she could 
never find. She loaned $700 of Mr. Kolecki’s insurance to a woman 
who pays interest on same. Just has received $40 interest. Mrs. 
Kolecki has notes for money borrowed. 

July 31, 1920.—Telephoned Mr. White and was told that the 
judge of Probate Court must make the apportionment per month. 

August 4, 1920.—Letter written Mr. George White, Chicago, 
Illinois: | 


We wish to express our appreciation for what you have done for Mrs. 
Helen Kolecki. We realize the time and trouble you have spent in settling 
up her case and wish you to know that Mrs. Kolecki joins us in thanking you. 


August 7, 1920.—As instructed, Mrs. Kolecki went to Probate 
Court, Judge Devine’s room, at 10:00 and signed necessary papers. 

August 19, 1920.—Telephoned Mr. White of case, who says the 
final disposition cannot be made until the judge comes back from 
vacation. 

September 28, 1920.—Mr. White telephoned that the rest of Mrs. 
Kolecki’s money was now ready for her at the bank and that a settle- 
ment to date of $1,260 would be made. Mr. White advised us, think- 
ing that in all probability we would like to guide Mrs. Kolecki in 
spending the money. 

July 20, 1923.—Visited. The Koleckis with the Czarnieckis 
now live in a neighborhood considerably inferior to that in which Mrs. 
Kolecki was living at the time of the earlier contact. They are just 
two blocks west of the steel mills on a rather cheerless and sooty street. 
They live on the second floor, rear, of a brown frame house. The 
front of the place appears much more decent than the back, which was 
quite neglected. The majority of the houses in the block are two- 


758 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


story frame cottages, rather the worse for wear. There are two saloons 
at the nearest corner. The alley west of the house is littered with 
papers and rubbish. 

Mrs. Kolecki was not at home. Mrs. Czarniecki would not talk, 
and understands very little English. Talked with Marya Lenol, who 
was busy in ironing a newly made apron belonging to her mother. 
Mrs. Kolecki has been working at the South Shore Laundry Company 
for the last two months, making $12.50 a week. Walter was promoted 
to the second grade last June. Veronica’s right eye is crossed. It has 
grown that way recently. Mrs. Kolecki does not want it taken care 
of now, as she thinks a doctor would only prescribe glasses which 
Veronica would break now when she is out in the street so much. 
Mrs. Kolecki intends to take her to a doctor in the fall. Visitor 
asked Walter whether he would like to go out in the country this 
summer, and talked with Marya, but they showed little interest in 
an outing. 

Marya looks quite delicate. She is a slim, brown-eyed, rather 
attractive girl, but extremely reticent. She left her job at the canning 
factory last week as she felt she needed a vacation after working 
steadily for five years. Says she is getting along well. Doesn’t 
know what kind of work she will do after her vacation. 


B. INDUSTRIAL DISEASE 
40. The Family of Max Berger 


(A Jewish Plumber Who Loses the Sight of One Eye and 
after Treatment Is Set Up in Business) 


[In this, as in some of the other cases, portions of the record are 
omitted. For example, no attempt is made to show exactly the 
amount of relief given. The standards maintained by the organization 
and the methods employed have been described above. Here the 
effort is to show the special treatment in the case of a man handicapped 
by an industrial disease in the pursuit of his trade.| 

September 12, 1922.—Mrs. Berger in office [Jewish Welfare Bureau] 
stating that her son has just had an operation upon his eye and has 
been unemployed for several months; his wife and three young children 
are in great distress. 

September 15, 1922.—Called. Young Mrs. Berger was surprised 
but not at all sorry to see visitor. She was not aware of the fact 
that her mother-in-law had reported their distress and stated that if 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY ; 759 


anything could be done for them she would certainly appreciate it. 
She is a young woman of twenty-five, very neatly dressed, and very 
pleasing in her manner of speech. The family live in an extremely 
well-furnished, five-room apartment. Mrs. Berger had just come 
up from the laundry when visitor knocked. However, the house 
was in an immaculate condition, and she herself was neatly dressed 
in a dark gingham dress. There are three children, Margaret aged 
six, Elizabeth, three, and Ralph, four months old. 

Mrs. Berger states that she and her husband, who is a plumber 
by trade, were married seven years ago and have always had a very 
comfortable home and everything of the best, until three years ago, 
when Mr. Berger was employed with the Quick Service Plumbing 
Company in Jacksonville, Illinois, at which time he began having 
trouble with his eyesight. Blindness came upon him suddenly one 
morning, Mrs. Berger states. He immediately visited the very best 
doctors in Chicago and was told that his loss of sight might have been 
caused by lead poisoning. He was forced to give up his trade as a 
plumber and to accept small odd jobs where he was not required to 
use his eyesight. A year ago his two brothers and sister got money 
together and established him in a small cigar and delicatessen store, 
which he was forced to give up a few months later because of his 
declining health. At present he is being treated by Dr. Cutler, of 
Racine, who performed a small operation several months ago. Three 
days after the operation a cataract formed on his left eye causing a 
sympathetic weakness in the right eye so that he is now totally blind. 
Mrs. Berger states that, as soon as the hot weather is over and Mr. 
Berger’s physical condition is improved, he will return to Racine to 
have this cataract removed. In the meantime he has visited several 
physicians in Chicago, all of whom recommend the removal of the eye; 
and for this reason they are very anxious to have Dr. Cutler perform 
the operation. All expenses for the doctors and for the household have 
been met by the brothers and sister of Mr. Berger, who have willingly 
contributed equal shares for the past year. Mrs. Berger states that 
they have received over a $1,000 in the last twelve months. However, 
Mrs. Berger states that these brothers have large families of their 
own and cannot be expected to contribute to the support of her house- 
hold for any length of time. Although they have not complained of 
their contributions, she feels that the fact that the mother-in-law 
asked our assistance in this matter is a proof that they are no longer 
able or willing to continue their assistance. Mrs. Berger states that 


760 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


she herself would never have applied to this organization, although 
she feels that since she has contributed $15 yearly to the upkeep of 
the organization she is entitled to special consideration. Her house- 
hold expenses are very great, she states, since the three children are 
young and in need of nourishing food. She has never been able to get 
along with less than $20 a week, excluding rent. 

Mrs. Berger came to this country when she was three years old 
and has always lived in Chicago. She graduated from the Scammon 
School and has always done a great deal of reading in her leisure time. 
She states that, if it is possible for us to assist her for several months, 
she is certain that her husband will be able to return to work at the 
end of that period and repay us. [The names and addresses of Mr. 
Berger’s three brothers and of a sister were obtained. | 

Later.—Called at home of Mr. Berger’s sister, Mrs. Lieberman, 
with whom Mr. Berger’s mother lives. She was not at home, 
but visitor spoke with sister of Mr. Berger, who stated that she 
and her brothers have been assisting Mr. Berger for over a year and 
at present owing to business depression they feel that they can no longer 
continue this assistance. She states that she has kept her mother 
with her for over a year and feels that this additional burden to her 
household is sufficient. The two brothers, each of whom has a store, 
feel that they can no longer assist and have not been sending Mr. 
Berger money for several weeks. Last week Mrs. Lieberman 
states that she called upon her brother and found that they had 
nothing inthe house. They are very proud and would sooner starve to 
death than ask for more than is willingly given to them. Mrs. Lieber- 
man has been giving the children clothes and helping with odds and 
ends, but can do no more than this. Her own home is very poorly 
furnished and badly in need of repair. She believes that Dr. Cutler 
has not been successful in his treatment of Mr. Berger and is very 
much in favor of his transferring to some doctor in Chicago. He has 
not been visiting Chicago doctors because their prices are too high. 
His visits to Dr. Cutler cost him $3.00 each, excluding transportation. 
Due to some slight accident during the operation or after it, Mr. 
Berger entirely lost his sight. His sister does not blame Dr. Cutler 
but feels that her brother did not receive the proper attention while 
in the hospital. She states that she will arrange, if possible, some 
evening for a family conference at one of the sons’ homes since they are 
unable to come to the office because of business ties, and will notify 
visitor immediately. 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 761 


September 19, 1922.—Called. Mr. Berger is a rather fine- 
appearing man of twenty-seven. Takes his misfortune quite cheer- 
fully and has full confidence that Dr. Cutler’s second operation will 
bring him his sight. He states that the accident which occurred at 
his first operation was not the fault of the doctor but was due to the 
fact that directly after the operation Mr. Berger moved his head 
slightly and caused a hemorrhage. He states that he has visited 
Dr. Trapp and Dr. Estill, both of whom he states are eye specialists. 
They recommend that his eye should be removed. He feels that he 
can resort to their treatment any time, while Dr. Cutler promises to 
cure him, and he feels that he should continue with him. However, 
he is willing to report at the Dispensary and see what their recom- 
mendation will be. He is certain that Dr. Cutler will allow him to 
make payments upon the second operation after he is able to return 
to work, and wishes that we lend him money only to tide them over 
the few months until he is able again to resume his trade. 


September 21, 1922.—Called at the home of Mr. Berger’s brother, 
David Berger. Spoke with his wife, who states that she and her hus- 
band have been assisting their brother for over a year and had been 
in a position to do more for them than the other brother. However, 
at present due to business depression they are having difficulty in 
making ends meet in their own household. She states that the two 
brothers and sister have contributed as much as $25 weekly and that 
this has meant a great sacrifice to each and everyone. She states 
that her sister-in-law has several relatives in Chicago, among whom 
is a very wealthy uncle. However, none of these has made an effort 
to assist the family in their distress. Mr. Berger is a very conscien- 
tious person, she believes, and would much prefer that we make him 
a loan. He has entire confidence in Dr. Cutler and is certain he will 
be cured and able to return to work in a few months, and at that time 
he will be able to repay us. She is to arrange for a family conference 
at the office on September 28 and if this is impossible to notify 
visitor. 

September 20, 1922.—Steering letter to Dispensary. 

September 28, 1922.—Mrs. David Berger telephoned that she was 
unable to arrange for a family conference since the brothers were unable 
to leave their business. . 

Conferred with supervisor and decided to take no further action 
until steering letter was returned. 


762 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


September 29, 1922.—Mrs. Berger telephoned that her mother-in- 
law and two sisters-in-law had come to the office on Thursday night, 
September 28, as arranged by visitor and had found no one in the 
office. She states that she is in great distress, and she hesitates to 
ask her relatives for more assistance. She feels that they have done 
all that is in their power for her. 

October to, 1922.—Called. Mr. and Mrs. Berger gave visitor 
same details as had been given on previous visit regarding Mr. 
Berger’s illness and their financial condition. They said that their 
relatives had done a great deal for them, and they could expect very 
little more. Asked her to make arrangements with her relatives for a 
conference at her home the following Friday, that is, October 20, 
at which supervisor and visitor would be present. In the meantime 
supplied grocery order. 

October 20, 1922.—Conference with relatives at the home in the 
evening. ‘Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Lieberman and David 
Berger. Mr. Mathew Berger was unable to be present. Discussed 
with them Mr. Berger’s treatment. He has great faith in Dr. Cutler 
and says he believes Dr. Cutler will operate on him about the first of 
the month. Mr. Berger had not yet reported to the Dispensary for 
examination, and he was requested to do so. He said he would 
co-operate to that extent and promised to go the following Tuesday. 

The problem of support was discussed. Mr. Berger’s relatives 
stated that since his illness they had spent several thousands of dollars 
for the support of the family and for doctor bills and hospital expenses. 
At one time they bought a store for him on Argyle Avenue, thinking 
that this sort of work would not be hard for him, but he was unable to 
read the scale or to do many other things about the store and was 
forced to give it up. They realized only $300 from the sale of it. 

Mr. David Berger stated he wanted to give his brother a job in his 
store but was unable to do so because he would not be able to read the 
scale and was therefore useless. They all have great hope that Mr. 
Berger will be able to work within a month. If at any time he doubts 
his speedy recovery, he never makes any mention of it. His wife 
also seems to be trying desperately to keep up her courage, and she 
seconds her husband’s belief that he will recover his eyesight very 
soon. At times, however, one discerns in her attitude a feeling that 
she is not so hopeful as she wants to be and that she is worn out from 
the long strain, but that she is keeping he her appearance of hope only 
to please her husband. 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 763 


Mr. Berger’s brother evidently does not have very great confidence 
in Dr. Cutler and he urged Mr. Berger to make the best of the oppor- 
tunity to be examined at the Dispensary. ‘The entire group of people 
seemed very refined and sensible. They have evidently done their 
utmost for the Bergers with the exception of Mathew Berger. He has 
a cigar store at 125 West Street. Visitor gathered from what the 
family said that he and his wife are living to the limit of their income. 
They stated that Mrs. Mathew Berger is a sick, nervous woman and 
that she had to stay in a sanitarium for several months this summer 
and had to pay $40 a week for her room. Other details of their 
expenditures were given, and the family at the conference insisted 
that they could not appeal any further to this brother as they could 
not make him give money if he did not see fit to do so himself. Mr. 
David Berger stated he could give $6.00 a week for the family and 
that, if ever it was possible, he would give more, but he could not 
guarantee that. The Liebermans stated that they were unable 
to give any regular assistance, as there was a rival cleaning establish- 
ment newly opened near them and they were losing a great deal of 
trade. The only assistance which could be depended on, therefore, 
was $6.00 a week from David. 

October 25, 1922.—Mrs. Berger called, stating her husband was in 
the hospital under observation; that they were penniless and their 
rent was due. 

October 26, 1922.—Received telephone call from the Dispensary 
stating that they were forwarding the background history on Mr. 
Berger to the hospital, where he was under observation. 

November 2, 1922.—Called. Mrs. Berger was very dejected, 
although she stated she had just learned from the hospital that Mr. 
Berger’s eye would not have to be removed, and that the doctor gave 
the same verdict as Dr. Cutler. She stated that she is optimistic 
by nature, but this long period of misfortune is greatly weakening 
her. The relatives are very slow in contributing their share and 
rather than remind them she has done without many things perhaps 
to the extent of impairing her children’s health. At present she stated 
that she had 30 cents. Mrs. Berger seems to be a very devoted wife. 
She spends three days a week at the hospital with Mr. Berger and in 
order not to neglect her household duties is forced to work late into 
the night when she returns. At present a nurse from the hospital 
is staying with her at night, and in return for this accommodation 
the nurse looks after the baby while Mrs. Berger visits her husband 


764 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


at the hospital. She states that each one of these trips costs her close 
to a dollar since she leaves Mr. Berger money for his hospital expense, 
such as shaving, and always brings him fruit. For this reason her 
weekly allowance is greatly reduced. } 

Later.—Called upon Mathew Berger. He stated that, although 
he has been giving financial assistance to his brother for several months, 
he is no longer able to continue this since his wife is very ill and nervous. 
He states that he is under a large expense on account of his wife’s 
illness and has two children of his own to support, and that in addition 
to this he is at present keeping his mother. However, he stated that 
he would do as much as possible and would always be willing to give 
moral support. 

November 9, 1922.—Letter from the hospital advising that Mr. 
Berger had been discharged November 7, and referred to the Dispen- 
sary for additional treatment. Advised that Mr. Berger had 75 per 
cent vision in his good eye, the right, and could see only light in his 
left eye. He will be unable to work while he is receiving treatment 
and should not consider returning to his old trade. Suggested that 
we refer Mr. Berger to the Illinois Society for Prevention of Blind- 
ness at 122 Michigan Avenue and that we should refer him to the State 
Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau, City Hall Square Building, in 
order that he may be re-educated. 

Later.—Called in order to discuss with Mr. Berger the possibility 
of an occupation for the future. Mr. Berger was not home. Mrs. 
Berger states that he is greatly improving, although the present 
treatment he is receiving renders him practically without vision. 
She states that he had gone to the Dispensary for treatment, but will 
report at our office on the eleventh. She and her husband have been 
discussing very seriously with the relatives the possibility of opening 
a small grocery store. Their plans were that the family should move 
into a few rooms in the rear and Mrs. Berger should attend. to the 
trade and Mr. Berger assist as much as possible until he recovered his 
sight. Mrs. Berger states that she has had experience in managing 
a store since she was of great assistance to her husband when. they 
had their small cigar store. As yet they have not received any check 
from their brother and hesitated to remind him of it although they 
were greatly in need. 

November 13, 1922.—Mr. Berger in office. Interviewed by super- 
visor. His physical condition has greatly improved and his attitude 
is much more cheerful and hopeful. He states that he is at present 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 765 


under the care of Dr. Kalish at the Dispensary, who has advised the 
removal of the eye. He is also receiving treatment at the Dental 
Clinic since the doctors feel that the condition of his teeth may have 
some effect upon his eyes. He is very anxious to consult Dr. Kimmel 
at the hospital since he had promised him that his eye would not have 
to be removed. His diagnosis was the same as that of Dr. Cutler 
and Mr. Berger has great faith in both doctors. Advised him that 
it would not be advisable to be under the care of two doctors at once. 

Discussed the problem of the future with Mr. Berger at 
some length. He states that he has given this matter serious thought 
and that if it would be possible for us to lend him some money he would 
like to open up a small grocery store and move into the rear as his 
wife has suggested. They have both had experience in managing 
business and feel that they would make good, although they were 
not successful in their last attempt. However, Mr. Berger states 
that this was due to the fact that his wife was in no condition to 
assist him at that time and that at that time the store was so far 
removed from the house. He was forced, too, to give it up when he 
went to the hospital. He did not show great enthusiasm at the plan 
as suggested by the hospital that he attend the Rehabilitation Bureau 
for re-education, although he did not refuse to do so. ‘The supervisor 
told him that no definite decision could be reached until we had a 
definite report from the Dispensary. 

November 15, 1922.—Letter to the Dispensary asking whether or 
not it was permissible for Mr. Berger to be referred to the State Voca- 
tional Rehabilitation Bureau while he was receiving treatment. 

November 23, 1922.—Letter from the Dispensary advising that 
patient’s eye is improving nicely, and that he will soon have normal 
vision in his good eye, and, therefore, Dr. Kalish thinks it better to 
postpone re-education until the doctors are able to determine whether 
- the condition of the eye will warrant it. The doctors say that he is 
making a great mistake in not having his other eye removed since he 
has no vision in it and it is constantly inflamed and was the cause of 
inflammation of the othereye. Mr. Berger was not urged to have this 
done, although they feel it will be necessary in the end. They think 
that Mr. Berger is an unusually co-operative patient and one who feels 
exceedingly grateful for what both doctors have done for him. 

November 27, 1922.—Called. Mr. Berger was home alone with 
children. He was very hopeful and feels that his condition is improv- 
ing noticeably. He has been informed that in a few weeks his treat- 


766 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


ments will be discontinued, and he will then be able seriously to con- 
sider his future. As yet the family is finding it extremely difficult 
to make both ends meet since the relatives have not lived up to their 
promise in regard to their contributions. ‘There is a gas bill which is 
unpaid, and the gas company is threatening to shut off service. Mr. 
Berger again brought up plan which he had suggested regarding a loan 
of a certain amount of money to establish himself and his wife in a 
small store. As yet he has not spoken of this plan to his relatives since 
he feels that they have done a great deal for him, and is unwilling to 
make himself a burden upon them if he is able to secure this loan in 
any other way. Informed Mr. Berger of the recommendation of the 
doctors at the Dispensary that he have his eye removed. He states 
that he is unwilling to agree to this operation until he is certain that the 
treatments are not improving his condition. He feels that Dr. Kalish 
is not taking sufficient interest in his case and would be much better 
satisfied if he could receive treatments from Dr. Kimmel. He has 
made several efforts to see the latter but has been unable to find him. 

Later.—Mrs. Berger in office, asking that we increase their allow- 
ance if this is possible in any way since the relatives are not living up 
to their promise, and they are having a very difficult struggle. Their 
gas bill is unpaid, and she asked that if we can do nothing else we pay 
this. Informed her that because of lack of funds we are unable to 
increase her allowance, and after conferring with the supervisor had 
to tell her that we could do not more than we are doing at present. 
She was very much humiliated at her mission and apologized again 
and again that she should be forced to come to us to beg. However, 
she stated that she was very thankful for as much as we were doing 
and realized that if we refused to do more it was because we found it 
impossible. She asked that her next order of coal be range coal 
rather than chestnut since chestnut was consumed too quickly in a 
furnace. She asked that rent be sent. Informed her that because of 
the insufficiency of funds this could not be sent until the first of the 
month. 

December 6, 1922.—Called. Mr. Berger was home alone with the 
children. He states that his wife had gone to the Dental Clinic to 
receive treatment. He is getting very disgusted because he has to 
remain at home and says that he would be willing to do any kind of 
work as soon as his vision is restored to him. Dr. Kalish has discon- 
tinued the treatment, and Mr. Berger does not know what the doctor’s 
plans are after that. He is in hopes that his treatments will be ended 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 767 


within a few weeks and that he will be able to go to work. He has not 
as yet discussed with his brothers the plan which he put before super- 
visor of opening up a small store. However, he feels that this would 
be the best plan since Mrs. Berger is very anxious to help him. He 
feels that they could manage excellently. Dr. Kalish still recommends 
the removal of the bad eye. Mr. Berger is very anxious to see Dr. 
Kimmel before he permits an operation. Mr. Berger is to report as 
soon as his treatments are discontinued. 

December 20, 1922.—Called at request of Mrs. Berger. She states 
that Mr. Berger has talked with his brothers about establishing a little 
store. His mother is willing to assist with $100, and she is certain 
that one of his brothers will assist with an equal sum if not more. She 
is very enthusiastic about assisting her husband, and feels that both 
of them together would certainly make good and would be able to 
return any assistance which we might give them in establishing the 
store, very soon. She realizes that if we consider this matter it would 
take a great deal of time and states that her husband is very anxious 
to do whatever possible in the meantime to contribute to the support 
of the family. He is no longer receiving treatment and his vision has 
greatly improved because of this. However, the doctors still recom- 
mend the removal of the eye. 

In speaking to Mrs. Berger about her own relatives, she states 
that her mother, Mrs. Desenberg, lives at 3172 Seventh Street. She 
states that until several years ago they had always received assistance 
from her people but that her father had sometime ago invested his 
money in an enterprise in which he had lost practically everything, 
and that for the past two years they have been in need of assistance 
themselves. She is certain her mother has gone many days without 
food in the house rather than apply at our organization. ‘There is a 
sister eighteen years old, who bears the burden of the entire support of 
the family, since her father is out of employment at present. She also 
has a sister, twenty years of age, who has recently married against the 
will of her parents to a good-for-nothing young chap, who is unable to 
support her now. She has a small baby and lives a very unhappy life. 

December 27, 1922.—Called upon Mrs. Desenberg, mother of Mrs. 
Berger. Mrs. Desenberg is a rather young-looking woman. She 
was very downhearted in speaking of the circumstances of her daugh- 
ter. She confirmed the statement of her daughter that her husband 
had lost his money a few years ago in an unfortunate investment and 
that they are entirely dependent upon the wages of their eighteen- 


768 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


year-old daughter. Their home, however, is very nicely furnished 
and bears reminders of a better day. Mrs. Desenberg states that her 
daughter had been brought up in a home of plenty and that she had 
always had everything she wanted. She received a grammar-school 
and partial high-school education and earned fairly good wages when 
she worked. She was always a happy-go-lucky girl and had many 
friends. She knew Mr. Berger several years before their marriage. 
He had been an ardent lover and had always given her her way. Mr. 
Desenberg is at present out of work and has been unable to secure 
employment. He has no trade since he has been a store-keeper all 
his life. However, he has no capital to invest in a business at present 
and is unable to secure work of any kind. ‘There are no relatives on 
Mrs. Berger’s side who are in any way able to assist her and her 
husband. Mrs. Desenberg states that her family have always kept 
a great deal to themselves and that the few relatives they have 
in New York have never been on friendly terms with them. She is 
certain that they are financially unable and also unwilling to give any 
assistance. 

Follow-up letter sent to Dispensary on Mr. Berger’s condition. 

January 4, 1923.—Called. Found Mrs. Berger at home with 
children. She had just come from shopping, and the children’s 
grandfather, who had been caring for them in her absence, was sleeping 
on a cot in the dining-room. Mr. Berger had gone out to look for 
work. Mrs. Berger said he was going to try to secure work from a 
plumbing establishment with which he had formerly been connected. 
He was doing this on the strength of Dr. Kalish’s advice that the 
improved condition of his eye warranted his return to plumbing. 
She feels that it will avail them very little if Mr. Berger does go back 
to plumbing and then after a few months or even years be forced to 
drop his trade again. She feels that it will be impossible for him to 
continue at his trade and that it would be much better if he set up in 
business in a Jewish district. She says that if their home could be in 
back of the store she will be able to devote most of her time to the 
store. She said her brother-in-law will provide them with stock if 
the Bureau will lend them a small amount of money to get started on. 

Conferred with supervisor, who had discussed the matter with Dr. 
Kalish. He feels that the condition of Mr. Berger’s eye warrants his 
going back to plumbing. Dr. Kalish is interested in Mr. Berger and 
is willing with Mr. Berger’s co-operation to keep close watch on the 
condition of his eye should he go back to plumbing. Supervisor 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 769 


said that there is no use in our turning to doctors for advice if we are 
not going to accept their advice. Plumbing is a very lucrative trade 
and it will be to Mr. Berger’s advantage if he can follow it. 

January 9, 1923.—Called. Found Mrs. Berger at home with 
two children. Mr. Berger not at home. Mrs. Berger said he had 
gone over to the West Side to look at a small store in which his brother 
was trying to interest him. Mrs. Berger said that Mr. Berger had 
attempted to work several days ago at the plumbing company with 
which he had formerly been connected. However, due to his poor 
sight he had been struck by a monkey wrench on the cheek bone and 
had a rather painful bruise there. Mrs. Berger said that Mr. Berger 
went to the Dispensary Saturday, where they had told him it was 
necessary for him to wear glasses. The price of the glasses is three 
dollars and some cents. Mr. Berger is unable to pay for the glasses, 
and Mrs. Berger requested visitor to make some arrangement for 
securing them. He is to receive them Saturday. It is expected that 
they will aid his vision and he will go to work as soon as he receives 
them. Visitor reported result of conference with supervisor. Told 
Mrs. Berger that it had been decided to follow Dr. Kalish’s advice 
that Mr. Berger return to plumbing until it was certain that the 
work was endangering his eye. Told her that Dr. Kalish is very 
much interested in Mr. Berger and will be willing to keep close 
watch on the condition of his eye to avoid any danger while he is 
working. Pointed out that if Mr. Berger is able to return to his 
trade their prosperity will be much greater than if he undertakes 
the responsibility of establishing a business since they have no funds 
of their own. Impressed on Mrs. Berger that it was at least worth 
while trying. Mrs. Berger accepted this point of view and assured 
us of their co-operation. 

February 9, 1923.—Called at home. Mrs. Berger stated that 
Mr. Berger had been working for the past two weeks. Dr. Kalish 
had told him to return for an examination at the close of those two 
weeks, and Mr. Berger was intending to see Dr. Kalish the next day. 
Mrs. Berger stated that she did not think the report from Dr. Kalish 
would be a favorable one because Mr. Berger’s eye had been troubling 
him a great deal while he worked. Every night when he came home 
his eye had been inflamed, and they had been forced to put on hot 
applications. She said that Mr. Berger had made over $41 the 
previous week although she did not know what the last week’s 
earnings would total. Mr. Berger earned practically $6.00 a day. 


77° FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


She said that the money he was earning, however, was eaten up by the 
rent and coal for which they had themselves paid this month. Mrs. 
Berger said that she hoped very much that Mr. Berger will be able 
to continue plumbing, however, because it is a very lucrative trade 
and she knows that they can get on their feet once more if he could 
only continue. 

She brought up the subject once more of establishing a business 
for them if Mr. Berger’s eyesight prevents him from continuing his 
trade. She said that her mother-in-law had suggested that they take 
a small store on the West Side where the Jewish people would trade 
with them because of the circumstances. Mrs. Berger stated, how- 
ever, that she had no desire to secure trade through sympathy. 
However, she said that she was only considering the matter because 
there was the possibility that Mr. Berger would be unable to continue 
his plumbing. She promised to report to visitor what Dr. Kalish 
reported on Mr. Berger’s eye. 

February 15, 1923.—Mtrs. Berger telephoned to say that following 
the examination of Mr. Berger’s eye, Saturday, Dr. Kalish had asked 
Mr. Berger to return the following Saturday. She said that Mr. 
Berger was not home at that moment. He had gone to look at a 
store. She asked that coal be sent. Said she had very little on hand. 

February 16, 1923.—Coal sent. 

February 17, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned that she had received 
slip for coal but coal had not yet arrived. Visitor explained that there 
was a great deal of difficulty in securing coal at present. Suggested 
that she borrow some for the time being until hers arrived. Mrs. 
Berger stated that Mr. Berger was going to see Dr. Kalish that day 
and that she would report what the examination might reveal. She 
said that they had a very good proposition which she would like to 
discuss with visitor. She said that they had in view at present a store 
which the owners were eager to vacate immediately and she thought 
that they could secure a very good proposition if they could accept it 
immediately. Asked visitor to discuss the matter with supervisior. 

February 21, 1923.—Called at the home. Mrs. Berger stated that 
Mr. Berger had gone to Racine Monday for an examination by Dr. 
Cutler. He had had an examination by Dr. Kalish Saturday, and 
Dr. Kalish had recommended the removal of his left eye. Mr. Berger 
had become very discouraged and did not want to have the eye 
removed unless there was absolutely no chance of saving it. He had 
talked the matter over Sunday with his mother and it was decided that 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY arg 


he go to Racine at her expense for an examination by Dr. Cutler. He 
telephoned to Mrs. Berger Tuesday stating that Dr. Cutler told him 
that there was one chance in a hundred of saving the eye by an opera- 
tion and Mr. Berger had asked her advice as to whether he should 
take the chance or not. It was finally decided that Mr. Berger 
undergo the operation at Dr. Cutler’s hospital. If the operation is 
not successful he could come back to Chicago and have the operation 
for the removal of his eye here. Mrs. Berger said that Dr. Cutler 
knew that they had no money, but she said she did not know whether 
he was attending Mr. Berger gratis or whether Mr. Berger had prom- 
ised to pay for his services when he is able. Mrs. Berger said she did 
not know when the operation would take place but she thought prob- 
ably in a day or less. She said following the operation Mr. Berger 
would have to remain at Dr. Cutler’s hospital for about six days before 
the success of the operation could be determined. She said she had 
sent Mr. Berger’s clothes on to Racine that day and would let visitor 
know any developments. She was afraid that visitor and supervisor 
might not like the fact that they had taken the matter into their own 
hands in this fashion but she said it was only natural that they should 
take this only chance to save Mr. Berger’s eye. She said they had 
nothing to lose because if the operation failed Mr. Berger would simply 
have the eye removed as recommended by Dr. Kalish and if the 
operation were successful they would be gaining much. She asked 
if the organization would continue to help them during Mr. Berger’s 
stay in the hospital. 

February 23, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned to say that she 
had received a letter from Mr. Berger in which he stated that the 
operation on his eye was to take place the following Tuesday and that 
Dr. Cutler seemed confident that the eye need not be removed although 
he promised that very little sight at best could be saved in the eye. 

. March 1, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned to ask whether her rent 
was to be sent to her. She stated that Mr. Berger was operated upon 
a week ago Thursday, but she had received a letter Wednesday from — 
the nurse stating that Mr. Berger was still in bed but that his condition 
seemed favorable. She is having a difficult time getting along. She 
said her relatives are not being very generous although they know that 
she has been left without any income. The only thing she wished to 
ask of us, however, was her rent. 

March 6, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned that they had received 
a letter from the hospital stating that both Mr. Berger’s eyes had been 


772 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


operated upon; that the inflammation had been removed from both 
eyes and that if the operation is as successful as present condition 
indicates Mr. Berger will have too per cent sight in his right eye, 
although none in his left. However, Dr. Cutler is certain that there 
is no need that the left eye be removed. Mrs. Berger said that her 
brother-in-law telephoned to Racine yesterday to confirm this report. 
Mr. Berger will have to remain in the hospital a week or ten days 
longer. However, this very favorable report makes her feel that his 
going to Racine was not a mistake and she feels that it may be possible 
that this may be the last time that she will have to call upon us for 
help. 

March 20, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned and asked that visitor 
call on her sometime this week. She said Mr. Berger is now at home, 
but is forced to wear bandages on his eyes for some time. She says 
that they will not know until these bandages can be removed whether 
the operation has been successful or not, but before he left the hospital 
Dr. Cutler was very certain of the success of the operation, and felt 
that there was even a possibility of sight, very slight, however, in the 
left eye. Dr. Cutler had stated that as soon as the bandages were 
ready to be removed he would provide Mr. Berger with suitable 
glasses. However, Dr. Cutler told Mr. Berger that he would never 
be able to go back to the trade of plumber since the work would be too 
great a strain on his eyes and suggested that if he wished to save their 
sight he seek some other work. Mrs. Berger said that she wished to 
talk the matter over with visitor. 

March 29, 1923.—Called at home. Visitor met Mr. Berger for 
the first time. [The first contacts had been made by another visitor.] 
He has an extremely pleasing personality. The bandages had been 
removed from his eyes, and he is wearing dark glasses. Said his eyes 
must be accustomed to the light before dark glasses can be entirely dis- 
pensed with. He said that he is gradually getting more sight in his 
eyes and although he has not much sight in the left eye is able to 
distinguish between light and dark with the eye. He said that Dr. 
Cutler had assured him that there would be some sight in the left 
eye. He expects to go to Racine Saturday or Monday for a final 
examination. He has already been assured, however, that he will 
never be able to return to his trade of plumbing or do any work where 
the strain on his eyes will be very great. For this reason Mr. and Mrs. 
Berger feel that their only solution is becoming established in a small 
grocery business with their home behind the store so that Mrs. Berger 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 773 


could devote a great deal of her time to the work. Mr. Berger’s 
brother has promised to help in this venture, but they asked that some 
help be given by the Bureau since the initial expenditures will be too 
great for them to start alone. Mr. Berger’s brothers have already 
expended so much for the medical treatment of Mr. Berger’s eyes 
that it is hard for them to do much more now. ‘They have already 
paid part of the bill owing to Dr. Cutler. Mrs. Berger said she had 
nothing whatsoever for living expenses because she could not ask her 
relatives for money for this purpose in view of the payments which 
they have made for Mr. Berger’s recent hospital expenses. She said 
that not only had she been forced to get along on practically nothing 
but in addition to that all three of the children have been ill with the 
measles although they were now recovering. She said she had not 
called the Dispensary doctor as advised by visitor because she felt 
capable of taking care of the children herself. She said she had per- 
mitted no one to come into the home during the illness of the children, 
however. She said that could the organization suggest a better plan 
for Mr. Berger than establishing him in business they would be glad 
to follow it, but she felt that there was no other alternative. 

April 4, 1923.—Mr. Berger telephoned. Said that he had been 
in Racine that week-end and that Dr. Cutler had declared that his 
eyes were getting along very nicely. 

April 13, 1923.—Mrs. Berger in office by Bnpeimun cnt Confer- 
ence with supervisor. Mrs. Berger discussed possibility of establishing 
small business but she said she was willing to follow any other plan 
which the organization might wish to make. It was decided to com- 
municate with Dr. Cutler before deciding what work Mr. Berger might 
gointo. Mrs. Berger said that her relatives had been giving them no 
aid since her husband had gone to Racine because of the fact that they 
had had to defray his hospital expenses. They had been having an 
extremely difficult time in getting along, and she asked for financial 
assistance during the time in which Mr. Berger should be idle. She 
said that that afternoon the delivery boy had taken the order of meat 
back with him because of her inability to pay. She said she did not 
have a penny in the house to go elsewhere; $3.00 was given for general 
relief, and Mrs. Berger was promised assistance until Mr. Berger was 
able to go to work. 

April 18, 1923.—Letter to Dr. Cutler, asking whether in his judg- 
-‘ment Mr. Berger could anticipate going back to plumbing as a trade. 
April 23, 1923.—Called at home. Mr. Berger appears to be in 


774 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


fine physical condition and says that his eyesight is gradually improv- 
ing. Mrs. Berger, however, seems to be showing the strain of the 
last few months. Mrs. Berger told visitor that they were considering 
establishing a store on California Street. However, they are willing 
to wait till we hear from Dr. Cutler and until it is certain that Mr. 
Berger is physically able to go into such a venture. Mr. Berger’s 
brother had promised to provide credit for the entire stock and fixtures 
for the store. Visitor told them that since we had placed them on 
an allowance until Mr. Berger’s condition was ascertained, we would 
expect the relatives to contribute as much as possible to the allowance. 
They suggested that visitor call on David Berger since it is possible 
he might be willing to help, although he intends to carry almost the 
entire burden of their venture into business. They said they did 
not think it was worth while calling on the other brother since they 
have been unable to secure any money from him. 

Later —Called on David Berger. He told visitor that he would be 
entirely willing to help his brother in the matter of allowance if he | 
could, but that his business is extremely slow. However, he intends 
to give his brother $500 credit in stock should Mr. Berger establish a 
store, and he feels that this is the extent of his ability to help. 

April 24, 1923.—Letter from Dr. Cutler saying that Mr. Berger 
should not allow himself to hope to return to plumbing. 

May 17, 1923.—Called at home to make an i | for 
conference for 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 18. 

May 18, 1923.—Conference with Mr. and Mrs. Berger in office. 
Supervisor present. It was decided that before making any plans 
for Mr. Berger in regard to work it would be advisable for him to go 
through the Diagnostic Clinic. Mr. Berger readily consented. 

June 2, 1923.—Met Mr. Berger on street and accompanied him to 
the home since he said they had not yet received their check and they 
would have nothing over the week-end. Check had been delayed 
and arrived while visitor was there. 

June 18, 1923.—Letter from Dispensary containing report of 
Diagnostic Clinic to the effect that Mr. Berger’s eye would have to 
be removed and that he could then be set up in business. 

June 23, 1923.—Conference with Mr. and Mrs. Berger with super- 
visor present. The decision of the Diagnostic Clinic was discussed 
and Mr. Berger said that he was ready to accept the decision to have 
the left eye removed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Berger showed their usual . 
fine spirit during the conference. He promised to go to the hospital 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 775 


as soon as a bed was ready for him and during the conference the 
supervisor made arrangements for him for Monday morning, June 25. 
The subject of what Mr. Berger was to do following his recovery 
from the operation was touched on. Mr. and Mrs. Berger were told 
to discuss with Mr. Berger’s brothers just what plans they were making 
for helping Mr. Berger establish himself in business. In the meantime 
the matter could be brought before the Conference Committee of 
the Bureau. When it is known that the Diagnostic Clinic recom- 
mends a business for Mr. Berger, the project will probably go through. 

July 5, 1923.—Mzr. Berger in office. Although the operation on 
his left eye had been performed only last Friday, June 28, Mr. Berger 
said that he was feeling very well and that now that the eye had been 
removed he was reconciled to the idea. He has been told that it will 
be necessary for him to rest for two months before he will be able to 
have an eye placed in the socket. Supervisor was present, and it was 
decided that the present plan remain in force until the two months 
had elapsed. 

July 18, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned saying that her children 
had been ill with diphtheria and that her house is quarantined. When 
the children were first stricken she called the Dispensary requesting a 
physician. A doctor answered her call a day later and requested 
Mrs. Berger to remove the children to the hospital since he could not 
call every day. Mrs. Berger refused to obey these orders and kept 
the children at home. When it became necessary, she called a private 
physician who responded very quickly. On Monday it was necessary 
to call in the doctor twice. Her doctor calls daily. Mrs. Berger 
reports that the children are out of danger, but in an effort to safe- 
guard their health she has expended $20. She asks whether the 
Bureau could not increase her allowance in order to pay her doctor 
bill and furnish the extra diet which sick children require. 

July 24, 1923.—Mrts. Berger telephoned stating that it is necessary 
for her to call a private physician since the Dispensary doctor refuses 
to call. | 

July 25, 1923.—Telephoned the Dispensary and learned that it is 
the practice of that organization to refer contagious diseases to the 
Health Department and, therefore, their doctor cannot call at the 
Berger home. 

August 15, 1923.—Called on Mrs. Berger. She looked extremely 
worn, but was just as cheerful as usual in her conversation. The 
illness of the children had been a great strain én her and in addition 


776 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


to that the condition of Mr. Berger’s eye began to get worse. He had 
gone to Dr. Kalish in regard to the matter, but Dr. Kalish has assured 
him that his eye was getting along all right. He had finally consulted 
Dr. Kimmel, who immediately stated that the eye was getting worse. 
Treatment was changed, and the eye is now beginning to show 
improvement. The Bergers, however, cannot understand Dr. 
Kalish’s attitude toward Mr. Berger because he would not admit that 
the eye was getting worse until Mr. Berger told him that he had con- 
sulted Dr. Kimmel. Mr. Berger is getting discouraged over the 
uncertainty of the result of the operation, and is eager to make some 
definite plan for the future. Visitor promised to write the Dispensary 
regarding a report of Mr. Berger’s present condition. 

Mrs. Berger asked if the organization would pay for the bill of 
the doctor whom she had during the children’s illness. The bill is 
$10. Because the hospital would not accept the baby at the time of 
illness she felt that she might as well keep the other two children 
at home since it was just as easy to be in quarantine with three as 
with one. She was forced to secure a private doctor since the Dis- 
pensary doctor did not call. Visitor promised to consult supervisor. 

Later.—Consulted supervisor in regard to doctor’s bill. It was 
decided that it would be fair to expect Mr. Berger’s brothers to shoulder 
the expense. 

August 25, 1923.—Mr. Berger in office. He is wearing a temporary 
glass eye and looked extremely well under the circumstances. He is 
very eager to begin making plans in regard to establishing himself 
inastore. It was explained to him that the Self-Support Committee 
would be unable to do anything definite until fall, and that under the 
circumstances it would be advisable for him to find temporary work 
of some kind. He was told that as soon as we heard from the Dis- 
pensary in regard to the type of work suitable for him, we would 
immediately make arrangements for temporary work. Mr. Berger 
was entirely agreeable. He asked regarding payment of doctor’s bill 
which had been caused by the children’s illness. When told that we 
would expect his brothers to pay the bill, Mr. Berger expressed great 
reluctance to ask them, since he said that they had known the children 
were ill but showed no interest as to how they were getting along 
during the illness of the children. 

September 13, 1923.—Called at home. Found both Mr. and Mrs. 
Berger and the baby at home. Mr. Berger looked extremely well 
and is very eager to get into some sort of work. Visitor told him 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 777 


what our report from the Dispensary was and that as soon as we had 
a list ready to submit to the Dispensary, and it received a response, 
we would let him know. 

September 18, 1923.—Miss Blumenthal of Employment Bureau 
telephoned to say that she had read the Berger record as per request 
and desired to interview Mr. Berger. 

September 19, 1923.—Called on Mr. Berger at his home and 
requested him to come to the Employment Bureau. Since visitor 
was likewise going to office Mr. Berger accompanied her there. Mr. 
Berger’s attitude toward visitor during trip to office was entirely that 
of a friend. He seemed entirely at ease. Helped visitor on the street 
car and paid her fare without question. During the ride he talked 
about the results of the disaster in Tokio and the effect which it would 
have on the power of Japan. 

Later—Brought him into office of the Employment Bureau and 
introduced him to Miss Blumenthal. 

October 2, 1923.—Miss Blumenthal of the Employment Bureau 
telephoned visitor. She told visitor that she had been disappointed 
in Mr. Berger’s attitude. On Thursday, September 27, she had 
sent him a letter notifying him to go to a certain paper company 
where a job as salesman was open. Monday, October 1, she had 
learned through the paper company that Mr. Berger had failed to 
make application until that day. The position was already filled 
and they were forced to refuse his application. Mr. Berger himself 
came into the Employment Bureau. He explained that he had 
received the letter on Saturday and so could make no application until 
Monday. He expressed regret that the notification had been received 
so late. It happened that on the bulletin in Miss Blumenthal’s 
room was a notice for a job as carpenter. The notice attracted Mr. 
Berger’s eye since the notice called for rough carpentry of which he 
thought he was capable. He said he had had some experience with 
rough carpentry in doing his plumbing. Since it was a private job 
Miss Blumenthal sent him out on it with a letter to the owner of the 
building. Later Miss Blumenthal learned from the employer that 
Mr. Berger had applied for the job. He had offered him 60 cents an 
hour but Mr. Berger had demanded 75 cents. Because the employer 
did not feel that the job was worth 75 cents an hour, he did not employ 
Mr. Berger. Moreover, when he had requested the letter of introduc- 
tion from the Bureau, Mr. Berger had said that he had left the letter 
in another coat pocket. This was an impossibility since he had gone 


778 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


directly from Bureau office with the letter. Miss Blumenthal could 
not understand Mr. Berger’s unwillingness to show the letter. 

October 3, 1923.—Postponed sending allowance or rent until 
explanation regarding Mr. Berger’s attitude toward jobs offered him 
was secured. 

October 5, 1923.—Telephoned to Berger residence requesting Mr. 
Berger to come to office. 

Later—Mr. Berger in office. Visitor explained reason for delay 
in sending check for the week. Mr. Berger stated that he was entirely 
willing to give an explanation, that he was sorry what had happened 
had taken place. First of all the letter which Miss Blumenthal had 
sent to him regarding the first job failed to reach him until about 11:00 
A.M. Saturday. The letter suggested that he call in the morning 
and Mr. Berger told visitor that since the Saturday morning was 
already half gone he felt that Monday morning was meant. He called 
Monday morning, and as Miss Blumenthal had already told worker, 
the job was taken. In regard to the carpentry work which Mr. 
Berger had voluntarily chosen he went directly to the place but was 
unable to make final arrangements due to the fact that the employer 
was not there. However, he talked with one of the men in charge 
who gave him the employer’s name. Mr. Berger telephoned to the 
man Monday and practically completed arrangements for 75 cents 
an hour. He was told to be on duty Wednesday morning. When 
he arrived Wednesday morning, however, he learned that he was to 
receive no more than 45 cents an hour and found that it would be 
necessary for him to work part of the time in the basement, which was 
dark and poorly lighted. Mr. Berger felt that this would be too great 
a strain on his eyes. In regard to his failure to give the letter to his 
employer, he said that on Monday he had had the letter with him as 
he had come directly from the office but had forgotten to present it at 
the time. Wednesday when he was asked for the letter, he had 
actually left it at home. 

Mr. Berger seemed to be very sincere in his explanation. He told 
visitor that he now has prospects of becoming connected with the 
Standard Brush Company and feels that this is a pretty good proposi- 
tion. Likewise he told visitor that he and his wife have changed 
their minds about establishing a grocery store. They feel that it 
will make too great demands upon him and are considering establishing 
a sort of rooming-house. However, this idea is very vague as yet. 
Mr. Berger was told that it would be necessary for worker to see his 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 779 


relatives this week. Mr. Berger is certain that the only one who will 
help him in any way is his brother David. Since it was too late to 
give Mr. Berger his check he was told to return Saturday morning 
for same. 

October 9, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned regarding failure to 
receive rent. Visitor explained that the rent was delayed because 
through an oversight it was not given Mr. Berger Saturday and that 
on Monday it was impossible to get ledger. Mrs. Berger likewise 
told visitor that Mr. Berger has secured a position with the Standard 
Brush Company. He is spending this week going out with a salesman 
to learn the art of approaching people. He expects next week to 
be able to go out himself. There is no fixed salary in selling the 
brushes, but Mr. Berger will receive 40 per cent of the sales. The 
method is this: After Mr. Berger secures an order it is sent to the 
company. The order is sent to Mr. Berger, who delivers it to his 
customer. He then, when he secures payment, subtracts his com- 
mission and mails the remainder back to the company. Because 
of this, since the salesman is on his own responsibility, he is placed 
under a bond for $200. Mrs. Berger told worker that David Berger 
signed the bond. Mr. Berger had several prospective customers 
lined up so that she hardly thinks it will be necessary to send them 
any money next week. However, Mr. Berger is only doing this as a 
temporary job until different plans can be made for him. When 
visitor told Mrs. Berger that she felt that the first week of learning was 
a loss of time since Mr. Berger does not intend to remain in this per- 
manently, Mrs. Berger pointed out the impossibility of his doing 
anything else right now. Moreover, she feels that Mr. Berger is 
gaining something by having this opportunity to think of something 
else besides himself. He has made so many efforts to secure work 
that she feels that this is the first good turn he has had for a long 
time. She is doing everything she can to help him and is reading to 
him every evening from the books on salesmanship put out by the 
Standard Brush Company. Requested Mrs. Berger to make arrange- 
ments for a family conference Thursday evening at the office at 8:30. 
She promised to get in touch with Mr. Berger’s brothers and sister, 
but she doubts whether Mathew will attend. 

October 11, 1923.—Family conference in office. Mr. Berger and 
Mr. Berger’s two brothers, David and Mathew, present. Supervisor 
also present. Both brothers expressed their interest and willingness 
to co-operate in any business venture Mr. Berger may undertake. 


780 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Neither one, however, feels that he can give any cash, but both are 
willing to provide Mr. Berger with credit for stock and likewise any 
necessary fixtures. Mathew, who is in the cigar business right now, 
says that his business is extremely tied up at this time. David, 
who conducts a grocery store at 1216 Washington Street, claims that 
he is having so much competition right now from Atlantic and Pacific 
and the Piggly Wiggly stores that he is having a difficult time. How- 
ever, it was decided that when a definite proposition is in view they 
will be better able to state what they can do for their brother. Numer- 
ous possibilities and types of stores were discussed, but it was decided 
that it would be much more satisfactory to await until superintendent 
of the Self-Support Department could look into the situation. It 
was decided to have a similar conference at the Berger home as soon 
as she could be acquainted with the details of the problem. 

October 18, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned to say that Mr. Berger 
had been working for the past week, but had come home the day 
before unable to do anything more. His eyes were troubling him a 
great deal, and he had gone to Dr. Kalish, who warned him that his 
eyes were strained and that he had better rest from work. Mrs. 
Berger is greatly discouraged. She said that she has just weaned 
the baby and feels that since this will leave her freer to leave home that 
she herself will go to work. Worker, however, told her that since 
more definite plans are now under way that it will not be necessary for 
her to take any steps of this sort at this particular time. 

Later.—Conference with supervisor and superintendent of Self- 
Support Department. ‘The latter had read the Berger case and was 
desirous of meeting the family in order to secure further insight into 
the situation. Visitor telephoned to Mrs. Berger during the confer- 
ence and arranged for a meeting at her home Friday October 26, at 
8:00 P.M. Mrs. Berger promised to have her two brothers-in-law, 
David and Mathew, present. 

October 26, 1923 (evening).—Conference at Berger home. Mathew 
telephoned after 8:00 that he would be unable to be present, but 
David was present. The different types of business advisable for 
Mr. and Mrs. Berger to go into were discussed. ‘The first essential 
was that it be some kind of business which would require no strain 
on Mr. Berger’s eyes, such as reading the scale, etc. Another essential 
to be considered is that the place of business must have living-rooms 
in the rear so that Mrs. Berger could devote as much time as possible 
to the store. The type of store advisable was discussed, but it was 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 781 


decided that it would be impossible to decide on anything definitely 
until several prospects were looked into. David Berger made a 
definite statement that he would give $200 in cash toward any amount 
which the Bureau would furnish in the undertaking. The matter 
of what Mathew would give was discussed, but they feel that there 
is little possibility of his giving any cash since he claims that his busi- 
ness is tied up right now. The Bergers intimated, however, that the 
truth of the matter is that Mathew and his family are living up to 
every penny of his income since his wife has extremely expensive 
tastes. This is the first statement that we have ever had from David 
that he would give anything in cash. Arrangements were made with 
Mrs. Berger to look at a prospect on the corner of Twenty-fourth and 
Austin. 

October 30, 1923.—Telephoned superintendent of Self-Support 
Department. Inquired as to the prospective business place which she 
and Mrs. Berger had gone to see Saturday morning. She said that the 
place had not seemed at all suitable, and that she was making arrange- 
ments with Mrs. Berger to look at various other places. Promised 
to call worker as soon as there was something definite lined up. 

November 1, 1923.—Mrs. Berger telephoned that her coal supply 
is almost gone, and asked whether it would be possible to get more. 
Visitor told her that it would not be possible to send it for a day or so 
if her supply would hold out that long, since the coal is supposed to 
last two weeks. 

Mrs. Berger said that she and the Self-Support worker had been 
looking at several places. As soon as something definite was lined 
up, she was extremely desirous that visitor go to look at the places 
with her. She told visitor that she would call her and make arrange- 
ments for that purpose as soon as possible. 

November 13, 1923.—Mrs. Berger in office. She was aware of 
fact that the matter of establishing them in the store at 2533 Peoria 
Street was to be passed upon by the Self-Support Committee that 
afternoon, and she was extremely excited over the result. Worker 
promised to let her know result. Her purpose for interviewing 
visitor was to request advice regarding disposition of her grandmother, 
who is an old woman and extremely difficult in the home. Mrs. 
Berger’s mother had had her in her home for a short time and is almost 
a wreck from the strain of having her in her home. Mrs. Berger has 
an aunt in Wisconsin who has likewise been taking care of the grand- 
mother, but all the children are extremely desirous of placing her in 


782 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


some home if possible. Mrs. Berger said that the relatives would 
pay for the keep of her grandmother if visitor knew of any place or 
home where she would receive suitable care. Visitor promised that if 
she learns of anything worth while that she would let Mrs. Berger know. 

Later.—The Self-Support meeting. Mr. Hochenberg and James 
Meyer present with superintendent of Bureau and case supervisor. 
Self-Support Committee voted unanimously to establish the Bergers 
in business at 2533 Peoria Street if store proves to be as described. 

November 20, 1923.—The establishment of the Berger family in busi- 
ness was presented to the Board of Directors at their meeting. The 
decision of the Self-Support Committee was approved by the Board. 

November 23, 1923.—Called at home. Found Mrs. Berger. She 
and Mr. Berger are alternating in watching the store at 2533 Peoria 
Street. Mr. Berger spends from 6:00 A.M. until 3:00 or 4:00 P.M. 
Mrs. Berger relieves him at this time and remains in the store until 
about 10:00. So far as is known now, the store is everything that it 
has been represented to be. They will watch the store for an entire 
week before the deal will be closed. Mrs. Berger told worker that 
it would not be necessary to keep the ten bags of coal which had been 
sent her since she expected that they would be moving into the store 
in a little less than a week. Since the coal had not as yet been deliv- 
ered, worker suggested that she send one-half of it back with driver. 
Mrs. Berger promised to do so. 

December 6, 1923.—Called with superintendent and supervisor at 
the Berger store at 2533 Peoria Street. Mrs. Berger did not look as if 
she had given much time to her toilet, but she explained that she gets 
up at 6:00 A.M. to open the store in order to catch the trade of men 
going to work at that time. Because of the need of rising so early, she 
does not get an opportunity to get cleaned up properly until after 
the children have arisen and have been taken care of so far as their 
breakfast and dressing is concerned. Mr. Berger was giving the chil- 
dren breakfast when the call was made. They are both extremely proud 
and happy over the store and have no lack of confidence in this step. 
Mr. Berger is able to get along very well in the store, and while his 
eyes prevent him from doing certain small tasks around the store, 
he gets along very well. He promised that he would be careful and 
would go frequently for examinations to the Dispensary and to watch 
the condition of his eyes carefully. 

December 12, 1923.—Called on Mrs. Berger at the store. During 
visit, she told worker something which she had never mentioned 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 783 


before, namely that she had occasionally worked evenings at a store. 
Her going to work had been occasioned by the doctor bill of $10 which 
they owed when the children were ill last August. At that time, 
it had been suggested that the Bergers get their relatives to pay the 
bill. Mrs. Berger said that they had been reluctant to ask Mr. 
Berger’s brother to pay for the doctor bills since they had done so 
much for them and she had managed to secure a pleasant job which 
enabled them to pay the bill. She had not mentioned this to visitor 
because she had no intention of doing any more than securing enough 
to pay for the doctor bill. However, following that time, the owner 
of the store had called her in occasionally for an evening or two during 
the week. This enabled her to buy necessary things. Although 
the Bergers were on a clothing budget, Mrs. Berger told worker 
that the relatives had not assisted the family for the past few months. 

Mrs. Berger looked very neat, although she had not been expecting 
visitor, and the store itself was in perfect order and was immaculate. 

December 26, 1923.—Case transferred from District X to Self- 
Support Department. 


SELF-SUPPORT DEPARTMENT 


1923.—Following is verified statement of average monthly pur- 
chases covering a nine-month period for the confectionery store at 
2533 Peoria Street, for which the price is $3,000: 


EDT V Ta A TE Nc] are ee See Oe | $ 25.00 
Pe Clr AD CIO AT CL LCS os tae Sy ee Bi nmcanel can sl 108.00 
OTe OT ET ics Ral Se eS les | ee eee ae 40.00 
Pressel cigars. CIQAleL LCS, MOONS. 6 sist soon ¢.5 37's 60.00 
i Israel Wocees wa VER «aed OH 8 heey teri ic aie ean nN QI.00 
Me OIC Ct nt teka vss een ak tos 2 130.00 
Pes OO Uiite Caudles fer eee eh ett ee ee ree 108.00 


Purchases not verified and not included: 


McClurg’s 

Brenman 

Stangel 

Beaver Paper Co. 

Magazines 
Total verified purchases........ $ 562.00 
Piteeaeamer cent DIOL... 3... 281.00 
Gross income from newspapers. . 88.80 
Gross income from laundry..... 80.00 

Motal TACHME? Or 20) Ae $1,011.80 


784 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Average weekly income claimed by owner is $250 or $1,083.00 per 
month. The difference of $72.00 may be accounted for by the items 
not included in our verified figures, but shown above under “ Purchases 
not verified.” 

Using only the verified figures as a basis, following is profit: 


Gross-profits(as indicated ADOVE) Js, 0s ec ne ake ee $281.00 
Pront TfOM. NE WSDA DEES visa nie nested oe 29.00 
POUL Th0tn LUO. Y volves eck aan eee 20.00 
Total gross profit: Siew lt. Gites 330.00 per month 
Expenses 


Rent $80.00 (lease to May 1, 1926) 
License 10.00 


Light 8.00 98.00 

Net profit: perimonth «a dep inese Se 232.00 
Selfs5upporiButl eet sees in ee 86.00 
Left'for repayment..i 1c. cee ae ae 146.00 per month 


At repayment rate of $125.00 per month or $28.75 per week loan 
would be repaid in 24 months. 

November 19, 1923.—Called with check for $100 to pay deposit 
on store at 2533 Peoria Street, but proprietor refused to accept deposit 
of $100, insisting that the full purchase price be placed in escrow. 
Would accept the $100 deposit if this were given to her in hand, or 
will refuse this. It was finally agreed to place the $3,000 in escrow 
in the Fidelity Trust and Savings Bank. 

November 20, 1923.—Called with check for $2,900 in addition to 
the check previously offered of $100. Both checks were placed in 
escrow in the Fidelity Trust and Savings Bank with the agreement 
that this money is to be returned to the Bergers if the income is not 
in accordance with the statement made by the proprietor, that is, 
$250 or thereabouts for the week. It is further agreed that the income 
for the week is to belong to Mrs. Berger and the expenses for the week 
to be paid from this income. Proprietor was worried by the fact 
that she had given an agreement to Mr. T. C. Arthur that she will 
pay him a commission if he sends a buyer. The Bergers had been 
advised about this store first from Mr. James of Sawyer Brothers, 
and later it was mentioned to them by this Mr. Arthur. But inasmuch 
as it was not through Mr. Arthur that they came to consider the store, 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 785 


he is not entitled to any commission. However, the proprietor insists 
on an affidavit to the effect that Mr. Arthur is not responsible for 
their purchasing the store. Affidavit was drawn up, and after it had 
been O.K.’d with corrections by Mr. Peter Hart, attorney, it was 
signed by Mrs. Berger and left in escrow with the other escrow agree- 
ment and the check. 

November 21, 1923.—Called at the store. Advised Mrs. Berger to 
keep a separate accounting of the income to check up on the cash 
register; also to note carefully the large purchases made, so that it 
may be determined whether or not these are special customers sent 
in or whether they are legitimate customers and part of the usual trade. 

November 27, 1923.—Telephoned the Chattel Mortgage Reporter. 
Learned that there are no judgments against the store and no mort- 
gages except the chattel mortgage against the fixtures and furniture 
of which the proprietor had spoken, and release of which is to be given 
the Bergers before the deal is closed. 

November 28, 1923.—Inasmuch as the income for the week was 
$265.68, called with the proprietor at the Fidelity Trust and Savings 
Bank and released $2500 of this money in escrow as per agreement, 
the balance of $500 to be left for five days to cover any claims that 
may be presented. ‘The proprietor in the meantime filed an affidavit 
of indebtedness of the store. 

Received confirmation of statement from Chattel Mortgage 
Reporter regarding no judgment of record against the proprietor. 
Mrs. Berger is to move in on Friday, November 30. 

November 30, 1923.—Letter to the morning papers, advertising the 
change in management of the store. 

December 1, 1923.—Letters to creditors ba a in affidavit, 

The following is statement of account during the week that Mr. 
and Mrs. Berger watched the store from November 21 to November 28. 
Income was as follows: 


November 21. Ouse seein Pa. $34.38 . 
INOVEMDEDs cote nee ae 34.11 
INOVem Der 223 tees a ten eos Pes 34.38 
November“247 0 R924 Payts 1 49.44 
November 2532.55.44. fsa 52.28 
November 26Fe i ih a 30/22 
November. 27223 aiiseds Was ct 30.87 


This is a total of $265.68. The sales were apparently all legitimate. 
The cash paid out for various expenses and merchandise during the 


786 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


week was $122.21, leaving a balance of $143.47 to be deposited on the 
account of Mr. Berger. From this, however, is to be deducted $39.78 
as follows: 


For rent from November 25 to November 30........ $23.95 
For fire insurance on an $1,800 policy to expire May 
23, 1924, and for which the premium has been paid, 
premium still on the unexpired term............. WSS 
On the $1,200 policy the unexpired term........... 8.50 


There is a further deduction of $53.40 for bills paid by the proprietor 
for merchandise delivered during the week. This is in accordance 
with the agreement. This leaves a balance of $50.29 due Mr. Berger. 
In addition to this, the proprietor is to pay Mr. Berger $3.20, the esti- 
mated amount due for the electric bills to November 21, making the 
actual cash balance on hand of Mr. Berger $53.49, which together with 
the $100 given Mr. Berger by his brother was deposited at the North 
Shore Trust and Savings Bank. Part of this will be used to pay the 
rent on December 1. Mr. Berger’s brother has asked that he be per- 
mitted to use the other $100 which he has promised to loan the Bergers 
until January 1, when the Bergers will need this for their license. This 
was agreed upon. Mr. Berger signed chattel mortgage and judgment 
note to secure same. Also signed agreement to pay not less than $25 
per week and to keep account as requested. Mortgage will be recorded. 

December 3, 1923.—Called at the store. Income for the past 
week was $185.72. On this basis there was due $27.76. After deduct- 
ing the total of expenses for the week of $136.85, and $29.66 for the 
Bureau the balance should be $172.70. However, the actual balance 
in the bank and cash in the register is $171.47 or a deficit of $1.23, 
which may be accounted for by some forgotten item in expense. Mrs. 
Berger claims, however, that she cannot understand as she enters 
every item of expense immediately. Insists that each evening the 
cash in the register checks up with the figures registered. 

December 11, 1923.—Called. Statement for the past week is as 
follows: : 


Balance carried over from previous week.......... $171.47 

Income for itheaweek .ueuignk oo. is ¢ dino 240.36 

Received from the Bureau reimbursement for moving 
EXPENSES. .6E 4.ciei. ic: vines 1 dee She ee 205027 


This makes total cash $438.10. Paid out for merchandise $181.43, 
incidentals $4.72, household $23.75, Jewish Welfare Bureau $27.76, 


INDUSTRIAL INJURY 787 


or a total of $237.66, leaving a balance of $200.44. However, the 
actual cash on hand is $199.51, showing a deficit of 93 cents. Believe 
that it is possible that because of Mr. Berger’s poor eyesight, he may 
make mistakes in ringing up the register. Checked up on the register 
at z:oo and found an error of 52 cents. This may account for 
the small deficit each week. Mr. Berger is going to fix up a strong 
light over the register so that he will have less difficulty. He has 
already arranged the store very neatly; has marked prices with heavy 
pencil and large figures so that he will have no difficulty in reading 
same. Payment of $41.58 made today based on actual profit as of 
date. In considering the payment due, the rent is prorated and all 
other items are considered when paid. Payment this week, however, 
does not deduct the rental for the week. This matter will be adjusted 
during the month. 

December 17, 1923.—The windows have been redecorated. One 
window is decorated with Christmas articles. Christmas tree is 
very well decorated, and store throughout is arranged for Christmas 
trade. The Bergers are very careful in their buying. Income for 
this week was $242.40. Actual balance on hand on December ro was 
$199.51, making a total of $441.91. Paid out this week for merchan- 
dise $167.85, incidentals $1.10, household $20, the Bureau $41.58, 
leaving a balance of $211.38. The actual balance on hand is $211.71, 
showing a surplus of 33 cents. The payment due for the two weeks 
would be a total of $56.31 on the basis of the income for the two 
weeks, but inasmuch as $41.58 was paid last week, the balance due 
at this date is $14.73. In estimating the profit, a percentage of 333 is 
used. 

January 3, 1924.—The following is a statement for the month of 
December: 


Pee OUT LICCCINDOIAL SL atic cece eakada e's Wee, cian ok $ 195.93 
Peecerwed trol tie UGA dah. oot2y cee ns tes as 26.27 
The month’s income from the business is......... $1283.67 


This makes a total of $1,505.87. Paid out during the month for 
merchandise $859.30, incidentals $111.83, household $128.78, loan 
$201.70, a total of $1,301.61, leaving a balance of $204.26; the actual 
balance of cash on hand at this date is $198.24, showing a deficit of 
$6.02. This is partly accounted for by Mrs. Berger having accident- 
ally destroyed several incidental expense slips, and partly by mistakes 
in ringing up the register. Both of these will be avoided in the future. 


SECTION VIII 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 
41. The Case of Peter Johns 


(A Turkish Immigrant with a German-American Wife) 


November 14, 1916.—Mrs. Johns in the office asking help in finding 
a home for her nine-year-old boy, Joseph. She had been married first 
to Mr. Schmidt, who died three years ago, and has besides Joseph, an 
eleven-year-old daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born of that marriage. 
Mr. Schmidt, who was abusive and drunken, died in 1913; and on 
February 15, 1915, she married Mr. Johns. She is of German- 
American parentage and was born thirty-six years ago in Ohio. Mr. 
Johns is Turkish and is thirteen years older than she. He has a grown 
son by an earlier marriage, whose whereabouts is unknown. Mr. 
Johns immigrated eighteen years ago and has lived in Chicago nine 
years. They were married by a Lutheran pastor, Geiger by name. 
Mr. Johns does not drink, but he has always provided for her very 
poorly, and he left her five weeks ago. Ever since her marriage she 
has worked in the garment trades, and he has demanded a strict 
accounting of her expenditures. When she refused to give this 
accounting, he left her. Because she has not got a divorce, the 
orphans’ home in which she tried to place Joseph refused to take him. 
Mr. Johns works irregularly as a janitor as he has given up his job. 
She does not want to live with him again and would get a divorce if it 
were not for the expense. She has a married sister, Mrs. Schaeffer, 
in Chicago; a married sister, Mrs. Evans, in Denver, Colorado; a 
brother, Ralph, in Dayton, Ohio; and a brother, Robert, a Lutheran 
pastor in New Albany, Ohio. Mr. Johns has a brother, a physician, 
who practices on the West Side in Chicago. Mr. Johns thought Mary 
Elizabeth a burden, although she is a bright child; and so Mrs. 
Johns’s brother Ralph, who has two married daughters, is glad to 
keep her, but he cannot take Joseph. One of these daughters works 
although she has a baby, and she leaves the baby with Ralph’s wife. 
Joseph is backward in school because he had scarlet fever some time 
ago. He is very lively, and she does not like to have him on the streets 
while she is at work. During her widowhood, from September, 1913, 


788 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 789 


to February, 1915, both children were cared for in the orphan asylum, 
and she paid their board. At present she is living in a third-floor, 
one-room apartment for which she pays $3.00a week. The landlady 
lives in the basement at the same address. When she married Mr. 
Johns, she thought any man who did not drink would make a good 
husband, but she feels now that he makes life more bitter than many 
drunkards would. Tomorrow she hopes to commence piecework 
with the Practical Garment Company, 732 Market Street. If this 
position does not materialize, she will answer an advertisement to 
make holly wreaths until Christmas, after which there will be work in 
all garment-manufacturing establishments. She is four months 
pregnant and wants to find a place to work in return for. maternity 
care later on. She will be able up to this time to pay $1.50 a week 
board for Joseph. After the baby is born she hopes to find an opening 
to sew in some institution where she can support both Joseph and the 
baby. [One previous address was obtained.] The Legal Aid is regis- 
tered December 17, 1915. 

November 16, 1916.—Letter written by Welfare Agency to Mrs. 
Johns: 

We have decided that you can best place Joseph in a home by applying 
to the Children’s Friend Society. The office is open until five o’clock every 
day except Saturday, when it closes at one o’clock. This week, however, 
you could go on Saturday afternoon as some one will be there for you to talk 
to. If you have any trouble, let us know, and if you are unable to find a 
home where you can receive maternity care later on, we shall be glad to 
help about that. 


February 7, 1917.—Mrs. Johns in office smelling strongly of 
whiskey. She had been in County Hospital from January 15 to 29 
with grippe; had card from physician asking her to return for X-ray. 
Mr. Johns not working. She gave his employment as that of porter. 
Mrs. Johns is six or seven months pregnant. Started work at sporting 
goods manufactory at Lake and Paulina February 1. Presented card 
referring her to Welfare Agency, from Dr. F. W. Cantrill. Said she 
had gone to his office and hospital to work and to receive maternity care 
but was too far along to be admitted. Asked care in home for Joseph. 
Mary, to whom she referred as Elizabeth, is still in Dayton, Ohio. 

February 8, 1917.—Mrs. Johns in office to see visitor. Brought 
with her her certificate of marriage to Mr. Johns signed by Rev. 
Geiger. Mrs. Johns formerly lived in hist neighborhood, and her 


[This neighborhood is in another district.] 


790 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


sister still lives there. Mrs. Johns also brought certificate showing 
that she had had the children in the Orphans’ Home and had paid 
for their care there. ‘This was before her marriage to Mr. Johns. She 
also brought bill for her first husband’s funeral, which was paid in full, 
$113. Mrs. Johns does not feel as though she can keep on working 
much longer; she is operating a power machine for the Manufacturing 
Company at Lake and Paulina, and gets severe backaches from bend- 
ing over the machine. She cannot understand what Mr. Johns does 
with his money when he earns any; he never drinks. Her first 
husband drank to excess, but she feels that that was no worse on the 
whole than the treatment which she receives from Mr. Johns. ‘The 
rent is overdue, $13 inarrears. It is $3.00 a week with heat furnished. 

Told Mrs. Johns that arrangements would be made to place 
Joseph in the Home for the Friendless if her sister will not take care 
of him in case Mrs. Johns goes to Foundlings’ Home until the time 
of her confinement. Mrs. Johns had already applied at the Home for 
the Friendless for Joseph’s care but was referred by them to this office. 
Mr. Johns is out of work; cannot do hard work because of intestinal 
trouble, which he has had for years. Mrs. Johns’s family was rather 
against her marrying him. She will have him call at office tomorrow 
morning, and visitor will try to get light work for him. 

February 9, 1917.—Telephoned Home for the Friendless. If 
Mrs. Johns was referred here by them before Joseph could be accepted, 
it was only to secure some information about the family before they 
would take him. 

Later.—Telephoned superintendent, Foundlings’ Home. She will 
undoubtedly be able to take Mrs. Johns until the time of her confine- 
ment, when she can be sent to the County Hospital. 

Later.—Mr. Johns in office. Made a fair impression on visitor. 
He has been in this country since 1897 and took out his first papers soon 
after arrival. Has never completed his citizenship because of lack 
of funds. Says that he was brought up to be a sthool teacher and 
taught for four years in Turkey after leaving the high school there at 
eighteen. He then set up a small grocery and general store which he 
kept until the time of the first Armenian massacre, when he lost 
everything. He then came to America and worked in New York in 
rug stores and other places. He managed to save $1,400, when he 
went to Montreal to enter a partnership with a friend there. He 
opened a general merchandise store not far from Montreal with a 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 791 


Syrian, who ran away with all the stock at a time when Mr. Johns 
had gone to Montreal to make further purchases. He has never been 
able to find any trace of the man since then. Being without funds 
he then went to New York again and obtained work in an asbestos 
plant. Nine years ago he came to Chicago and since that time has 
had various kinds of work. Six years ago he was wringer man in the 
laundries of several hotels and hospitals [names and addresses 
obtained]. He has also had work in the press rooms of a great many 
printing establishments but is not a printer. In the past three months 
he has had two weeks’ work. Has one old recommendation. Says 
that he was ruptured when a baby and that he was never properly 
taken care of, as in Turkey doctors had not much standing. He has 
talked about his condition with doctors and has been told that an 
operation could be performed but they could not guarantee that it 
would be successful. 

Mr. Johns says that Mrs. Johns is extravagant. Instead of pur- 
chasing wisely with the money he gives her, she buys many cheap 
things which wear out in a very short time. He would highly appreci- 
ate Mrs. Johns’s being able to go to the Foundlings’ Home now as he 
realizes she is in no condition to work. Joseph was with Mrs. Johns’s 
sister while she was in the County Hospital, but Mr. Johns doubts 
whether he could be taken there again as the sister’s husband does 
not care much about having him about. Their own children are 
grown up and they are unused to having small children in the house. 

After telephoning Cosmopolitan Elevated Railroad Company 
gave Mr. Johns a letter to manager in hope of obtaining employment 
for him as crossing man at $40 to $45 a month. Mr. Johns expressed 
his great appreciation of efforts of visitor made for him and Mrs. 
Johns. 

February 10, 1917.—Mr. Johns in office. Was refused job on the 
Elevated because his vision is not good enough. After telephoning 
Illinois Free Employment Office gave him a letter to the manager, 
where he will go on the thirteenth. Mrs. Johns was not at all well last 
night. 
February 12, 1917.—Letter written secretary, Dayton Welfare 
Society, asking a visit on Mrs. Johns’s brother Ralph Walther. 

Letter written [district superintendent of another district, asking 
a visit on Mrs. Johns’s married sister, Mrs. Schaeffer, on the clergy- 
man who married Mr, and Mrs. Johns, and at a previous address.| 


792 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


February 14, 1917.—Mrs. Johns in office. Says she would like 
to go to the Foundlings’ Home as soon as possible as she cannot stand 
working any longer. Gets such pains in her side that she can hardly 
bear them by the end of the day. Is positive that her brother-in-law 
would not be willing to take Joseph as he quarreled with his wife about 
taking him the last time. She says that Mr. Johns has never beaten 
her, but once choked her terribly and kept his hand on her throat 
until she swore an oath that she would never leave him. Immediately 
after that she left the house, ostensibly to go to the store, but instead 
of that went to the police station and swore out a warrant for his arrest. 
He was sent to the House of Correction from November, rgr15, until 
May, 1916. He has behaved a little better since then, but has not 
supported her. She says that under no circumstances will she go 
back to him after her confinement. She said again that she wished 
to obtain work in an institution where she can have the children 
with her. 

Throughout the interview, Mrs. Johns found it difficult to raise 
her eyes to the visitor’s face; kept looking at her hands, which were 
constantly fumbling with her gloves in a most nervous manner. 

Later.—Telephoned superintendent, Foundlings’ Home; she will 
keep a place for Mrs. Johns until the end of this week. Mrs. Johns 
will be required to do very light work in return for board. 

Later-—Letter written superintendent, House of Correction, 
asking about Mr. Johns’s term in the Bridewell. 

Letter written to superintendent, Legal Aid Society, asking nature 
of their contact with the family in rors. 

February 15, 1917.—Miss Sloan [visitor in neighboring district] 
telephoned giving preliminary report of visits to the pastor and Mrs. 
Johns’s sister. The pastor doubts if Mrs. Johns’s mental condition is 
normal, and thinks that she should not have the care of the children. 
She lived with Mr. Johns before their marriage because Mr. Johns 
appears never to have been divorced from his wife in Turkey.t He 

« [This record, as was suggested above, contains a number of interesting and 
suggestive points. In the first place there is the marked difference between the 
Family Welfare Agency and the Children’s Friend Society as to the effort to be put 
forth in order to persuade and enable the mother to keep her baby daughter (see 
Children’s Friend entries of April 13, 22, 23, 26, and May 2, 1921, pp. 804-6); and 
there is the great reluctance on the part of the judge to accede to the mother’s 
request that the child be given over to the Children’s Friend Society (pp. 808-14) 
and his demand that the view of the Family Welfare Agency be at least considered 


before a final decision is reached. 
The most suggestive feature of the case is the confusion exhibited by all the 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 793 


knew nothing of this at the time he married them. Mrs. Johns’s sister 
is not able to take care of Joseph. The pastor thinks that he should 
be placed permanently. 

Later.—Visited County Hospital and read their record. Mrs. 
Johns was admitted January 16, 1917, and there was doubt in making 
the diagnosis as to whether she has tuberculosis or bronchitis. She 
was to have returned for second X-ray picture, by which it was hoped 
that the condition of her lungs could be better determined. Two 
tests were made, both of which were negative. Mrs. Johns left the 
hospital in slightly improved condition January 29. 

Laier.—Visited. Mrs. Johns has two very pleasant rooms on the 
third floor front of a large rooming-house. Has a gas burner for 
cooking and a small heating stove. Everything was orderly and 
clean. Mr. Johns went to work again today. Mrs. Johns will call 
at office with Joseph tomorrow afternoon, preparatory to sending 
him to the Home for the Friendless and going herself to the Foundlings’ 


persons with reference to the marital status of Mr. and Mrs. Johns. This is de- 
scribed by the judge of the Juvenile Court when he says (p. 809) that “if Mr. Johns 
has a wife still living from whom he has not been divorced he has committed bigamy 
and could be sent to the penitentiary but . . . . that there being a record of legal 
marriage it is the presumption that the marriage is legal.”” The effect of the pre- 
sumption was to throw on those who wished to separate Mrs. Johns from Mr. 
Johns the burden of proving that the marriage was not legal by proving that Mr. 
Johns’s first wife was still living and that he had never divorced her. (See Elliot, 
A Treatise on the Law of Evidence, sec. 2867; see also Illinois Revised Statutes 
(Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 38, sec. 75.) Probably the essential difficulty was the 
remoteness with which the visitors had always regarded the Mohammedan law under 
which a husband, admonished by the Koran (Sale, Te Koran, p. 78) either to “retain 
his wife with humanity or to dismiss her with kindness,” may divorce his wife at his 
pleasure without assigning any reason (Wilson, Digest of Anglo-Muhammadan Law, 
chap. iii, sec. 60). 

The visitor accepts the statements of the clergyman who had married Mr. and 
Mrs. Johns (entry of February 17, 1917) and of Mr. Johns’s brother (entry of 
February 20, 1917) but makes no further inquiry. The Superintendent of the 
Legal Aid proposes a divorce and an injunction against Mr. Johns (entry of May 19, 
1921, p. 802), the Children’s Friend Society accepts the view that there had been no 
divorce (pp. 808-9) though Mr. Johns, while he had not claimed divorce in speaking 
to the Family Welfare visitor (February 6, 1921), gives the Children’s Friend 
visitor a picturesque account of the ceremony with which he had divorced her 
(May 27, 1921) and, while the judge speaks of the presumption of legitimacy, he 
appoints the Children’s Friend Society guardian with power to consent to the adop- 
tion of Margaret Grace on the basis of the mother’s consent only, without obtaining 
the consent of the father. The Court record reads “Mother present in open court 
and consenting.’’] 


794 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Home. Mrs. Johns’s cheeks were somewhat flushed. Throughout 
the interview she sat in a, rocking chair, rocking violently. Showed 
visitor pictures of her children and her first husband, which were very 
attractive. 

February 16, 1917.—Letter, dated February 15, 1917, received 
from Welfare Agency, Dayton, Ohio: 


We called at 509 Ward Avenue and talked with Mrs. Walther. She 
tells us that they have not seen Mrs. Johns for some time and have not been 
in close touch with her. They took Mary before her mother remarried, 
and she has been with them about two years. Next year a grandson of Mrs. 
Walther’s is going to be with them in order that he may be sent to school. 
His father is a member of the staff at the Industrial School, which does not 
provide any facilities for the children going to school. Mrs. Walther had 
planned to have Mary stay with another brother, Rev. Robert Walther, 
New Albany, Ohio. She feels that this brother would be willing to care 
for Mary as he has been taking her for two months eachsummer. He cannot 
take Joseph, however, as he had him once before. The family here feel that 
they have done all they can do for Mrs. Johns by taking Mary. Mrs. 
Walther has promised to talk with her husband and have him stop in the 
office for an interview. We will send a further report as soon as we have been 
able to see Mr. Walther. 


Later.—Mrs. Johns in office with Joseph. Gave letters to Found- 
lings’ Home and to Home for the Friendless. 

February 17, 1917.—Letter received from Illinois Free Employ- 
ment Agency: 


In reference to your letter of February 10, introducing Mr. Peter Johns 
to this office for employment, we are pleased to advise that on February 
13 we were successful in securing a position for him with one of the large 
furniture houses of this city and we trust that same will prove both satis- 
factory and permanent. We thank you for your co-operation. 


Letter received from Miss Sloan [reporting at considerable length 
the interviews with Mr. Geiger and Mrs. Schaeffer and her daughters. 
The significant facts are (1) Mr. Johns’s failure to support his wife; 
(2) the fact that they had lived together before marriage; (3) Mr. 
Geiger’s abhorrence of Mr. Johns’s cruelty to Mrs. Johns, who, he 
says, is tubercular and probably abnormal mentally; (4) Mrs. Schaeff- 
er’s disapproval of Mrs. Johns and her distress at their present rela- 
tionship; (5) the judgment of both Mr. Geiger and Mrs. Schaeffer 
that Joseph would be better off permanently placed away from his 
mother; (6) the name and address of Mr. Johns’s brother, a physician]. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 795 


February 19, 1917.—Letter received from Legal Aid Society: 

In reply to your inquiry concerning Peter and Marion Johns we beg 
to advise that our record shows that Mrs. Johns appealed to us at a time 
when her personal effects were being held for a board bill and room rent. 
Mrs. Johns was advised in the matter, and a letter sent to the person holding 
the goods, asking that she retain them as long as possible to give Mrs. Johns 
a chance to pay off her indebtedness. This is our only knowledge of the 
family. . 

February 20, 1917.—Letter received from superintendent, House 
of Correction: 

Replying to your letter of recent date in which you make inquiry regard- 
ing one Peter Johns, will say that he was committed to this institution on 
November 20, 1915, for failure to pay fine and costs amounting to $1009, 
on a charge of disorderly conduct. He was released from here May 8, 
1916, at the expiration of his time. 


Later.—Visited Foundlings’ Home. Mrs. Johns had gone to her 
last place of employment to collect pay check which was due her, 
before Mr. Johns would have a chance to go there for it. Superin- 
tendent will telephone regarding observation of her mental condition. 

Later.—Visited Dr. H. P. Johns, brother of Mr. Johns. He has 
not seen his brother in some time and prefers to have nothing to do 
with him. Says that Mr. Johns has always been too fond of women 
and that he probably spends all the money he earns on other women. 
He had a good education in Turkey and was a teacher for a few years. 
After giving this up he was unable to do anything successfully. He 
left his wife and children in Mesopotamia when he came to America. 
Dr. Johns obtained many positions for him in the United States. 
He never kept any position long. Since Mr. Johns has been in Amer- 
ica, his wife and daughter and son who remained behind have gone to 
Egypt; the daughter is now teaching and the son is employed. 
The son who is here seems to take after Mr. Johns. Dr. Johns has 
done a great deal toward supporting the wife and two children in 
Egypt. Dr. Johns did not have the education at home that Mr. 
Johns had, but since being here he has become a physician and surgeon. 
He is positive that Mr. Johns’s mental condition is abnormal and, 
although he knows very little about Mrs. Johns, thinks probably she 
is abnormal. Was very decided in his statement that Mr. and Mrs. 
Johns should not be permitted to live together again and that whoever 
permits them to do so is countenancing asin. Dr. Johns appears to be 
religiously inclined. When Mr. Johns was in the Bridewell, Mrs. Johns 


706 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


wrote threatening letters to Dr. Johns telling what she would do 
unless he assisted her, Mr. Johns lived with his brother for a 
few years, and the latter is disgusted with him for having left his 
comfortable home for places such as those in which he has been living. 
Dr. Johns suggests that if after Mrs. Johns is confined she attempts 
to return to Mr. Johns, the Agency take the matter into court on the 
grounds that Mr. Johns already has a wife and children from whom 
he is not legally separated. E 

February 27, 1917.—Mr. Johns in office; wants help in finding a 
room. The landlord came to his room today while he was getting 
ready to go to work and told him he must leave at once. Mr. Johns 
has only $3.00 left until pay day, March 7, and if he pays $2.00 for 
room will have nothing to live on until then. Told him to go to Rufus 
Dawes Hotel, which he said he would do. Is working for the Lewis 
Clark Furniture Company, where he is paid every two weeks. 

Mrs. Johns fell down five steps at the Foundlings’ Home, February 
21, and was taken to the County Hospital for two days. Has recov- 
ered. Her only injury was a cut on her forehead. 

March 2, 1917.—Mrs. Johns in office asking to be placed in some 
other home. Does not like the long hours ironing at the Foundlings’ 
Home. 

March 3, 1917.—Telephoned Foundlings’ Home. Superintendent 
says Mrs. Johns does not tell the truth. She thought the County 
Hospital should be responsible for her care. They took her back 
from the County Hospital under protest. One day she asked to go 
to the Home for the Friendless to see Joseph and did not return. Later 
she was sent to them by the Woman’s Shelter, who had refused to keep 
her. 

Later.—Telephoned Woman’s Shelter. Mrs. Johns came to them 
saying that she had been sent away from Foundlings’ Home; as they 
did not believe this, they refused to keep her. 

Later.—Telephoned Social Service Department of the County 
Hospital. As Mrs. Johns is to be confined next month she can enter 
the hospital at any time. 

Later.—Mrs. Johns telephoned from her sister’s. ‘Told her to go 
to Social Service Department of the County Hospital, asking 
admission. 

March 9, 1917.—Telephoned Social Service Department of the 
County Hospital and asked visitor to arrange for mental examination 
for Mrs. Johns. She was certain this could be done. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE | 7047 


June 29, 1917.—Visited Social Service Department of the County 
Hospital. Mrs. Johns delivered of daughter, Johanna, May 17. No 
examination of her mentality was made. 

July 3, 1917.—Probation officer in office to read record. 

July 5, 1917.—Probation officer reports that Mrs. Johns herself 
applied to Juvenile Court. 

June ro, t919.—Mrs. Johns telephones asking that Johanna be 
placed in a home for two weeks so that she can go to County Hospital 
for confinement. Referred her to Juvenile Court. 

June 11, t919.—Mrs. Johns in office asking to have Johanna 
placed in a home before the twenty-third. 

June 16, t9t9.—Visited. Mrs. Johns’s son Joseph is visiting 
her before she goes to the hospital; he is in the Lakeside School. 
Mr. Johns is earning $15 a week as a garment worker, employer 
unknown, where he has been for one week. They are in arrears 
three weeks with rent and owe some friend $5.00. Her sister is unable 
to take care of Johanna because she has diabetes and a family of 
her own. 

June 18, 1919.—Telephoned Home for the Friendless. They will 
be able to take Johanna on Monday, the twenty-third. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Johns and told her that she should take 
Johanna, Monday, to the Home for the Friendless. 

November 18, 1920.—Mrs. Johns in office asking work. She is 
seven months pregnant. Joseph works for O’Laughlin Book Shop at 
862 Madison Street though he is only thirteen years old. Juvenile 
Court is investigating. Mr. Johns refuses to support. Stephen, 
one year old, was given out for adoption last summer. Johanna has 
been in the nursery in St. Joseph’s Mission House until last week. 
Mrs. Johns, Joseph, and Johanna are living in furnished rooms, while 
Mr. Johns is in a rooming-house on North Avenue. 

November 19, 1920.—Mrs. Johns went to the Zwingli Home 
Finding Society after Stephen’s birth and was sent to the Deaconess 
Hospital for a while for care. The Sister there persuaded Mr. 
and Mrs. Johns to live together again; and after the baby left the 
hospital, they paid for him awhile in the Zwingli Home in Riverside. 
After Mrs. Johns became pregnant again this time, she let Stephen 
be placed permanently for adoption. 

Joseph has been in the Lakeside School for Dependent Boys since 
August, 1917, until he ran away last May and came home. Mr. Johns 
does not like him, will not have him at home; he stayed for a few weeks 


798 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


with Mrs. Johns’s sister, Mrs. Schaeffer, until Mrs. Johns got rooms. 
Mr. Johns comes to see her now and then. Joseph has been working 
most of the time since he came home. They lived at first in furnished 
rooms on Madison Street, where they paid $5.00 a week, but moved 
to be closer to the nursery. ‘They bought some second-hand furniture 
which is paid for. Joseph is very good about bringing his money 
home but is often out evenings. 

Mrs. Johns is quite determined not to go back to Mr. Johns if 
she can keep Joseph at home to help. 

November 25, 1920.—Joseph at the office helping deliver Thanks- 
giving baskets. He is a fine, big, well-developed boy, intelligent and 
attractive. 

November 29, 1920.—Diagnosis received fe West Side Dispen- 
sary. Mental examination indicated Mrs. Johns normal and the 
Wassermann test gave negative results. 

January 29, 192I.—Visited. Learned from neighbor that Mrs. 
Johns went to the hospital while her sister kept Johanna. Joseph 
was sent back to Lakeside by the Juvenile Court just after Chasanaa 
Mr. Johns is staying in the apartment. 

Later.—Telephoned Social Service Department 4 the County 
Hospital. Mrs. Johns was confined January 21, and will be ready to 
leave the hospital the thirty-first. The baby is a girl, Margaret Grace. 

Later.—Visited Dr. H. P. Johns. He did not know about the 
new baby and has not seen his brother or had anything to do with 
him for two or three years. Mr. Johns’s wife is still living in Egypt, 
and Dr. Johns helps her and her children. He thinks Mrs. Johns 
keeps a hold over Mr. Johns by threatening him with prosecution for 
non-support. He feels quite sure his brother would definitely break 
off the affair if threatened with prosecution and perhaps deportation. 
Dr. Johns was willing to talk to him with visitor and help in any way 
necessary to break the affair up. 

January 30, 1921.—Talked with landlord. Mr. and Mrs. Johns 
came here about four years ago, and after Mr. Johns left Mrs. Johns 
kept the same rooms until a day or two before Mrs. Johns went to 
the hospital this last time. He was out of a job then and gave up his 
rooms there to go to the North Avenue flat. 

The landlord knows that Mr. Johns has at times treated Mrs. 
Johns cruelly, and thinks he has some peculiar hold over her. They 
had been married three or four years before they moved here but had 
no children up to that time. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 799 


January 31, 1921.—Talked with Mr. and Mrs. Johns at the flat 
where Mr. Johns had brought her from the hospital about an hour 
before. Mr. Johns at first denied that he had another wife living, 
then said that he was divorced from her as she was unfaithful to him, 
but he has never had any divorce papers. 

He is not working, has about $14 left in cash. There are a few 
groceries, and there is coal enough in the house to last a few days. 
Mrs. Johns is afraid to stay here alone and that is the reason they give 
for Mr. Johns’s coming to stay in the flat after Joseph was sent back 
to Lakeside. Mr. Johns will get Johanna today from Mrs. Schaeffer’s. 
Mrs. Schaeffer’s daughters who work at Leonard-Morton’s may be 
able to stay with Mrs. Johns at nights. 

Mr. Johns thinks he can get back his own rooms and promised to 
stay away. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Schaeffer. She will have her daughters 
stay with Mrs. Johns tonight. 

February 3, 1921.—Visited Mrs. Schaeffer. Mr. Schaeffer took 
Mrs. Johns and the baby to their home Monday night, the thirty-first. 
They are crowded, however, and cannot keep her. Mrs. Johns is 
feeling stronger, thinks she can stay alone now, and will return tomor- 
row morning. Johanna is a big, rugged child, and the baby seems 
unusually well and strong. 

Mrs. Johns’s sister in Denver is a widow saith grown children. 
She is older than Mrs. Johns and has been wanting Mrs. Johns to come 
to live with her in Denver. Mrs. Schaeffer thinks that would be a 
good plan. The brother in New Albany has Mary now, as the brother 
in Dayton has a widowed daughter who came home to live so that he 
had no room for Mary. Mary is in second-year high school in New 
Albany, but is not so happy as she was in Dayton. Mr. Ralph 
Walther, the brother in Dayton, is very well-to-do, having married 
a wealthy wife. He is critical and unsympathetic, and both Mr. and 
Mrs. Schaeffer feel that he has been hard and unkind toward Mrs. 
Johns. 

In 1913 Mrs. Johns and her first husband lost all their furniture 
and clothing in a fire which destroyed the building in which they 
lived. They went then to live with Mrs. Schaeffer, and Mr. 
Schmidt died at Mrs. Schaeffer’s the next summer, and Mrs. 
Johns stayed on with her sister. She met Mr. Johns on a street 
downtown where he spoke to her when she was on her way home from 
work. He was persistent in his wooing and fitted up a flat completely 


800 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


for her before they were married. He urged her to come to the flat 
to look it over, and she lived with him there some weeks without 
marrying. Mrs. Schaeffer in distress finally sent word to her brother, 
Robert, who immediately came to Chicago, took Mrs. Johns and the 
children out of the flat and home with him. He considered that she 
had disgraced the family, and she was very unhappy with him and 
left after a few weeks to return to Chicago and marry Mr. Johns. 
Mary has been with one or the other of her uncles ever since. Mrs. 
Johns did not know of Mr. Johns’s first wife until she was married 
to him. 

Later.—Ordered one quart of milk daily until May tr. 

February 6, 1921.—Talked with Mr. Johns. His family for gener- 
ations back belonged to the Syriac Orthodox Church, and his father 
was an official in the church. He and his brother were educated in 
an American Protestant mission school, which gave the only educa- 
tional opportunity offered in that part of the country. He and his 
first wife later taught in a mission school in Egypt. He left her and 
came to this country when he discovered her with another man. 

Mr. Johns works as a laborer, is making only $18 a week now, 
and will not give name of his employer. He pays $15 a month rent 
for his rooms. Promised to pay rent and gas bill for Mrs. Johns. 
Expresses great attachment to Johanna and does not want to lose 
track of her. 

February 8, t921.—Mrs. Johns’s brother Ralph sent her $25 
shortly before she went to the hospital and Mrs. Schaeffer kept this 
money for her. Mrs. Johns has used part of it for her living 
expenses. 

Mrs. Johns has nothing to do with her neighbors in the building 
and is nervous about being alone with the babies at night. 

Mr. Johns’s son Eliakim has been in America for years. He 
contracted tuberculosis during the war and was in the County Tuber- 
culosis Sanitarium the last Mrs. Johns heard of him. He never did 
anything for his father and seemed to care nothing for him. 

February 13, 1921.—Mrs. Johns brought Johanna to office to 
see Mr. Johns by appointment. Mr. Johns seemed irritated at the 
whole arrangement, and did not stay long. 

February 19, 1921.—Telephoned Mrs. Schaeffer. She will take 
Mrs. Johns and the children out with her for a week or two until 
definite arrangements are made for her to go West or to get another 
flat. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE Sor 


February 21, 1921.—Mrs. Johns in office. Joseph came home 
from Lakeside the night of the nineteenth, so she could not go to her 
sister’s. He ran away from Lakeside and refuses to return. 

February 22, 1921.—Talked to Joseph, who is an attractive boy, 
but stubborn and sullen. He does not like Lakeside because he 
“has to work as hard there as he did when he was at home working 
and does not get any pay for it.” 

Reported to office of Lakeside School. 

February 26, 1921.—Joseph is still at home. Agent from Lakeside 
was to come to get him but has not yet come. Mrs. Johns wants to 
place the baby out and go to work. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Schaeffer. Joseph and Mrs. Johns are 
‘ out there this afternoon. She is willing to keep Joseph until school 
is out if the court will let him stay with her. 

March 2, 1921.—Juvenile Court allowed Joseph to go to Mrs. 
Schaeffer on probation. THe will be in school across the street from 
her house. 

Mrs. Johns complains she cannot get along with the baby. It 
is hard for her to get out to look for flats and she is afraid to stay alone 
at night.. 

March 9, 1921.—Telephoned Mrs. Schaeffer. Joseph is finally 
started in school and seems to like it. Mrs. Schaeffer got books for 
him. She thinks she can make him mind. 

March 23, 1921.—Joseph comes home over Saturday and Sunday 
and plays out all the time with the boys in the neighborhood. He 
met Mr. Johns on the street Sunday the twentieth, who asked him to 
bring Johanna over to see him. Mr. Johns then brought her home to 
the door. Mrs. Johns has had no other word from Mr. Johns. She 
is discouraged about finding a flat, wants to go to work. The baby is 
gaining and doing beautifully. 

Later.—Visited Mr. Johns. He was sick and not working for 
over a week; started again this week. Hecannot pay rent this month. 

April 7, 1921.—Mrs. Johns at Infant Welfare Station. 

A pril 13, 1921.—Children’s Friend Society reports Mrs. Johns has 
applied there for a boarding-home for the baby. 

April 22, 1921.—Telephoned Mr. Johns. He has no steady work 
yet and cannot pay rent this month. 

Later.—Joseph comes home each week-end from Mrs. Schaeffer’s 
and is out most of the time playing with the boys in the neighborhood. 
He has only the one suit of clothes which he is wearing to school and it 


802 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


is so shabby that he does not stay with the Schaeffers over Sunday. 
Mrs. Schaeffer will keep him only until school is out, and Mrs. Johns 
is worried about what will happen then. She would like to get out 
of the city and is thinking of going to New Albany where she will be 
near Mary. 

April 30, 1921.—Mrs. Johns is looking badly. Is nervous and 
wrought up and insists that she cannot keep both Joseph and the baby. 
Joseph will not be willing to work and help her with the younger 
children when she has “neglected him all these years.” 

Ordered one quart of milk daily until June tr. 

May 14, 1921.—Mrs. Johns is more restless than ever and finally 
acknowledged with agitation that Mr. Johns has been bothering her. 
He was in last week and once or twice before that—‘‘laughs at her ° 
because she is such a fool as to listen to those people’’—told her he 
had $40 in his pocket, etc. She is very bitter that he should be able 
to escape responsibility for the care of the children, and yet she fears 
him and would like to get entirely away. 

May 15, 1921.—Talked with Mr. Johns. He says he has been at 
the house only two or three times for a few minutes to see Johanna. 
He still holds that he is married to Mrs. Johns; that he obtained a 
release from his first wife through a Committee of the Officials of the 
Native Protestant Church, and that the only motive for keeping him 
away from Mrs. Johns is ‘‘revenge.”’ He does not care to have her 
back, however, and promises to stay away. 

Later.—Mrs. Johns answered advertisement in the paper for a 
‘baby. However, she does not like the looks of the wife. The man 
advertising is an ambulance driver for an undertaker. 

May 19, 1921.—Superintendent, Legal Aid, advises action for 
divorce with injunction restraining Mr. Johns from visiting the place. 

May 21, 1921.—Telephoned employer for Mr. Johns’s work record. 
He was laid off the last week in November, 1920, and went back to 
work January 24,1921. He has lost just three days since January 24. 

Later.—Ordered one quart of milk daily until July 1. 

June 14, 1921.—Probation officer telephoned that Children’s 
Friend Society have this case in court today for adoption of the baby. 
The judge does not wish to give the child in adoption and has held 
the case for further information, which was given. 

June 17, 1921.—Attended hearing at Juvenile Court. The 
judge appointed the Children’s Friend Society guardian, with power 
to consent to adoption. When the case was in court before, the judge 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 803 


questioned Mrs. Johns at length in regard to her divorce, but she said 
she would not accept a divorce. This information will be forwarded 
to general office. 

Later.—Talked with Legal Aid who will drop divorce case of Mrs. 
Johns. 

June 21, 1921.—Judge decided to allow Mrs. Johns to give baby 
to Children’s Friend Society for adoption. 


[The Family Welfare Record closed at this point. The following 
record of the Children’s Friend Society carries the story on from the 
point at which Mrs. Johns asks the help of that agency in placing 
Margaret Grace.| 

April 8, 1921.—Mrs. Johns in office asking for a ‘boarding-home 
for her little daughter, Margaret (born January 21, 1921) at Chicago. 
Mrs. Johns was previously married on October 6, 1904, to her first 
husband, Joseph Schmidt, who died August 19, 1913, from paralysis. 
She married again on June 24, 1915, at Chicago, a Peter Johns, and for 
three years they lived at 831 NorthAvenue. Shortlyafterthisbaby was 
born she was compelled by the Welfare Agency to leave her husband, 
as his brother stated that he already had a wife in Europe. Then 
Mrs. Johns left her husband in June, 1920, and went to live at 127 Hunt 
Street, second floor. While living here the Welfare Agency has given 
relief to her. Another child by the second marriage, Johanna (born 
May 17,1917), isalso living here with the mother. Stephen Johns (born 
July 19, 1919) was given to the Zwingli Home Finding Society for 
adoption five weeks after his birth. Mary Schmidt, who is fifteen 
years of age, is living with Mrs. Johns’s brother, Rev. Robert Walther, 
New Albany, Ohio. For one year, her brother, Ralph Walther, who 
lives in Dayton, Ohio, looked after Mary, and then it was necessary 
to transfer her to her Uncle Robert. There are two married sisters, 
Mrs. Ada Schaeffer, in Chicago, and Mrs. Jane Evans, 1812 Lincoln 
Street, Denver, Colorado. The latter is a widow and has six children. 
She expects to inherit some money within a short time, and it is Mrs. 
Johns’s intention to go to Denver as soon as this inheritance is received 
by her married sister. Her husband’s brother, Dr. H. P. Johns, 
lives at 2173 West Street, Chicago. 

Mrs. Johns said that she does not want to continue to receive relief 
from the Welfare Agency, and if the child is placed in a boarding- 
home she can go to a factory and earn $18 a week and keep Johanna 
in a day nursery during the day. 


804 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


April 10, 1921.—See Johns boy case, dated August 18, 1919. 
On that date Mrs. Johns was in the office asking a boarding-home for 
her little boy, whom she now calls Stephen Livingston. She said 
then that her husband did not earn enough to support her and she 
had left him several times. This time she has been away from him 
from October to March. After talking the situation over she decided 
to place Johanna in a day nursery. 

A pril 13, 1921.—Called at Welfare Agency and talked with worker 
on the Johns case. She says Mrs. Johns is a very restless individual. 
She is at present receiving a cash grant from the Welfare Agency, 
and they are also paying her rent. They see no reason why she should 
not be contented to stay where she is and keep the baby with her until 
a definite plan can be agreed on. They would like to have her move so 
as to be as close as possible to her sister, Mrs. Schaeffer. Mrs. Johns 
married Mr. Johns, a Turk, who has a wife in Europe. The Welfare 
Agency knows this to be a fact as they were notified by his brother, 
Dr. H. P. Johns. Mr. Johns beats his wife and leaves her when she 
is about to be confined in destitute circumstances and stays away for 
some time, returns and lives with her until she is pregnant again. 
The Welfare Agency notified him if he returned to Mrs. Johns they 
would have him arrested and punished for bigamy, so they think this 
time he has left for good. This is one reason why they would like 
to have Mrs. Johns move to be near her sister. The visitor thinks 
that if she places the baby to board and puts Johanna in a day nursery 
and earns money again, she will become quite independent and prob- 
ably go around with Mr. Johns again. They therefore advise us 
to stay off the case until their definite plans are formed. 

Later.—County clerk verifies marriage of Marion Schmidt and 
Peter Johns, June 24, 1915. 

April 22, 1921.—Telephoned Welfare Agency. Visitor says Mrs. 
Johns has been into their office since the thirteenth. They are still 
giving her the cash grant and paying the rent. Visitor told Mrs. 
Johns that they had recommended our not giving her a boarding- 
home for the baby as they feel she should stay at home and care for 
her children. Visitor thinks Mrs. Johns will do this and will not try 
to board the baby until she takes the matter up again with the visitor. 
Case in conference and closed. 

April 23, 1921.—Letter written Mrs. Marion Johns: 

We have talked with visitor of the Welfare Agency and are very glad 
indeed to learn you have decided to stay at home for the time being and 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 805 


take care of your baby yourself. We think you are very wise in coming to 
this decision. As the little girl seems to be so well taken care of, it would be 
rather a pity to change her at present. If at any time in the future we can 
be of service to you, we would be very glad to have you call on us. 


April 26, 1921.—Mrs. Johns in office in response to letter of April 
23 written her. She stated that she did not decide to stay home and 
take care of the baby. She is, in fact, very averse to that plan and 
would much prefer going to work. A few days ago she learned from 
her sister, Mrs. Schaeffer, who has her son, Joseph, that she does not 
want to keep him any longer than the school period. This sister fully 
expected the mother to be working by this time and to care for Joseph 
herself. Explained to her that it is her place to stay at home and care 
for the baby, but she could not concede to this plan and she further 
stated that if she could not go to work and put the baby in a boarding- 
home she then is willing to give up Margaret for adoption. She 
talked with the Charitable Corporation about giving up the baby for 
adoption but they advised that they cannot interfere with the Welfare 
Agency. 

Mrs. Johns said that she cannot sleep at night as the welfare of 
the children seems to prey on her mind to a great extent. She said 
she is forty-one years of age and is fully aware that she cannot do 
justice by keeping the baby. She said that Joseph ran away on two 
previous occasions and stated to her that she has never done anything 
for him. If she’can return to work she will be able to take care of 
Joseph and Mary Elizabeth. Promised her that our visitor would 
call to see her in reference to the adoption of Margaret. ° 

May 2, rg21t.—Visited. Mrs. Johns says the reason she wants 
to give Margaret Grace for adoption is because she feels she cannot 
possibly care for her. Her sister, Mrs. Schaeffer, who has Joseph, 
a child by a former marriage, will keep him only until school closes. 
Then Mrs. Johns will have to take him, and she will have to fit him out 
in clothes as he has very little. She also wants to keep Johanna, 
and as she cannot, and in fact does not want to live with Mr. Johns 
any more, she will have to work to earn her own living, so she could 
not give the baby the proper care. She says she has given all of herself 
to this new baby and is thoroughly exhausted and feels determined 
to give it for adoption, and would feel much happier if we would take 
it and find it a good home. The baby is still nursing, and Mrs. Johns 
will nurse her for awhile longer and will then wean her if we accept her 
for adoption. She seemed to be very fond of the baby and regretted 


806 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


giving it up, but thinks it is the very best for the child. She has given 
the baby very good care as both of them look very well cared for. 
She says we can find Mr. Johns at 831 North Avenue, where he has 
a furnished room with a Mrs. Shaker, and she is sure he would sign 
the papers as he really never cared as much for Margaret Grace as he 
does for Johanna. 

Chicago Health Department cannot verify birth of Margaret 
Grace Johns. 

May &, 1921.—Wrote requesting Mr. Johns to call at office. 

May 17, 1921.—Mrs. Johns in office with following unsigned letter: 


CHICAGO ILLINOIS 
May 15, 1921 
DEAR Mrs. JOHNS: 

I phoned visitor this evening in regard to adopting your baby girl and 
she said that she could not investigate our home, that it would have to be 
turned over to the Children’s Friend Society, and she also said that you could 
not place the baby out for adoption. I should dearly love to adopt your 
sweet baby but you see how much trouble there would be over it, unless 
you gave her to me the way others have wanted you to give the baby up. 
If things should develop so that you could give me your baby you can phone 
me, Douglass 8755, Tuesday, and I will call and see you. Sincerely yours. 


She received this letter yesterday but does not want to give up 
the baby for adoption to anybody except through the Children’s 
Friend Society. She has made her mind up fully to give up the baby 
for adoption, as she says she knows she cannot keep it, and requested 
us to hurry our investigation, as she is anxious to get to work. 

May 18, 1921.—Called at 831 North Avenue and visited Mr. Johns’s 
landlady. She says Mr. and Mrs. Johns have lived with her about 
five years and, if anybody ever held a hypnotic power over anyone, 
he held it over his wife. She says Mrs. Johns worked to keep the 
family going and when she came home at night she worked for the 
children. After each child was born she would stay home only a short 
period, then she worked almost up to the time of her confinement. 
Mrs. Johns is a very handy woman with a needle and can make over 
clothes for the children and herself. On Sunday Mr. Johns would 
insist she sew for him; even if he tore the collar-band off his shirt he 
would insist that she sew it back in order to keep her in the house. 
Only once did he take Mrs. Johns and the children out. While he 
was not cruel, he was rough and Mrs. Johns seemed to fear him, 
although she had a great deal of affection for him. He is not a man 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 807 


that drinks or carouses, is very quiet in his room and attends strictly 
to his own business. He is working at present, but the landlady does 
not know where. Visitor left her card with a notation on it for Mr. 
Johns asking for an interview. 

Later—Mr. Johns in office. He stated that he left Turkey 
twenty-three years ago. That previous to this he had been married 
six or seven years. He has three boys and one girl by this marriage, 
and says that he left his wife because she was not faithful to him. He 
says his present wife wishes to give their baby for adoption. He could 
only stay a few minutes as he was on his way to work. Arranged to 
have visitor call at his home. 

May 20, 1921.—Telephoned Mr. Johns’s landlady and made an 
appointment to meet him Sunday morning at 11:00. Mr. Johns 
waited until 11:30 and when visitor did not come he would not wait 
any longer. Visitor then asked landlady to have Mr. Johns tele- 
phone her when he would see her.. Visitor is now to see him Saturday 
evening, the twenty-eighth, at 7:30. 

May 26, 1921.—Letter received from Mrs. Johns: 

Will you please let me know about how long it will take you to find a home 
for my baby as I would like to make arrangements to move just as soon as 
I give up the baby. The rent will be due here again the first of June and 
if you think you can find the home by that time I will look for flat and make 
arrangements to move also please tell me how soon I should wean baby I 
am hoping and trusting she will get into a good home where she will get 
kind treatment and Christian training above all things. 

Later.—Letter written to Mrs. Johns: 

We are going to ask you to be as patient as you possibly can. Visitor 
is to see Mr. Johns Saturday or Sunday, May 28 or 29, which will determine 
how quickly we will see you for the final word. As long as the Welfare 
Agency is helping you and it is well for you to nurse the baby, do not be 


impatient. If we accept the baby, you may rest assured she will receive a 
very good home. 


May 27, 1921.—Mr. Johns in office. Says he does not know what 
Mrs. Johns ought to do about giving up baby for adoption, but he 
feels she cannot care for it at the present time. She hopes to work 
and put Johanna in a day nursery. The Welfare Agency does not 
give her enough to support her, and he is giving her several dollars 
a week unknown to the other organizations. He insists that the state- 
ment that he is not legally married to Mrs. Johns is utterly false. He 
says that in Turkey he found his wife in adultery with another man, 


S68. FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


He went before his wife’s two uncles who are connected with the 
Mohammedan church and related the circumstances and swore on 
the Koran that he told the truth. Then in the presence of these 
uncles he took three bubblestraws and threw them over his shoulder. 
This constituted divorce, but papers were not made out there, so of 
course he had none. Says that he is fond of Johanna and of the baby; 
but the Welfare Agency insists that he has no legal right to have a 
deciding voice in the fate of either. 

June 4, 1921.—Conference with supervisor. It was decided to 
accept Margaret Grace for adoption. Made papers out and filed 
them at court. 

June 14, 1921.—Johns case in court—parents and baby present. 
The judge tried to work out some plan for baby to remain with mother. 
He suggested that Mr. Johns be made to pay $7.00 a week for baby’s 
care and the baby be placed in a good boarding-home. After learning, 
through Mrs. Johns, that Mr. Johns was paying rent and gas bill, 
he realized that if Mr. Johns failed to pay the board and was placed 
in jail the rent and light would also be unpaid. After considerable 
discussion and a great deal of wavering by Mrs. Johns, the judge, 
even though the mother consented to give the baby for adoption, 
continued the case to June 17 to give the mother more time to think 
it over. 


[The following record of the Juvenile Court hearing brings out the 
reluctance of the judge to fall in with the mother’s plan.] 


In re Margaret Grace Johns—parents and child in court, Chicago, Illinois, 
June 14, 1921, 52898. 
DEPENDENT 
JUVENILE COURT Cook CouNTY 


Visitor, Children’s Friend Society: Your honor, this is the case of baby 
Margaret Grace Johns. The father and mother are present and the 
baby Margaret Grace Johns. 

Q. Judge: Is this Margaret (indicating baby in arms of mother) ? 

A. Yes, sir; this little girl has been with the mother. Mr. Johns is 
alleged to have been married in Turkey over twenty years ago and has never 
been divorced from his wife; that is, the Welfare Agency has been unable 
so far to verify it. The Welfare Agency insisted that this woman and this 
man separate; he is not divorced from his first wife. Mr. Johns has children 
by his first wife. She (indicating mother) thinks it would be best to give 
this child out for adoption because she cannot earn enough to care for it. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 809 


Mr. Johns contributes irregularly and she wants to give the baby away for 
adoption— 

. Does she want to give the baby away for adoption ? 

. Yes, sir. 

. Well, have they been living together ? 

. Yes, sir. 

And this (indicating baby) is the result of that ? 

Yes, sir. 

How old—how long have you been living together ? 

Mrs. Johns: We married about six years ago; we lived together then. 
Were you married before the baby was born ? 

Oh, yes! 

. How long have you been married ? 

. Six years and over now. 

Wines: The Welfare Agency does not recognize their marriage because 
the man has not been divorced from his first wife. 

Q. Judge: Well, have you been separated ? 

A. Mrs. Johns: Yes, sir. 

Q. Judge: Well, there has been a marriage here and this man assumes 
responsibility— 

Visitor: He has a wife and is not divorced from her. 

Q. The Court: Then he has committed bigamy and could be sent to 
the penitentiary. Do you know whether or not he was divorced? 

A. Mrs. Johns: Well, when he married me, he said that he was 
divorced. 

. The Court: You don’t know, do you? 

. No; only what he said. 

. What did he say? 

. Well, he claims he was divorced. 

Do you know ? 

. No, sir; only just what he said. We were married six years ago. 
How long has he been in this country ? 

Twenty-four years. ° 

Is he a citizen? 

No, sir. 

When did you separate? 

Seven months before this baby was born. 

. The Court to probation officer, head of Investigation Department: 
Do you understand about this case, Miss Clarke ? 

A. Yes, sir; we know about the case. 

Q. The Court: From the impression given me this morning, the Welfare 
Agency does not recognize marriage between this man and this woman, but 
they are married, so far as I can understand; but there is a question of 
divorce, which is in Turkey; she claims to be married to him for over six 


[POP OPOPOPOPO 


COrPFOPFOPOPOFO>O 


810 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


years; there is a legal marriage so far as the records are concerned; it is 
the presumption that this marriage is legal. 

Miss Clarke: If your honor will pass it, I will get in touch with the 
Welfare Agency. 

Q. The Court: Yes, I can pass it for a while. 

Miss Clarke: I talked with Welfare visitor and she said that they had 
a long record on this case and that a divorce is now pending. 

Q. Where ? 

A. That is, she is going to start divorce proceedings; she said that this 
man had never been divorced from his wife. 

Q. He says that he has. 

A. Well, she told them that he had not and that she now wanted to 
get a divorce from him, because he is cruel to her. 

Q. Well, that’s different. 

A. They were afraid that she would change her mind again, as she has 
done before. I knew of this case in 1919. There is another child that she 
gave away for adoption. - 

Q. Does the husband consent to this adoption ? 

A. She signed her appearance and consent. 

Q. Mrs. Johns, have you started divorce proceedings against your 
husband ? 

. I haven’t started anything yet— 

. Have you started anything— 

. They asked me to— 

Do you want a divorce? 

Well, we are separated. 

Why? 

Well, I separated from him, my husband— 

Why, was he cruel to you? 

. Well, he has not done what he could. We don’t get along very 


POPOPOPO> 


well. 

Well, what do you want to do? 

What do I want to do? 

Yes? 

Well, he don’t want to work steady. 

I know; do you feel that he is not taking care of you apie 
Yes. 

And your plan is to get a divorce ? 

Well, they talked to me of it. 

No; what is your plan ? 

Well, I thought I would do better by adopting it out. 
Why? 

. Well, he has a wife. 

. Well, what else? 


OFOPOPOPOPOPO 


A. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 811 


He don’t work steady; I have to work; my boy is coming home and 


he don’t get along well with him. 


Q. 


Well, what do you want to do? I want to get an impression from 


you; I want to know what your plan is. (No reply.) 


chil 


OPrororto > O~ 


. Do you think it would be better to have him pay for the child ? 
. I don’t know. 
: Mas. see what the father has to say. Are you the father of this 


ye Johns: Yes, sir. 


. Do you speak English ? 

eyes? Sire 

. Are you the father of this baby iene Margaret Grace Johns) ? 
. Yes, sir. 

. If this child is placed in a private home where it will be cared for 


and you pay $7.00 per week— 


A. 


I don’t know, you see I don’t work steady all the time; but 


sometimes I do. 


POPOPOPOFOrPOPO 


. How many children have you in Turkey ? 
. All my children are grown up now; I have had one brought here. 


When? 


. Within the last few years; I don’t know the date. 


How old is he? 

About thirty-one or thirty-two, semrthine like that. 
Who brought him here ? 

He was brought over here. 

How old was he when you left there? 

How old? 

Ves? 

I have been here since 1897— 

1897? 


. Yes; I think I have been here about twenty-three and a half years 


and this boy was six then. 


Q. 
AG 
Q. 
A. 
Q. 
there ? 
. Yes, sir. 
. Did she want to come? 
. I don’t know. 
. How old is your other child, your youngest child ? 
. About twenty-two now; it was a baby when I left. 
. It was? 


OFrOPrPO Se 


And did your wife come with you here ? 

No, sir; I come here alone. 

Did your wife ever come to America? 

No. 

And since you have come here to America your wife has been over 


and 


POPOPrPOPOPOErPOorOoY 


FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


. Yes, sir. 
. Were you divorced from your wife ? 
+ Yessir: 
. How long were you divorced ? ; 
I am divorced, I asked the church there and I have two uncles there 
ey said I was divorced because it come from the church.! , 
Who sent you notice ? 
The uncles. 
Well, this was after you came here; you don’t know for yourself ? 
Yes, sir. 
And you were married again here in America? 
Yes, sir. 
You have been married twice? 
Yes, sir; but only once in the church. 
The Court: Now what is your plan in reference to your husband ? 
Mrs. Johns: Well, he don’t take care of us; I thought I would get 


my little boy from my first marriage and work and take care of us. 


O>rOoreo 


What is your plan in regard to the child? 


. Well, my plan was to give the child away. 
. Let me ask you this question ? 

. Yes, sir. 

. Are you going to live with this man ? 


A. I don’t care anything about the divorce, but I don’t want to live 
with him. 


Q. 
A. 


Well, do you want to divorce him ? 
I would rather not, but I want to get the support through the 


Welfare Agency. 


Q. 


there i 


The Court: This woman does not wish to divorce her husband and 
s no influence that should be urged upon her to divorce him, if the 


man has been divorced. You are going back to work are you? 


>OPrPOPOD 


born. 


PO Pr O 


Marga 


wMest sir 

. Now what about this other child ? 

. I will work and take care of it. 

. Did you give a child away for adoption before ? 
. Ves asir, 


How old was it? © 


. Well, that child was given away a short time before this child was 


. How old was it? 

. It was about a year and a half old. 

. Why did you give it in adoption ? 

. Well, I gave the other one away on account of this one (indicating 


ret). 


t [See above, p. 792, note.] 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 813 


Q. I know, but why? 

A. On account of the father’s support; he couldn’t take care of it, so 
I gave it away. There was no way to care for the baby. 

Q. Well, you had a baby before that time, didn’t you? 

A. Yes, sir. 

Q. I asked you how long after this baby came before you gave the other 
one out for adoption ? 

A. Well, just about a month, I gave it away; because I didn’t really 
know myself. 

Q. Well, is that the reason you gave the other baby away ep you 
were going to have this one? 

A. Well, I had the boy in Lakeside and they couldn’t keep him there; 
they couldn’t keep my boy and I took him out. 
. Why did you give the other baby away for adoption ? 
. Because I couldn’t take care of it. 
Didn’t you expect to live with your husband ? 
. No. 
The other child is being taken care of by someone else; somebody 
else 
wes) sir: 
. Well, do you want to give this child away for adoption ? 

A. Well, I considered that would be the best where it would get a home; 
he don’t support me and my plan was to give it up for adoption. 

Q. Do you want to give this little baby away in adoption? 

A. I don’t think I could give it the proper care— 

Q. You don’t answer my question; say—you will have to say yes, or 
no. Do you want to give it away in adoption? You have not answered 
me. 


i pee 


. I don’t think I can care for it properly. 

. You have signed this paper here; do you know what that paper is? 
Yes, sir. 

. Is that your signature (showing witness appearance and consent) ?P 
PY eS, Sir. 

. You signed that, is that right ? 

. Yes, sir. 

. What do you understand this is? 

. Well, I understand that I have signed away my rights to the 
child atic not the father’s rights. 

Q. Now, tell me what you have signed; you have signed this paper 
(indicating). You have entered your appearance in this case. I want 
this to go on record in this case of Margaret Grace Johns. Do you consent 
to give her away for adoption? If a decree of adoption is signed, why! 
you will never again see Margaret and you will never have anything more to 
do with her or have any right to her custody. Now is that what you want 


SOROPOPOPD 


814 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


to do, because in substance that is what you have signed. Do you still 
wish to do it ? 

A. Yes, sir; I will; I will decide right now. 

Q. You still wish to give it in adoption; if you want further time to 
answer it, I will give you more time. 

A. I would like to have a week. 

Order: I will continue it more than a week—June 28. Let the records 
show in this case that the mother— 

Mother: Well, I will decide it right now; I will let her go as it has been 
decided before. 

The Court: Let the records show that the mother wants to let it go, as 
she has decided, but the court of its own motion continues the case until 
next Friday— 

Clerk of the Court: June 17. 

Judge: Continued to June 17.] 


June 15, 1921.—Report of National Pathological Laboratories, 
blood tests on Mrs. Johns and Margaret Grace, results negative. 

June 17, 1921.—Casein court. Family Welfare visitor, Mrs. Johns, 
Margaret Grace, and Children’s Friend visitor present. Judge again 
questioned Mrs. Johns as to whether she wished to place the baby for 
adoption. She stated that she did and that she was doing it for the 
child’s good, because she had no means with which to rear it properly. 
The Children’s Friend Society was appointed guardian with right to 
consent to the adoption of Margaret Grace. 

Wrote Cook County Hospital for birth certificate. 

June 28, 1921.—Letter received from Mrs. Johns inclosing a pic- 
ture of Margaret Grace and $1.00 in money: 


I don’t like to bother you too much but I would like so much to know 
how my baby is by this time. I did not intend to write till I could send 
$5.00 but just can’t this week so will send the small sum of $1.00 till I can 
do better. I could not wait any longer as I have no rest and cannot sleep 
till I find out that she is getting along all right, if her food agrees with her 
and if the same people have my last baby. I will so gladly send every dollar 
I can spare to the Children’s Friend Society even though you don’t require 
it just to know once in a while how she is. 


Took case up with supervisor and she advised returning the $1.00 
to Mrs. Johns because she is largely supported by the Welfare Agency. 
Visitor had already explained to Mrs. Johns that no money was needed, 
but the day of court proceedings she said she was going to send the 
money to us. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 815 


July 1, 1921.—Letter written to Mrs. Johns, returning $1.00: 


I was very glad to hear from you the other day and hope that you have 
been successful in finding work. It was nice of you to send a picture of 
Margaret Grace, which is certainly very good of her. I am returning the 
$1.00 you sent us. We thank you very much, but want you to keep your 
money and use it to care for yourself and Johanna. We could not think of 
your not having this money. The baby is getting along splendidly and has 
every care and attention. I am sure you need never have a moment’s 
worry over her. She is exceedingly well cared for. Thank you again for 
the picture. 


July 17, 1921.—Margaret Grace Johns given into care of Mr. and 
Mrs. David Hart. [The facts about this family appear from the 
few letters given below.| 

July 22, 1921.—Letter received from Mrs. David Hart, who had 
taken Margaret Grace: 


I am returning a little dress that somehow escaped the big package I 
sent a short time ago. 

I am sure you will be pleased to learn that our little girl is doing very 
nicely. She is growing and can almost sit alone. We have named her Faith 
Hart. Have we a legal right to change her name? Her birth is registered 
under one name and I wondered, if when we adopted her, we could give her the 
above name. 

We should be very glad to get all the data concerning our little girl 
that you can give us. You remember I read over the history of her case, 
but one important thing has slipped my mind and that is the date of her 
birth. Could this history be forwarded to us for us to copy or could you 
send us a carbon copy ? 

Mr. Hart is intensely interested in our baby and already considers her 
as our very own. We shall be glad when we can legally adopt her. 


July 23, 1921.—Letter written Mrs. David Hart: 

I am very glad to know that you are happy in the possession of your 
baby girl. I was suré that you would not be disappointed if you took her 
into your home. She is really an adorable baby. 

We wish to thank you for sending the clothing so promptly. You 
would be surprised how often these little garments are used for just the 
same purpose as you have had them. 

With best wishes to you and Mr. Hart. 


September 8, 1921.—Letter from Mrs. Marion Johns to the 
Children’s Friend Society: 


I received your kind letter of July 1, and was so relieved to know that 
the baby was getting along all right. I could not help thinking I had made 


816 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


a mistake for a while after I gave baby up but found out I have all I can do 
to look after the two I have with me. I have managed to find employment 
enough to make a living for us and am thankful for that now. I don’t 
want to bother you people too much as I know your time is valuable and I 
realize that the baby is no longer mine, but it would be such a relief to know 
if the people who first took her still have her and care for her or if she has 
had to change from one home to another. I shall be so happy when I know 
she has a permanent home with people who love her, so please I beg you let 
me know this one thing. It has been over two months now since I inquired 
about her. The next time I write I hope to have some money to send as I 
am so thankful to the Society for what they have done for me. 


September 9, 1921.—Letter from the Children’s Friend Society 
to Mrs. Johns: 


I was very glad indeed to receive your letter today and to know that 
you have received employment and are getting along nicely. 

You will be happy to know that Margaret Grace is doing splendidly. 
She is in the same good home that we first placed her and she will always be 
there. These people are giving her every attention, every care, and a great 
deal of love, and I am sure you could wish for nothing better for this baby 
than the home in which she is placed. 

I shall be glad to hear from you at any time you care to write. 


November 5, 1921.—Mrs. David Hart, foster-mother of Margaret, 
called at the office to learn facts concerning the baby’s history. She 
seemed anxious to read the record and, as there seemed to be no reason 
for her not knowing the facts on the case, I allowed her to have the 
record to read. She asked that we send her facts concerning history. 
Promised to write her a letter giving history. Also promised to secure 
birth certificate, for which she paid 50 cents. 

Mrs. Hart states that the baby is getting along in a splendid man- 
ner. She now weighs twenty-one pounds and is able to walk around 
her little baby coop. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are anxious to adopt the 
baby. Asked her to remind us when the six months’ period 
has elapsed. She wishes to employ Society’s lawyer and would like 
to have the proceedings arranged for on a Saurday morning, as that is 
the only day which is convenient for Mr. Hart. Gave new address. 
Brought photograph of baby for our files. 

November 12, 1921.—Letter written Social Service Department, 
County Hospital: 


Margaret Grace Johns was born at County Hospital on January 
2I, 1921. | 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 817 


On June 17, 1921, she was committed to the Children’s Friend Society 
with right to consent to adoption. 

We are desirous of having a certified copy of the birth certificate. I 
called at the City Hall to obtain this and discovered that her birth has 
never been registered. 

Would you kindly look this matter up for us and see that the birth is 
registered so we may secure the copy necessary. 


November 15, 1921.—Letter received from warden of County 
Hospital: 


In reply to your inquiry regarding birth certificates of Margaret Grace 
Johns wish to state that our records show that a baby girl was born to Marion 
Johns at this institution on January 21, 1921. This birth was reported 
to the Health Department as this name appears in a book in which we keep 
a copy of all birth certificates sent to the Health Department. 


After receiving letter from Cook County Hospital, visitor called 
at Board of Health and advised them that Cook County Hospital 
claimed to have registered the birth of Margaret Grace Johns. The 
clerk made a second search and discovered that the child was registered 
without a first name, simply, Baby Johns. Gave visitor supple- 
mentary report of birth which is to be signed by the mother and 
returned to their office. After this is done, a certificate of birth can 
be secured. 

November 18, 1921.—Memorandum from supervisor to district 
visitor: 

Will you please call on Mrs. Marion Johns, the mother of Margaret 
Grace, and ask her to sign the attached report of birth. 

The people who have taken the baby for adoption are anxious to have 
a certified copy of the birth record. We have had some difficulty in securing 
this, and it seems it is now necessary to have the mother sign this slip in 
order that the birth may be registered properly. The child’s birth was 
registered under the name of Johns only, as possibly the child was named 
after the mother left the hospital. 


Later.—Letter written Mrs. David Hart: 


Please do not think that we have forgotten about our promise to get a 
birth certificate of your baby for you. We have had a great deal of difficulty 
in trying to secure it. When our visitor called at the office of the county 
clerk, he told her it was not registered. Upon looking the matter up at the 
Cook County Hospital, she found it was registered under the name of Johns 
only, as possibly the baby was named after the mother left the hospital. 
They have now given us a supplementary birth record, which we have to 
have the mother sign, in order that the birth may be recorded properly. 


818 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


As soon as we are able to secure this record, we will write you giving 
the full history. 

I wish to thank you for the beautiful picture which you left at the office 
when you called. With best wishes to you. 


December 11, 1921.—Letter received from Mr. David Hart, 
Margaret Grace’s foster father: 


Regarding the legal proceedings necessary for the adoption of our baby 
will you kindly arrange for those items, if any, which must originate from 
your office? We will have had this baby in our care six months on the 17th 
instant, and wish to enter the necessary court proceedings on that date 
or as soon thereafter as possible. 

Mrs. Hart tells me that she was informed by your office that you can 
obtain the services of an attorney, who has given special attention to such 
cases, for us for a fee of approximately twenty-five dollars. If this is correct, 
will you kindly retain him for our services ? 

Also I understand that both Mrs. Hart and I should appear in court to 
obtain the adoption papers but that the child’s presence is not required. 
We have not as yet obtained the birth certificate from your office and do 
not know whether or not such is necessary for the court. 

Will you kindly inform us as to what steps we should take in addition 
to those we authorize you to take in our behalf? In all preparations for the 
court proceedings please bear in mind that I can much more conveniently 
attend such on Saturdays or during the Christmas holidays, December 
23—-January 2. 


December 13, 1921.—Memorandum from supervisor to investi- 
gator of foster homes: “Please call at your earliest convenience on 
Margaret Grace Johns placed with David Hart. The Harts wish 
to adopt little Margaret during the Christmas season.”’ 

Later.—Letter to Mr. David Hart, foster father of Margaret 
Grace: 


I was very glad indeed to receive your letter in which you stated that 
you are so well pleased with your little daughter that you wish to take her 
under charge permanently and bring her up entirely as a member of your 
family. 

One of our representatives will call on you soon and make a final visit 
to your house and recommend to me that the baby be adopted by you and 
your wife. I, in turn, after reviewing the entire situation, make recom- 
mendation to the superintendent, who gives his consent in writing and turns 
over to the attorney of your selection the certified copy of the court decree, 
declaring the baby dependent and the superintendent of our Society her 
guardian. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 819 


An attorney, who is employed by this Society to do the necessary legal 
work for us, has agreed to take care of the wards of this Society who are 
adopted by foster parents with whom they have been placed. He does 
this more cheaply than any other attorney. He charges for a case, such as 
Margaret’s, only $25. He has doubtless had more experience than any other 
attorney in handling adoptions, and as he is a very precise and careful 
worker, he is a very desirable person to take charge of such matters of import- 
ance. We will turn over to him at your request the necessary papers, and 
no doubt you will hear from him within a short time. 

I trust you and your family will have a very happy Christmas time. 


42. The Family of Alexander Caterigian 


(An Armenian Weaver Who Attempts to Give Away His Infant 
Daughter and Is Enabled to Keep Her) 


January 2, 1924.—Miss Baker, a visitor for the Cook County 
Agent, reported case to Family Welfare Agency. Family from 
Armenia—Mr. Caterigian born in 1891, Mrs. Caterigian in 1905, 
and two children, Nourise (born July 14, 1922) and a baby daughter 
only ten days old—is staying at 521 Katherine Street, but is said to 
havea home at 160 Robey Avenue. Mr. Caterigian had a store there, 
for which he paid $75 rent a month. He has had no work for three 
months and went to County Agent to give away the baby recently 
born—said he could not take care of her. Miss Baker telephoned 
Juvenile Court and two ministers. But all refused to consider the 
care of the baby with two parents living. 

January 3, 1924.—Visited. Mr. Caterigian was not home. Mrs. 
Caterigian, who is very young, was taking care of the children. She 
is unable to speak any English. Mr. Hanjian, who has taken the 
Caterigians into his home temporarily, gave most of the information 
and interpreted what few words Mrs. Caterigian could be persuaded 
to say. 

Mr. Hanjian has a nice flat, which is fairly well furnished, and has 
only two children of his own. Both he and his wife come from the 
same part of Armenia from which Mr. and Mrs. Caterigian come. 
Most of the families living in the building and the neighborhood are 
Armenian and among them will care for the Caterigians as long as 
possible. Mr. Caterigian came to America in 1913 and worked in 
some woolen factory for seven years. At the end of that time he 
had saved about $700, and he decided to go into business for himself. 
As he was unmarried and needed a wife, he wrote to friends in Armenia 


820 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


asking them to send him a girl. Mrs. Caterigian was recommended 
by friends. Mr. Caterigian sent her transportation, and married her 
in Chicago on July 5, 1921. He then set up a factory making woolen 
sweaters at 160 Robey Avenue. Business has been very poor since. 
He feels there is no use, however, of looking for other work as he has 
a lease on his factory and if he gave it up and went to work his wages . 
would be garnisheed for the rent. 

The Caterigians have been living in the rear of the factory. He 
owns some machinery and probably has $600 invested in the business. 
They have only one room in which they can live and that is a very 
poorone. They have no way of heating the room, and Mrs. Caterigian 
could not be allowed to go to such a place with a small baby. Mr. 
Hanjian said that Mr. Caterigian wants someone to give a home for 
the baby. He does not want it himself. Evidently neither Mr. nor 
Mrs. Caterigian nor Mr. and Mrs. Hanjian sees anything out of the 
ordinary in giving the baby away. Mr. Hanjian explained they must 
get rid of the baby because Mr. Caterigian cannot take care of it. 
““Anyway, they have one baby.” When told that Mr. Caterigian 
can be helped to secure a job and make arrangements so that he can 
care for his children, he explained that they have no room for her; 
that they have only one room, one bed; that they have one baby and 
cannot take care of two. Through Mr. Hanjian, Mts. Caterigian 
was asked whether she was anxious to give up the baby, and she looked 
at the child as she was nursing her in a very uninterested manner and 
said, ““Yes, we cannot keep her; we’ve got the other baby.” Mr. 
Hanjian says that photographers from the Chicago Daily Mail were 
there taking Mrs. Caterigian’s picture with the baby, and they think 
that they may get a home for her through the newspaper. 

January 5, 1924.—Miss Berry of the Chicago Daily Mail, Central 
1400, telephoned and asked that she be notified what arrangements 
are made for the family. She says a Mrs. Murry, 4730 Dear- 
born Avenue, Lawndale 2891, telephoned the Mail saying that she 
would give a partially furnished flat to the Caterigian family for the 
winter if that would help them take care of the baby and keep her 
with them. Miss Berry says that Mrs. Caterigian was not particu- 
larly enthusiastic about such a plan. Mr. and Mrs. Caterigian still 
want to give the baby away. 

January 11, 1924.—Miss Berry of the Chicago Daily Mail tele- 
phoned saying that she saw Mrs. Caterigian several days ago and 
was told that Mr. and Mrs. Caterigian were planning to leave the 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 821 


baby somewhere and let someone find her if no one offered to adopt her. 
In all $30 was contributed by readers of the Mazl, and Miss Berry 
gave that to the family The family is planning to return to the 
factory at 160 Robey Avenue. 

January 12, 1924.—Visited at 160 Robey Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. 
Caterigian were there with Nourise. The baby had been left with 
Mrs. Hanjian at 521 Katherine Street. Mr. Caterigian, however, was 
starting after her as they had just been notified that Mrs. Hanjian was 
- illand could not keep her longer. The factory actually is a very small 
shop in which Mr. Caterigian has one machine, on which he knits the 
sweaters, and shelves where they are stored, and a counter over which 
they are retailed. They have nothing for sale except sweaters. Mr. 
Caterigian was a sweater-maker in the Old Country and followed his 
trade here for seven years. He has considerable stock on hand and 
has not made up any sweaters for the past months until he can get 
rid of the ones he has. He started in business in May, 1923, having 
put all his savings in it; and it so happens that this has been a light 
winter and that orders have been very few. Also, because his estab- 
lishment is so small, he is unable to make prices to dealers, wholesale, 
as low as larger factories can do. He says he really does not sell one 
sweater a week and everything they have has had to be paid out 
for rent each month and for yarn, etc., with nothing coming in. 
At the same time he hates to give up the business, because he knows 
if he does he will never start again, and as he is getting older, he will 
save very little working for someone else. At the present time it is 
impossible to secure work at all with a knitting company as the season 
is bad and men are being laid off. He has, however, tried and would 
be willing to go out and work leaving Mrs. Caterigian to fill any orders 
that might come in at the store. He is willing to have visitor try to 
get orders for him, but is not willing to have Agency write or communi- 
cate with the knitting mill where he previously worked, as he thinks it 
might even destroy his chances there. He says he is a good worker 
and if men were needed he would be taken on on his own record without 
any assistance. 

Mr. Caterigian is very peculiar; he talks in a monotone and a very 
low voice. He has to be asked to repeat practically everything he 
says because he does not say it loud enough to be heard and he seems 
to be unable to raise his voice, even when asked to repeat. He is very 
gloomy; could not be made to smile once; nor does Mrs. Caterigian 

appear at all pleasant or cheerful. Mr. Caterigian seemed to think 


822 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


that it was necessary to answer questions asked him, even when he did 
not want to do it. It seems that he is suspicious now of everyone, 
as he resents the publicity that was given his affairs through the news- 
paper. He says the only place he went was to the County Agent’s 
office to ask if they could have the baby adopted for him; the next 
day when he got home he was told by the people with whom he was 
staying that Mrs. Caterigian’s picture had been taken. He did not 
expect what followed. He says there was a large photo on the front 
page of the Mazi and a long story about their affairs; their correct - 
address and name were given and also the address of the shop. He did 
not like that at all. He says he appreciates the money he received 
and the expressions of sympathy from a great many people—it has 
helped him in all to pay one month’s rent—making the rent for the 
shop paid up to February 1; but he wishes that it could have been 
done in some way without giving the name and the address. He 
resents having all the other storekeepers up and down Robey Avenue 
point to his place as they go by and mention what they saw in the 
newspaper. | 
Now that the January rent is paid, there are only two more months 
left on his lease. He had been forced to pay the rent of the last month 
on the lease, which is April, leaving February and March only unpaid. 
He has been advised that if he gives up the place now the landlord 
can attach his stock, and he would have to sell it for practically 
nothing. He does not want to do this; prefers sticking it out if possible 
and getting rid of it by degrees. The store itself was frigid. The 
room in which the family is supposed to live in the rear is not parti- 
tioned off from the store itself except by a cretonne curtain. The 
place was very neat. Mr. Caterigian explained that he cannot heat 
the rear without heating the whole store, which is not very large, 
and he cannot do that on less than a ton of coala month. He could 
not afford to buy a ton. Mr. Caterigian seemed sincere in wanting 
to give up the baby because he really does not think that she will live 
through all their troubles. He says that Nourise has got a good start 
and can stand the cold, but that the baby will die. He also says 
that Mrs. Caterigian does not really want to give the baby up but 
feels that she must do so. As soon as she decided this, she found 
she was unable to nurse the baby longer as the shock to her system 
was too great. They had to put her ona bottle, and she feels that that 
_ 1s enough in itself to kill the child. 
Later—Ordered a ton of coal. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 823 


January, 1924.—Mr. Caterigian in the office several times to discuss 
his business enterprise. He still refuses to tell where he was employed 
before going into business for himself. He seems to be very sincere 
about not wanting his employer to know of his failure. He has 
secured through the Welfare Agency an order from the Nelson Knitting 
Mills and through his own efforts an order for 1924 from Kensington 
and Brothers of Jefferson Street. This does not help him any because, 
before he can fill the orders, he must have yarn; and he cannot pay 
for yarnand hasno credit. He isnot sure that the orders themselves, 
in written form, would be good for the yarn, because any company is 
privileged to cancel an order if the work is not satisfactory. He has 
been unable to sell very many sweaters from his present stock, which 
is the thing he particularly wanted, to get rid of the odds and ends on 
hand, because his model is considered old fashioned, and Klein and 
others felt that they could not buy sweaters without cuffs, as his are 
made. Nelson did, however, guarantee him the order, and Klein 
has also given him a future order. 

He seems willing to do anything suggested to him. He is willing 
to give up the store in May and go to work for someone else. In 
the meantime he is willing to do any other kind of work that can be 
secured for him. He has never done manual labor; is small and deli- 
cate looking, very thin, always appears very solemn; thinks that the 
world is as bad as it could possibly be, and shows no enthusiasm over 
any plan. Admits that everything suggested “might be the best 
thing.” He suggested himself that even if he could get a loan of 
$25, which would be necessary for the supply of yarn in order to get 
out the small order for Kensington and Brothers it would help them 
for a few weeks but it would not solve their problem; the order Nelson 
has given would mean that he would need $500 worth of yarn instead of 
$25 as that isa large order; he and his wife would have to work day and 
night to get the order out; it is impossible to do business with no money. 

Wrote Kahn’s Department Store, Greenleaf’s Department Store, 
and Klein’s Department Store asking if they had any demand for 
sweaters like Mr. Caterigian’s. Also wrote to Marshall Field’s, and to 
Carson Pirie and Scott, asking if they would place an order with Mr. 
Caterigian for sweaters. 

February 6, 1924.—Letter received from B. K. Nelson of the Nelson 
Knitting Mills. 

February 12, 1924.—Telephoned Mr. B. K. Nelson of the Nelson 
Knitting Mills in response to his letter of February 4, 1924. Mr. 


824 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Nelson says that he knows some of Mr. Caterigian’s co-workers and 
friends and other people in the knitting business who know him very 
well, that Mr. Caterigian has no liabilities and does not owe any money, 
that his stock is worth quite a sum of money, and that the two ma- 
chines he has are also valuable. Mr. Nelson does not feel that Mr. 
Caterigian is really so bad off as he says because he had worked for 
many years for the King Knitting Mills under Mr. Henry Newfield. 
Mr. Nelson happens to know Mr. Newfield and was recently in his 
office. He found that during the time Mr. Caterigian was there he 
often earned as much as $80 a week. Also some of the workers at 
the King Mills told him that Mr. Caterigian had been there recently 
looking for work and had been told that they could take him back in 
a few weeks’ time. He had mentioned to some of the employees that 
he has quite a bit of cash at the present time. Mr. Nelson thinks it 
may be possible that the cash he was talking about is that which he 
either has received or is to receive from one of the orders he has been 
given. 

February 13, 1924.—Mr. Caterigian in the office. He has been 
to the King Knitting Mills for work and has been told that they can 
take him in about three weeks’ time. He wants work immediately 
and is willing to go to the Illinois Free Employment Bureau and will 
take anything he can get for the weeks intervening. He himself 
now tells of his work at the King Mills, saying that while sometimes 
he earned $80 a week at certain periods of the year he only earned $25, 
that his average earnings would not be over $40. He has received an 
order for eighteen dozen sweaters at the rate of $31 a dozen. ‘This 
order included a letter to a yarn company asking them to give him 
credit for the yarn. Mr. Caterigian has also received a check for 
$445 for another order of goods he had in stock. He has decided to 
give up his shop as he feels that he will do better by working in a larger 
mill. He now wants Welfare Agency to find out whether he can break 
his lease without trouble. 

Later——Telephoned Mr. Askounis, Mr. Caterigian’s landlord. 
He says that Mr. Caterigian has not told him that he is not getting 
along well and making money. He is willing to release him from his 
contract if possible. He thinks that he may be able to rent the place 
immediately and that there will be no difficulty. Mr. Caterigian’s 
last month’s rent on the lease is paid, and Mr. Askounis will accept 
that for the month of February and will allow Mr. Caterigian to move 
the first of March if possible. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 825 


Gave Mr. Caterigian letter to Illinois Free Employment Bureau 
for temporary employment. He will try to find a flat for the family 
to move into. 

March 7, 1924.—Letter written to Assistant County Agent: 


You and Miss Baker will be interested to know the outcome of our work 
with the Caterigian family. This family you will recall, was reported to 
us on January 2 by you because of the man’s appeal to give away his 
three-weeks-old baby. 

Mr. Caterigian, we found, had a small knitting factory, was tied up 
with a $75 lease, and was without trade. He had quite a stock of inexpensive 
sweaters on hand, and we set out immediately to interest some of the knitting 
companies in his goods. Within a few days we succeeded in getting from 
one department store an order for $400. This amount was paid him within 
ten days. A second order for $500 was secured from another store, as well 
as one or two smaller orders. 

We supplied a ton of coal to the family, so that they could go back to 
the room behind the store. They felt that they were burdening their 
friends at 521 Katherine Street, but they dared not take the new baby into 
the cold flat. 

I am very sorry that Mrs. Caterigian’s picture got into the newspaper. 
Her husband was embarrassed and upset. He was not at home when the 
reporter arrived, and, I think, he is not the sort of person who would seek 
newspaper publicity. A number of strangers called to see him; many 
others wrote to him. He rather resented their interest in his private 
affairs. 

Mr. Caterigian is convinced, after talking to some of the business 
men to whom we sent him, that he might better return to his work in a 
knitting factory. He was earning as much as $80 per week, and is to go 
back this week to the King Knitting Mills. His landlord was willing to let 
him give up his lease. 

Not a word has been said further about giving away the baby. Mr. 
Caterigian apparently needed only a little help in getting rid of his stock and 
in adjusting himself to a salaried job. I am glad that you reported him to 
us and regret only that his case got into the newspaper first. 


826 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


43. The Family of Marcus Jackson 


(An Able-bodied but Unskilled Negro Worker to Whom the County A gent 
Grants Rations Because His Earnings Are Insufficient for the 
Support of His Family, a Wife and Seven Children) 


[This fragment of a record sets out some of the difficulties con- 
fronting the Welfare Agency where there is in the family a supposedly 
able-bodied man. It will be noticed that the County Agent gives 
material relief and the private agency secures medical aid for Mrs. 
Jackson, some slight industrial service for Genevieve, and general 
friendly counsel.| 

October 24, 1921 (Monday).—Miss Fleming, principal of the Gar- 
field School, reports the Jackson family in need. The father, a negro 
man of forty years of age, is working now but has recently been out of 
work. Mrs. Jackson has been sick. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Jackson 
there are in the family seven children: Genevieve (born January 15, 
1905), sixteen years old, who does not attend school and who has not 
been able to find work; Mattie (born June 27, 1907), Pearl (born 
June 21, 1909), Polly (born July 28, 1911), and Ben (born October 18, 
1913), who go to school; and Lillie (born February 11, 1915) and 
Bonaparte (born August 6, 1918). They are fairly clean, but their 
clothing is very poor and ragged. Pearl is out of school because she 
has no shoes. Children are frequently late or absent. A baby died 
last March. Miss Fleming asks that the Agency investigate. 

October 26, 1921.—The School Children’s Aid Society (January 28, 
1920), Visiting Nurse Association (September 13, 1920), West Side 
Dispensary and County Agent (September 17, 1920; January 15, 
1921) were registered. [Letters were written to the first three.| 

Visited. Mrs. Jackson, Genevieve, Lillie, and Bonaparte were 
at home. Mrs. Jackson says that they have had the hardest year 
they have ever known but she is quite sure that they will get their 
debts paid (they owe about $100) if Mr. Jackson can only keep at 
work. He is a laborer earning $3.00 a day when he works; but he 
finds it very difficult to get steady employment. Just now they have 
no money to buy clothing for the children and Lillie cannot go to 
kindergarten because she does not have clothing enough. Genevieve 
is not a strong girl and has been unable to get a job at anything 
except nursemaid because she is so small and frail looking. Mrs. 
Jackson is pregnant apd is going to the West Side Dispensary for an 
examination in the Pre-natal Clinic (she had the Out-Patient Depart- 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 827 


ment, Knox Hospital, for her last delivery) and she will take Genevieve 
with her for an examination. 

Mrs. Jackson, who is thirty-six years old, had lived all her life in 
Fayette County, Mississippi, where she worked in the cotton fields 
on a large plantation. Her father and mother died when she was 
quite young, and she made her home with her older brothers and 
sisters until she married Mr. Jackson. Since they moved to Chicago, 
four years ago, they have been quite successful; and Mrs. Jackson 
says she is so happy to give her children an education, a thing which 
neither she nor her husband had. She says their home here is so 
much better than it ever was in the South that she is hoping that they 
will never again be so poor as they were in Mississippi. The home is 
fairly well furnished. There are no carpets, but the beds are clean 
and the little furniture they have is good. They have an old-fashioned 
square piano which Mrs. Jackson says they were able to buy cheaply. 
Genevieve plays a great deal and fairly well. The house is in good 
repair and has evidently been cleaned recently. 

Lillie and Bonaparte are well-behaved little children. They answer 
very politely when spoken to. Lillie wants to go to school very much 
and cries almost every day when the other children go without her. 
Mrs. Jackson has not been strong since her last baby came. It died 
in March at the age of six months, Mrs. Jackson thinks, because of 
her condition. About two weeks after her confinement she became so 
ill that she was taken to the Knox Hospital and was there a long time. 
She was very weak for a long time after her return home, and then the 
baby’s sickness and death helped to distress her. She is hoping to 
get along better this time and is considering hospital care for her deliv- 
ery. She has a sister, Mrs. Campbell, and two brothers, James and 
William Brown, in Chicago and a brother, Joseph Brown, in Missis- 
sippi. Mr. Jackson’s father and cousin are in Mississippi. Mr. 
and Mrs. Jackson were married by a Methodist minister in 1904, 
but they have joined the Holiness Communion. All members of the 
family are insured (the Metropolitan Bankers’ and Globe Company). 
[Two previous addresses and the name of Mr. Jackson’s employer were 
obtained. ] 

November to, 1921.—Visited. Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Jackson’s 
sister, was not at home, but her three daughters, one married, and 
two about twenty years of age, spoke of the Jacksons as having had a 
hard time for a long time. Mr. Jackson has had trouble finding 
steady work, and it has not always been easy to keep his family going. 


828 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


For a time they all lived together, but this was unsatisfactory and the 
Jacksons moved away. ‘They spoke of Genevieve as being “no count” 
because she is not strong. She has tried to work again and again, 
but has been discharged because she was not strong enough to do what 
was required. 

Visited. Mrs. Harris, a former neighbor, states that she knew 
the Jacksons very well and that while Mr. Jackson was out of work the 
family was assisted by the Sanctified Church and the County Agent. 
Mrs. Jackson was not well, and several of the children were sick. 
Mrs. Harris felt very sorry for them when the baby died, as they were 
completely discouraged. ‘They were finally forced to move for non- 
payment of rent. 

Visited. Mrs. Orr, the former landlady, spoke very well of the 
Jackson family. She was very certain that Mr. Jackson did his best 
to pay his rent and care for his family. She let them stay just as long 
as she could afford to, but she found that it was impossible to let them 
continue into the sixth month without payment of rent. 

The County Agent reports that aid was first given January 15, 
1921, for two weeks and shoes February 3, 1921. He describes the 
family as being the “better class of negro.” Genevieve, according 
to his record, was refused a working certificate. On November 4, 
1921, Mrs. Jackson again applied for aid, and they were given Rations 
No. 3, as Mr. Jackson’s income is insufficient for the support of 
the large family. 

November r1, 1921.—Genevieve was diagnosed by West Side 
Dispensary ‘“‘migraine.” Mrs. Jackson is eight months pregnant. 

November 17, t921.—All the Jackson children attend school 
very regularly. Mattie, who is in the VI A grade, used to stay out 
frequently until the teacher got in touch with Mrs. Jackson. Since 
then there has been no trouble. She is a bright girl, but lazy. Pearl, 
who is in the IVB, is very intelligent but sullen, and the others in her 
grade are afraid of her. She is not lazy like Mattie and Ben. All 
the children are clean looking except Ben, who is in the IA grade 
and does not do very well in his work. Lillie is absent only when she 
has no clothing. Mattie and Lillie look undernourished. 

Later.—Genevieve will take steps at once to get her working certifi- 
cate as Mrs. Jackson feels that Mattie and Pearl can manage the 
home when she goes to the hospital. The Knox Hospital has arranged 
for her confinement there because she had trouble when the last baby 
was born. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 829 


44. Mrs. Katie O’Callaghan 
(An Eighty-Year-old Widow Aided to Find Her Sixty-Y ear-old Son) 


August 22, 1911.—Mrs. O’Callaghan, an Irish woman of Scotch 
descent, in the office. She is eighty-one years of age’ and she has been 
living with Mrs. Keegan (see case). She says Mrs. Keegan promised 
to pay her $2.00 a week for work she did for her but has not paid 
her for the last four months, but’ she didn’t blame Mrs. Keegan 
as she said she couldn’t pay when she hadn’t any money herself. Mrs. 
. Keegan’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Flannery, has offered to pay her $1.25 a 
week if she comes to live with her. When Mrs. Keegan found Mrs. 
O’Callaghan would go to live at Mrs. Flannery’s, she said she didn’t 
want her any more, which forced Mrs. O’Callaghan on Sunday to go 
to live with Mrs. Tumulty, who is an old acquaintance of hers. She 
can live with these people until she gets work at Mrs. Flannery’s, but 
is responsible for her eatables. Mrs. Flannery will move in a week 
and then wishes Mrs. O’Callaghan to come to her. Mrs. Flannery 
has stored Mrs. O’Callaghan’s trunk and boxes and will move them 
with her furniture. Mrs. O’Callaghan was trying to pawn some 
handmade muslin underwear to get enough money for food but had 
been unable to do so. Gave her $1.00 cash for food. 

December 17, 1912.—Mrs. O’Callaghan in office; had card to a 
doctor downtown. Asked for car tickets. Gave her car tickets. 

December 31, 1912.—Visited Mrs. O’Callaghan at Mrs. Mason’s 
(case). She asked visitor for $1.00 to pay. her for taking care of the 
Mason children. ‘Told her this could be arranged. Gave $1.00 cash. 

January 8, 1913.—Visited. Gave Mrs. O’Callaghan $1.00 in 
cash, as promised before; also told her we had some clothing for her, 
which Mrs. Mason can come and get Saturday morning. 

January 17, 1913.—Visited. Gave Mrs. O’Callaghan $1.00 for 
staying with Mrs. Mason’s children. 

™[In connection with the discussion of this record, attention should be briefly 
directed to the old-age pension schemes already effective in other countries and to 
the old-age pension laws recently enacted or proposed in several American common- 
wealths. For example, in 1923, old-age pension laws were enacted in Alaska, 
Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania. In 1924 bills were introduced into the legislature 
in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, and Rhode Island. In New 
Jersey such a bill passed the lower house. Commissions to study the question were 
created in Massachusetts in 1923 and in New York in 1924. But see, for a reference 
to a decision,of a Pennsylvania court holding the Pennsylvania Act unconstitutional 
and for a review of the situation, Epstein, ‘Present Status of Old Age Pension 
Legislation in the United States,” United States Monthly Labor Review, XIX 
(October, 1924), 760.) 


830 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


January 23, 1913.—Visited. Gave Mrs. O’Callaghan $1.00 for 
taking care of the Mason children. 

January 28, 1913.—Paid Mrs. O’Callaghan $1.00 for taking care 
of the Mason children. 

February 6, 1913.—Visited. Gave $1.00 for taking care of the 
Mason children. 

February 12, 1913.—Visited.. Paid Mrs. O’Callaghan $1.00 for 
work taking care of the Mason children. Mrs. Mason, with whom she 
stays, says Mrs. O’Callaghan is getting very weak and finds it very 
hard to take care of the children. Thinks she should go to the County ~ 
Infirmary or to a hospital. 

February 27, 1913.—See write-up on Mason record. Gave $1.00 
- cash. 

December 26, 1913.—Mrs. O’Callaghan in office. Said she was 
married on May 2, 1913, to Mr. Tumulty. Said Mrs. Tumulty (an 
old friend) died last year, and she married Mr. Tumulty to keep house 
for him and to keep him from going to the Old Soldiers’ Home, where 
he properly belongs. They have been receiving Bogardus |i.e., special 
rations for old soldiers under the Poor Law] rations for one and can- 
not liveon that. Asked that we try to secure double rations for them. 
Said that Mr. Tumulty is very poorly, sick in bed most of the time, 
and in need of medical care. Prefers to have the Old Soldiers’ doctor 
come to see him. ‘They live in a four-room flat, for which the rent 
is $6.00. Said Mr. Tumulty has notified the local G.A.R. of his mar- 
riage on the postal card sent them acknowledging receipt of rations. 

Telephoned Mr. Moore, inspector for G.A.R. He said there had 
been no formal announcement of Mr. Tumulty’s remarriage and it 
was not the policy of the organization to encourage it asa rule. Said 
the only reason single rations had been continued to Mr. Tumulty, 
instead of insisting that he go to the Home, was that he had been ill. 
Said, however, that he would send a visitor to investigate conditions 
now and advised that Mr. Tumulty send announcement of the 
marriage, reporting when and where, and to whom he was married. 

Reported above to Mrs. Tumulty. 

January 15, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office. She said inspector 
came, but they had done nothing for Mr. Tumulty. Supplies were 
dueonthetenth. ‘Told her to write office or to get pastor to telephone. 
Sent her to County Agent. 

January 16, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office; was given comfortable 
waist from stock; she said County Agent would give supplies. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 831 


January 27, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office, was given good suit 
of underwear, and good clothing from stock. 

February 5, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office to report death of Mr. 
Tumulty at noon today. Did not know what to do about funeral. 

Telephoned Mr. Moore, who said that they would send investigator 
this afternoon and, if Mr. Tumulty had no insurance, county would 
pay $50 toward the funeral. Gave Mrs. Tumulty good black coat 
from stock and told her to go home and wait for investigator. Gave 
two cans of beans from donation. 

Later.—Mr. Moore telephoned to say that they have found that 
Mr. Tumulty carried insurance, amounting to about $120 (Prudential). 
County therefore will do nothing. Asked that visitor notify Mrs. 
Tumulty to make her own funeral arrangements, being careful to keep 
within $50, as in case there is trouble in collecting insurance, she may 
have to fall back on County Agent. If Mr. Tumulty belonged to a 
G.A.R. post, they will take charge of services; in case he did not, Mr. 
Moore will do so if notified. 

Later.—Visited. Mrs. Tumulty asked visitor to mail a letter to 
Mrs. Jennie Pope, Mr. Tumulty’s daughter in California, notifying her 
of her father’s death. He has a son living in Chicago, who has been 
notified of the death. This son is a teamster, working for a wholesale 
drug company. Mrs. Tumulty does not know his address; he is a 
cripple. The colored minister, by whom Mr. and Mrs. Tumulty 
were married, was at the bedside when Mr. Tumulty died; his name 
is Mr. Watson, of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. 
Tumulty said that three months’ pension, $57, is due soon. Left 
address of Western Casket Company and told her to have son call 
up “Welfare Agency in the morning. Several neighbors were there 
with her. She asked that visitor call up Commander Doane of the 
Old Glory Post No. 897, to which Mr. Tumulty belonged. 

Later.—Telephoned Mr. Doane and he will take charge of the 
funeral. 

February 9, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office with Mr. Jackson 
(friend), asking Welfare Agency to furnish railroad fare to cemetery 
for Mrs. Tumulty. G.A.R. post has taken charge of funeral, which 
occurs at 1:00 today. Undertaker is M. J. Dailey. She thinks that 
the insurance will not be paid, as premiums have not been kept up. 
County is paying funeral expenses. 

Later.—Telephoned County Agent, who said that “A contributor” 
has charge of all funeral arrangements for Mr. Tumulty and Mrs. 


832 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Tumulty’s fare will be taken care of. Urged Welfare Agency to do 
nothing about it. 

Gave report to Mrs. Tumulty, who said that she would go to 
undertaker’s. 

April 15, 1914.—A friend of Mrs. Tumulty’s who refused to give 
name telephoned that she is about to be evicted. Three months’ rent 
is due. Asked visit. 

April 16, 1914.—Visited. Mrs. Tumulty had expected to receive 
pension after Mr. Tumulty’s death, but the matter has not been yet 
arranged. Has put it into the hands of Mr. Baker, 500 Dearborn 
Street, and is a little worried about it. Landlord has threatened evic- 
tion, but has served no papers as yet. Mrs. Tumulty has a roomer, 
who pays her $1.00 a week and extra for suppers. He will advance one 
month’s rent if she can raise another. Told her not to worry until 
landlord sent her notice. Visitor promised to take up matter of a 
sion and see what chance there is for her getting it. 

April 17, 1914.—Telephoned Mr. Moore, who stated that Mrs. 
Tumulty would probably get about $19 of the pension coming to Mr. 
Tumulty at the time of death, but he doubts whether she will receive 
any further pension. ‘The law cuts out all widows of old soldiers who 
married them after 1890, unless the man died as a direct result of 
wound or disease incurred in the service. 

April 18, 1914.—Telephoned Mr. Brewer, the landlord. He has 
served a five-day notice, which will expire next Wednesday, but agreed 
to delay further action until the following Saturday, April 25. 

Telephoned Mr. Baker, in whose hands Mrs. Tumulty has placed 
her case. The clerk said that he had not yet written Washington 
about the matter, but she would urge him to do so at once. | 

April 22, 1914.—Advisory Committee decision: Place Mrs. 
Tumulty temporarily in Home for the Friendless. Mrs. Fairfax will 
take up matter of getting one of the endowed beds in Old Ladies’ Home, 
through Mothers’ Relief Society. 

April 23, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office; she has found two rooms 
with Mrs. Cravens, an old friend of hers, at $3.00a month. She wants 
to move at once as she says she has never been put into the street in her 
life and does not want the landlord to do it this time. Thinks she is 
sure to get the $19 back pension due her and says that she hopes to be 
able to collect a back debt of $72 due Mr. O’Callaghan, her second 
husband, by a farmer in Dakota. She has written this man and 
thinks he will send her the money, as he has sent $1.00 or $2.00 at a 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 833 


time before this. She says she can get along nicely for a month on the 
county supplies, as she does not eat much. She is anxious to trace 
her only son, who left Chicago with his family for Burlington, Iowa. 
He has never written to her since he went away. He wanted her to 
go, too, but she insisted upon taking with her a fifteen-year-old girl 
whom she had adopted, and her son’s wife objected to this. This girl 
died two years later of tuberculosis. 

She has been married three times. Her first husband was Mr. 
Grenstead, and they had three sons, two of whom died before reaching 
maturity. Mr. Grenstead was drowned in 1862. Her second hus- 
band was Mr. O’Callaghan. She came to this country from Ireland 
when she was nineteen years old, with her father and mother and ten 
brothers and sisters. They settled in Sanalac, Michigan. She is the 
only surviving member of her immediate family. She has a nephew 
who was living in the old homestead in Michigan six years ago, but a 
letter sent to him was returned unopened last year. 

She says that, if the Welfare Agency will help her with a month’s 
rent so that she can settle down for a while and stop worrying, she will 
start a search for these relatives at once. She is sure that they will 
give her a home if they know that she is in want. ‘Told her that office 
would guarantee her one month’s rent, after inspecting her new rooms. 

Later.—Letters written postmaster, Burlington, Iowa, asking 
information about the son, John Grenstead, and postmaster, Sanalac, 
Michigan, asking about the nephew of Mrs. Tumulty. 

April 24, 1914.—Telephoned Mrs. Fairfax and asked her to put 
Mrs. Tumulty’s case before the Mothers’ Relief Society. She says 
meeting will be held a week from today and she will try to get a regular 
allowance for Mrs. Tumulty. 

April 25, 1914.—Inspected the two rooms Mrs. Tumulty wants to 
rent. Found them very satisfactory, airy, light, and clean. Visited 
Mrs. Tumulty and gave her $3.00 cash for first month’s rent. 

April 27, 1914.—Letter received from postmaster at Sanalac, 
Michigan, giving address of nephew. Letter written to him at 
address given by postmaster. 

Later.—Letter received from postmaster at Burlington, Iowa, 
saying that there is no such person by the name of John Grenstead 
in Burlington and he has no reason to think that such a person has 
ever lived there. 

Postal directory gives a Burlington in Kansas. Letter of inquiry 
written postmaster, Burlington, Kansas, 


834 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


May 1, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office. Says that man who moved 
her furniture broke her stove and she has to buy a new one. Has 
found one at second-hand dealer’s for $3.50 and asks office to let her 
have 50 cents tor a deposit. Her landlady will let her have $1.00, and 
Mrs. Keegan will give her $2.00 next Wednesday, which she has owed 
her for work done some time ago. Gave 50 cents. 

Later.—Telephoned Mrs. Fairfax. She has put matter before 
Mothers’ Relief Society, and they will pay rent for Mrs. Tumulty. 

May 16, 1914.—Newspaper clippings received from postmaster, 
Burlington, Kansas. 


Extracts from Burlington Globe: 


Dors ANYBODY KNow WHERE JOHN GRENSTEAD Is? In Chicago His 
Eighty-four-year-old Mother Is Waiting for Him—Came to Burlington Ten 
Years Ago. 

The whereabouts of John A. Grenstead is sought by the Welfare Agency 
of Chicago, which is now caring for his mother. In a letter to postmaster, 
Joseph D. Kellogg, the superintendent says that Grenstead is believed to 
have come to this place about ten years ago with his two sons, Frederick 
and Leonard, and his three daughters. Mr. Grenstead is now a man about 
sixty-two years old. 

The superintendent writes further: His mother is here in Chicago 
absolutely depending on charity. A year ago she married an old soldier, 
who died in February. She is not entitled to a widow’s pension and is too 
old to support herself. She will be eighty-four years old on May 8. She has 
not heard a word from her son for years, and is not sure that he is now in 
Burlington. If you know of a man of that name, will you kindly notify us ? 


ADVERTISEMENT FOUND THE MISSING MAN 


Story in the Globe Leads to the Finding of John A. Grenstead at 
Ventura, California 


Advertising brings results in every instance. Postmaster Joseph D. 
Kellogg will testify to the fact. Yesterday he advertised in the Globe for 
information as to the whereabouts of one John A. Grenstead, who lived in 
Burlington ten years ago. Before he reached home last night the information 
had been telephoned there. The man sought is now in Ventura, California, 
where he is an assistant freight agent. His brother, Walter P. Grenstead, 
also lived and died in Burlington. His widow, Mrs. Martha A. Grenstead, 
gave Mr. Kellogg the information he sought. 


May 19, 1914.—Letter written Mr. John A. Grenstead, Ventura, 
California. Letter written Mr. Joseph D. Kellogg, postmaster, 
Burlington, Kansas. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 835 


May 20, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office on her way to get county 
supplies. Gave her information received from Burlington, Kansas, 
and present address of her son. She will write today. 

May 28, 1914.—Letter received from John A. Grenstead, Box 435, 
Ventura, California. 


Your letter of May 19 received, and in reply will state that I was very 
much surprised and wish to thank you for your kindness and trouble in 
locating me. 

Have not written to Mother yet and will not until I hear from you again 
and do not want her to know I have written this. 

When I was twelve years old I ran away from Mother and my step- 
father and heard nothing from her until the fall of to01 and in February, 
1902, I went to South Dakota where she was and brought her to my home 
in Chicago. Everything went on O.K. until she started drinking and things 
then went from bad to worse. I talked to her but of no use. 

I was then getting ready to move to Kansas and things were in such a 
state that I gave her her choice between drink and me for I was and am a 
temperate man and my children were small and I couldn’t let things go on 
in that way. She chose her drink. 

Your letter is the first I have heard from her and I would like for you to 
inquire and find out what she is doing in that line and let me know before 
I write to her. 

I am a poor man working by the day and have no money to send Mother 
or pay her carfare out here though she would be more than welcome with us. 

Let me hear as soon as you can write again and let me know and I will 
then see what ‘arrangements can be made. . 


June 4, 1914.—Visited Mrs. Mason (case); Mrs. Tumulty lived 
with her for three or four months in 1912-13 and cared for her chil- 
dren. Mrs. Mason says that she never saw Mrs. Tumulty use liquor 
during her residence with her, and has never heard of such a thing. 

Visited Mrs. Carey (case). She states she has known Mrs. Tumulty 
for eight or nine years and has never even heard of her using liquor; 
is sure there is some mistake about the report. Says that Mrs. Cravens, 
with whom Mrs. Tumulty is now living, is a drinking woman and makes 
life very uncomfortable for Mrs. Tumulty. 

June 5, 1914.—Visited Mrs. Tumulty to see whether she will go to 
care for Mrs. Mason’s children (case); she says she is not strong enough 
to doit; has been sick this last week and unable to attend to the matter 
of pension. Mr. Baker has received the papers from Washington, and 
she must file them at the government office with two witnesses who 
knew Mr. Tumulty, and can swear that his death was due to injuries 


836 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


received in the service. She said that Mrs. Cravens is getting very 
anxious for the rent. 

June 8, t91t4.—Letter written Mr. John Grenstead, Ventura, 
California. 

June It, 1914.—Visited. Mrs. Tumulty went yesterday and filed 
application for pension with Mr. Moore. She will receive the $19 
due her husband at the time of his death, when she receives word about 
the pension. She is very unhappy living with Mrs. Cravens and 
wants to move as soon as she has money enough. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cravens were divorced and are now living together again. Mr. 
Cravens has never supported his family and is not working now. 
Mrs. Tumulty has no stove and cooks her county rations on Mrs. 
Craven’s stove, paying for the privilege by feeding the family with 
these rations; she says they last a very short time. She has collected 
small sums of money from different friends, who have known her a 
long time, and has managed to get enough to eat, but has not paid a 
cent of rent. She is having much trouble with asthma and rheu- 
matism, and wants medical care. Her breath was very strong with 
liquor; asked her about it and she said that she must have a little 
whiskey each morning to help her asthma, she takes from one to two 
tablespoonfuls, and ten cents’ worth lasts her four days. Mr. Cravens 
always gives her a glass of beer at noon. Suggested that she go to the 
Home for the Friendless until she hears from her son or the pension 
application. She absolutely refuses to consider it. Gave her card to 
Dispensary and to cents carfare. 

June 16, 1914.—Letter dated June 12, 1914, received from Mr. 
John Grenstead, Ventura, California: 


Yours of the 8th instant at hand and I hasten to reply to same. I tell 
you it lifted a very heavy load off of my heart and I do sincerely hope she 
has forsaken it for her and everyone else’s sake. No, she has not written 
me yet. I have written her this eve and tried in my weak way to welcome 
her here to spend the rest of her days with us. Now I wish you would go 
to her and persuade her that it will be for the best all around. 

As I told you, I have nothing ahead to send to her to come on. I will 
see what I can do after I hear from you and her. If she comes the best way 
will be on the Santa Fe for she can come through without changing cars. 
She can come to Empire and I will meet her there. Now I leave it with you 
and when I hear from you again, I will then see what I can do. 


June 18, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office with letter from her son 
John Grenstead, urging her to come to California to spend the rest of 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 837 


her life. She was much excited and anxious to go. Says she does not 
feel well enough to travel yet but, if she could have medical care and 
medicine, thinks she would be all right. Says that she has taken 
liquor only as a medicine and would give it up if she goes to her son, 
as he objects to it. Says he is the best man that ever lived, but his 
wife is mentally deficient and a trouble-maker. Gave her card and 
note of introduction to Dispensary. 

Later.—Visited old neighborhood of Mrs. Tumulty, and inquired 
from colored woman living in house in front, concerning Mrs. Tumulty. 
She stated that Mr. O’Callaghan had had drinking carousing friends 
who came to the house, but that Mrs. Tumulty was not a drinking 
woman and did not like it. 

June 19, 1914.—Letter written to Mr. John A. Grenstead, 
Ventura, California: 


We have received your letter of June 12, stating that you are willing 
to give your mother a home. Yesterday morning she came into the otiice 
to show us a letter she had received from you; she was very much excited, 
as she had not known before for a surety that you were alive, and her eager- 
ness to go out to California to see you is quite pathetic. 

At present she is not very strong and hardly in shape to take a long 
journey. We have turned her over to a skilful and kind physician for 
treatment and prescription, and trust in a short time that she will be strong 
enough to travel. 

After writing you on June 8, our visitor called to see Mrs. Tumulty, and 
detected an odor of liquor on her breath. On being questioned about it, 
she stated she occasionally took a tablespoonful in the morning to help her 
asthma, but she was not addicted to drink, and would find it easy to give 
it up, if she had the proper medicine to take its place. Suspicious of this, 
our visitor again undertook a thorough investigation, inquiring of the 
neighbors at her former residence, and others, who had known her before— 
they all agreed that she is not a drinking woman. 

She is living at present in very undesirable quarters, occupying two 
rooms in the house of a drinking family. We feel that this fact, combined 
with her ill health, are sufficient to account for the liquor she had had that 
day. Our visitor had a serious talk with her yesterday about the matter, 
and she declares that if she went out to your home, she would give up the 
use of any stimulants at all. Personally, we feel that with sufficient food 
- and care, she will not feel the need of anything of that kind. 

It is quite probable we will be able to secure a half-fare ticket to Cali- 
fornia for Mrs. Tumulty. You stated in your letter, that upon hearing from 
us, you would know what you would be able to do. Will you inform us at 
your earliest convenience, how much money you can contribute toward 
your mother’s fare? 


838 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


June 29, 1914.—The following letter from John A. Grenstead, 
received: 


Yours of the roth inst. at hand and in reply will say I cannot see where 
I can get anything to send to pay Mother’s way. I am working for $1.75 
per day, there is six now in the family, my house is in the Building Loan and 
costs me $20 per month and it takes all I can raise and scrape to meet that. 
I am perfectly willing to take my mother and give her a home as long as she 
or I live, but I cannot send anything to pay her way. Jam writing you this 
only as the truth and if I could do anything I would willingly do it. As to 
the other thing I wrote you, I think myself she would stop that if she was 
away from the influence of it. She wrote me a letter a few days ago and 
I wrote her and insisted on her coming out here but have not heard from her 
yet. Hope to by the time this reaches you. 


Later.—Letter written to postmaster, Ventura, California, inclos- 
ing letter to pastor of Methodist Episcopal Church asking about Mr. 
John Grenstead’s ability to care for his mother. Similar letters 
written to Mr. W. F. Rawlings, attorney, and Mr. Y. P. Allen, citizen 
of Ventura, California, asking about Mr. Grenstead’s character and 
his ability to take care of his mother. 

Later.—Mrs. Tumulty in office with letter from son. Said she 
had a friend who might be willing to keep her until time for her to 
leave. She is getting her clothes in shape. 

July 3, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office with letter from her son 
who wants her to come. She asked about pension; told her Mr. 
Moore would notify her. Asked her to go to Home for the Friendless 
until she gets transportation. Said they worked her too hard there 
and she could rest better where she is. 

July 15, 1914.—Visited. Took instructions to Mrs. Tumulty 
from son in California. She thinks she cannot leave present address 
until she receives $19 from Washington, D.C. Mrs. Cravens says, if 
Mrs. Tumulty wishes, she may stay with her until she goes to Cali- - 
fornia. Mrs. Tumulty seemed to prefer to go to her friend Mrs. 
Foster, as soon as the $19 comes. 

July 20, 1914.—Following letter, dated July 15, 1914, received 
from Rev. Edward Kennedy, pastor Methodist Episcopal Church, 
Ventura, California: 


Mr. Grenstead and family are good members of my church. I have had 
a talk with him and he wants his mother to come to Ventura. He thinks he 
can care for her when she arrives. Some of the older children work and 
help support the family. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 839 


July 29, 1914.—The following letter, dated July 25, 1914, received 
from W. F. Rawlings, Ventura, California: 


Replying to your letter, herewith inclosed, I am sorry to report that in 
my opinion Mr. Grenstead is not able to furnish any money for his mother’s 
transportation from Chicago to Ventura, and I doubt very much whether 
he will be able to support her if she should come. He is working as a day 
laborer, has recently purchased a small house in this city on which there is a 
heavy mortgage and he is paying monthly on this debt, besides supporting 
his wife and one child all the time, and another child a large portion of the 
time, besides having the burden of supporting a married daughter about 
three to six months each year. 

Mr. Grenstead is an exemplary man. A perfect sober gentleman, and 
I would be much pleased to see him have his mother with him, but I fear 
he will not be able to support her, as he is an aged man himself and may lose 
his job anytime. 

I trust this will be treated confidentially. 


August 19, 1914.—Visited. Talked with little boy, who said 
Mrs. Tumulty had moved somewhere about five blocks away. Said 
she had gone a long while—about a month. 

August 20, 1914.—Visited in neighborhood of Parker School. 
After numerous inquiries in neighborhood, finally located Mrs. 
Tumulty at Mrs. Foster’s. Said she had not been to office because 
she was suffering greatly with rheumatism and the warm weather 
exhausted her. Has been at this address six weeks. Said Mrs. 
Foster works in some small park, and Mrs. Tumulty cooks for the 
children, washes dishes, and sweeps the floors—says she is not able to 
pay anything for her room. Has received county supplies once since 
living here. Said she had been to see Mr. Moore, of Pension Depart- 
ment, a couple of weeks ago, and he had not yet sent her papers to 
Washington; she was very much disappointed. Hopes to go down to 
see him again, as soon as she feels a little stronger, to learn if the 
pension will be granted. 

Spoke to her about going to her son’s in California—said she is 
very anxious to go, but cannot without a little cash. Said she received 
a letter from her son about two weeks ago. 

Told her to come to office and see visitor. 

August 24, 1914.—Mrs. Tumulty in office with very nice letter from 
her son, and also one from her granddaughter, urging her to come as 
quickly as possible. Telephoned Mr. Moore, who said that the process 
of securing the accrued pension due Mr. Tumulty at his death ($19) 


840 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


will take as long a time as a new application, and that if we could 
send Mrs. Tumulty to California, not to delay on that account, as she 
would receive it there just as wellas here. Told Mrs. Tumulty to get 
her things ready and collect $2.00 due her, and try to leave about 
September 15, when Miss Cochran, a visitor in the office who is going 
to California for her vacation, will be leaving. 

September 4, 1914.—Visited. Mrs. Tumulty said she could not go 
until her trunk was brought over from Mrs. Cravens’. She did not feel 
able to go herself—was suffering from dysentery. Mrs. Foster’s boy 
can bring it over on a wheel barrow but knows that Mrs. Cravens would 
not let him have it. Mrs. Tumulty is very anxious to go but cannot 
get ready for another week and does not want to go without some 
money. She said she had some money to collect. 

Later.—Visited. Found Mrs. Tumulty under the influence of 
liquor. She seems very weak and feeble. Told her we would send 
woman to pack her trunk and go with boy to Mrs. Cravens’ to get the 
other. Promised to send county doctor. 

September 5, 1914.—Telephoned county doctor. 

Later.—Mrs. Perkins (case) in office. Gave her address of Mrs. 
Tumulty for packing her things and assisting her in getting ready to go. 

Later —Mrs. Perkins in office. Said she had packed one trunk 
but Mrs. Tumulty was not able to go for the other and would not let 
Mrs. Perkins go after it. She bought three clothes lines at 10 cents 
each to rope the two trunks. Gave her 30 cents cash. Mrs. Perkins 
will go back and insist on getting trunk from Mrs. Cravens. They 
leave tonight from Polk Street Depot at 10:00. Miss Cochran has 
secured ticket and will call for Mrs. Tumulty. 

Gave Miss Cochran $2.00 for lunches, etc., for Mrs. Tumulty. 

Later.—Telephoned O’Connell, expressman, to call for trunks. 

Later.—Miss Cochran reports that Mrs. Tumulty will not leave 
before the seventh, Monday. 

Later.—Telephoned, inquiring about ticket. It is good for thirty 
days and Monday night will be all right. 

Later.—Miss Cochran reports that Mrs. Tumulty will leave with 
her Monday, and she will wait until then. 

September 8, 1914.—Telephoned Miss Cochran’s home. She left 
Monday, the seventh, for California. 

September 9, 1914.—Letter received from Miss Cochran, en route. 
She had to pay $7.00 for excess baggage for Mrs. Tumulty and 75 cents 
for telegram to Mr. Grenstead, telling him that his mother was leaving. 


CHILDHOOD AND OLD AGE 841 


September 12, 1914.—Paid O’Connell, expressman, $1.50 
expressage. ' 

September 15, 1914.—Letter received from Miss Cochran, reporting 
safe arrival. 

September 17, 1914.—Letter received from Mr. Grenstead report- 
ing arrival of his mother but saying that he cannot refund money spent 
on her journey. 

October 8, 1914.—Letter written Miss Cochran, remitting amount 
expended for Mrs. Tumulty. 

October 19, 1914.—Letter received from Miss Cochran with picture 
of Mrs. Tumulty inclosed. 

October 20, 1914.—Letter written to Mr. J. A. Grenstead, sending 
picture of Mrs. Tumulty and telling of Miss Cochran’s expenditures 
for the baggage. 

November 4, 1914.—Letter from Mrs. J. A. Grenstead, Ventura, 
California: 


Your letter at hand and I will endeavor to answer. Yes, Mr. Gren- 
stead is working again for the very large sum of $1.75 a day and is trying to 
feed a family of eight beside paying $20 per month on our home which we are 
striving to keep. Our son who has helped us some is out of work and has 
been since August, so you can judge for yourself. I am very sorry about this 
matter, but there is no use talking about it any more, we simply cannot pay 
it. In the first place there should have been someone to look out for her 
and see what she was bringing. Her trunks and all there was in them was 
hardly worth $7.00, which consisted principally of second hand clothing, 
mostly coats and jackets which she or no one else will ever be able to wear. 
If she had brought her bedding, instead, it would have been far better. 

Now, I am very sorry to write you this and hope you will pardon me. 
I would rather send you the money if I could but we just cannot doit. It 
is entirely out of the question. Our mother seems to enjoy California very 
much but is hardly climated yet. Her rheumatism bothers some and she 
has a cold. Still we think she is pretty well and strong for a person of her 
age. We live about a mile from the stores and church but she has walked 
there and back four times. We think the picture very nice. Many thanks 
and thank you very much for all you have done for her and now repeating 
our invitation to you to visit us if ever convenient, and wishing you well, 
I remain 


December 12, 1914.—Telephoned Mr. Moore, giving Mrs. 
- Tumulty’s California address. 


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STATUTES AND ANNUAL REPORTS SHOWING | 
WORK OF PUBLIC WELFARE AGENCIES 


SECTION I 


THE POOR LAW AND ITS ADMINISTRATION 
1. The Pauper Act of Illinois’ 


1. Who liable to support.| §1. Be it enacted by the People of the 
State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: That every poor 
person who shall be unable to earn a livelihood in consequence of any 
bodily infirmity, idiocy, lunacy, or other unavoidable cause, shall be 
supported by the father, grandfather, mother, grandmother, children, 
grandchildren, brothers or sisters of such poor persons, if they, or 
either of them, be of sufficient ability: Provided, that when any 
persons become paupers from intemperance, or other bad conduct, 
they shall not-be entitled to support from any relation, except parent 
or child. 

2. Who first called on.| § 2. The children shall first be called on 
to support their parents, if there be children of sufficient ability; and 
if there be none of sufficient ability, the parents of such poor person 
shall next be called on if they be of sufficient ability; and if there be 
no parents or children of sufficient ability, the brothers and sisters of 
such poor person shall next be called on, if they be of sufficient ability; 
and if there be no brothers or sisters of sufficient ability, the grand- 
children of such poor person shall next be called on, if they be of 
sufficient ability, and next the grandparents if taey be of sufficient 
ability: Provided, married females, while their husbands live, shall not 
be liable to contribute for the support of their poor relatives, except 
when they have separate property in their own right, out of which 
such contributions can be made: Provided, further, that when the 
county in the first instance shall furnish support to such persons as are 
mentioned in Section 1 of this act, that the county can sue the relatives 
mentioned in this section, in the manner provided in this act, for any 
sum or sums paid by the county for the support of such person men- 
tioned in Section 1 of this act. 


A 


* Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 107. 
( 845 


| 
| 


“9 











846 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


3. Complaint by State’s Attorney.| §3. Upon any failure of any 
such relative, or relatives, to support such poor person as provided by 
this act, it shall be the duty of the State’s Attorney to make complaint 
thereof to the county court of his county, against all the relatives of 
such pauper in this state, liable to his support, and prosecute the same. 

4. Complaint by overseer.| § 4. The complaint provided for in the 
preceding section may also be made by the overseer of the poor of the 
town or precinct where the poor person may reside, and it shall be the 
duty of such overseer to make such complaint in all cases where there 
may not be a county agent or State’s Attorney, or when the county 
agent or State’s Attorney shall refuse or neglect to make the same. 

5. Summons.| §5. At least three days’ notice of such applica- 
tion shall be given to the defendant, by summons, requiring him to 
appear and answer the complaint. 

6. Trial—Judgment.| §6. The defendants, being duly notified, 
the court shall proceed in a summary way to hear the proofs and 
allegations of the parties, without further written pleadings, and if 
satisfied by the allegations and proofs that the defendants, or any of 
them, are not supporting such poor person, or contributing their-proper 
share for such support, in a manner suitable to the situation of such 
poor person, taking into account the ability of such defendants, then 
the court may at the time of giving judgment in the case, and from 
time to time thereafter, make any and all necessary orders in regard 
to the custody of such poor person, and for the payment weekly to 
the overseer of the poor of the town or precinct, or to such other 
person as the court shall direct, of such sum, to be applied in the sup- 
port of such poor person, as in the opinion of the court is necessary to 
so properly support such poor person, taking in view the ability of the 
defendants to furnish such support. ‘The court may discharge any 
defendant that may appear not to be liable for such support, or who 
is contributing his fair share therefor. 

7. Contribution.| § 7. If it shall appear that the relatives of a 
certain degree are unable ‘vholly to maintain such poor person, but 
are able to contribute towards his support, the court may, in its 
discretion, direct two or more relatives of different degrees to maintain 
such poor person, and shall prescribe the proportion which each shall 
contribute for that purpose. 

8, Partial support.| § 8, If it shall appear that the relatives 
liable, as aforesaid, are not of sufficient ability wholly to maintain such 
poor person, but are able to contribute something, the court shall 


\/ 






ad 


THE POOR LAW 847 


direct the sum, in proportion to their ability, which such relatives shall 
pay weekly for that purpose..... 

11. How payments enforced.| § 11. Payment of the several sums 
under such order as they fall due may be compelled by attachment 
as for contempt against the persons of the defendants, or by: execu- 
tion against their lands and tenements, goods and chattels, or both, in 
like manner as other judgments at law or decrees inchancery. ... . 

13. Bringing pauper into county—Penalty.| § 13. If any person 
shall bring and leave any pauper in any county in this state, wherein 
such pauper is not lawfully settled, knowing him to be a pauper, he 
shall forfeit and pay the sum of $100 for every such offense, to be sued 
for and recovered by and to the use of such county by action of debt, 
before any justice of the peace in the proper county. 

14. Support by county.| §14. Every_county (except those in 
which the poor are supported by the towns) shall relieve and support 
all poor and indigent persons lawfully resident therein, except as 
herein otherwise provided. 

15. Support by towns.| §15. Every town in counties in which 
the poor aré supported by the towns (as provided by law) shall 
relieve and support all poor and indigent persons lawfully resident 
therein, except as herein otherwise provided. 

16. Removal of pauper not resident of county or town.| § 16. If any 
person shall become chargeable as a pauper in any county or town, who 
did not reside therein at the commencement of twelve months immedi- 
ately preceding his becoming so chargeable, but did at that time, 
reside in some other county or town in this State, it shall be the duty 
of the county or the town clerk, as the case may be, to send written 
notice by mail or otherwise, to the county clerk of the county in which 
the pauper so resided, or if he then resided in a town supporting its 
own poor, to the town clerk of such town, requesting the proper author- 
ities of such county or town to remove said pauper forthwith, and to 
pay the expensesvaccrued and to accrue in taking care of the same; and 
such county or town, as the case may be, where such pauper resided 
at the commencement of the twelve months immediately preceding 
such person becoming chargeable as a pauper, shall pay to the county 
or town so taking care of such pauper, all reasonable charges for the 
same, and such amount may be recovered by suit in any court of 
competent jurisdiction. 

17. “Residence” defined.| §17. The term “residence,’’ men- 
tioned in this act, shall be taken and considered to mean the actual 


848 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


residence of the party, or the place where he was employed, or in case 
he was in no employment, then it shall be considered and held to be 
the place where he made it his home. ... . 

20. Duties of overseers.| § 20. The overseers of the poor shall have 
the care and oversight of all such persons in their town or precinct as 
are unable to earn a livelihood in consequence of any bodily infirmity, 
idiocy, lunacy or other unavoidable cause, and as are not supported by 
their relatives or at the county poor house, and shall see that they are 
suitably relieved, supported and employed, subject to such restrictions 
and regulations as may be prescribed by the county board, or in case 
the poor are supported by the town, subject to such restrictions and 
regulations as may be prescribed by such town. .... 

24. Temporary relief.| § 23. When any poor or indigent person 
does not require to be supported wholly by the county, the overseer of 
the poor may, subject to such limitations as may be prescribed by the 
county board, render him temporary relief without his being com- 
mitted to the care of any such person, or being sent to the county poor 
house: Provided, that when the county shall furnish such poor or 
indigent person temporary relief, that the county shall recover from 
the relatives of such poor or indigent persons in an appropriate action 
as provided by this act. 

25. Aid to non-resident poor—Burial.| § 24. When any non- 
resident, or any person not coming within the definition of a pauper, 
of any county or town, shall fall sick or die, not having money or 
property to pay his board, nursing and medical aid or burial expenses, 
the overseer or overseers of the poor of the town or precinct in which 
he may be shall give, or cause to be given to him such assistance as 
they may deem necessary and proper, or cause him to be conveyed to 
his home, and if he shall die, cause him to be decently buried; and the 
county shall pay the reasonable expense thereof, which expenses of 
board, nursing, medical aid and burial expenses, may be recovered from 
the relatives of the said pauper, or from the county of which he is a 
resident, in an appropriate action. .... 

29. Powers of courty board.] § 28. The county board of any 
county in this state in which the poor are not supported by the towns 
thereof, as provided by law, shall have power— 

(1) To acquire, in the name of the county by purchase, grant, gift 
or devise, a suitable tract or tracts of land upon which to erect and 
maintain a county.poor house, and other necessary buildings in connec- 
tion therewith, and for the establishment and maintenance of a farm 


THE POOR LAW 849 


for the employment of the poor, and to erect and maintain such 
buildings and establish and maintain such farm; but they shall not 
expend for the purchase of any such land or the erection of any such 
buildings a sum exceeding three thousand ($3,000) dollars without a 
two-thirds majority vote of all the members of the county board... .. 

(2) To receive, in the name of the county gifts, devises and 
bequests to aid in the erection or maintenance of a poor house, or in 
the care and support of poor and indigent persons. .... 

(3) To make all proper rules and regulations for the management 
of the county poor house and poor farm and of the inmates of the 
poor house. 

(4) To appoint a keeper of the poor house and all necessary agents 
and servants for the management and control of the poor house and 
farm, and prescribe their compensation and duties. 

(5) To appoint a county phys ian and prescribe his compensa+ 
tion and duties. os 

(6) To appoint an agent\to hawe the general supervision and 
charge of all matters in relation to the care and support of the poor, 
and prescribe his compensation and duties. 

(7) To make all proper and necessary appropriations out of the 
county treasury for the purchase of land and the erection of build- 
ings, as authorized by this Act, and to defray the expenses necessary 
in the care and maintenance of the same, and for the support of 
the poor, and to cause an amount sufficient for said purposes to be 
levied upon the taxable property of the county, and collected as 
other taxes. ‘7 aS. » 

(8) Upon a two-thirds majority of all the members of the board 
to sell and dispose of the whole or any part of the poor farm of the 
county in such manner and upon such terms as they may deem best 
for the interest of the county, and to make and execute all necessary 
conveyances thereof, in the same manner as other conveyances of real 
estate may be made by a county..... 

34. Poor to be kept at poor house.] § 33. When any county shall 
have provided a suitable poor house for the accommodation of the 
poor of the county, and the same is ready for the reception and care 
of the poor, all poor persons requiring the care and support of the 
county shall be cared for and supported at such poor houses, and not 
in the several towns and precincts in the county, except when they 
cannot be received in the poor house, and except as herein otherwise 
DrOViGed.+. 4). 


850 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


2. Outdoor Relief in Illinois Outside of Cook County" 


The September, 1917, appropriations for out door relief in ninety- 
seven counties of Illinois totaled $1,123,374. (This does not include 
Cook County.) This means almost exclusively help outside of institu- 
tions, such as groceries, fuel, clothing, rent, etc., given to families. 


To, this viiss fal uh Ss he ae Ap, rar) ee $1,123,374 
Add:appropriation for physicians... uzin Bauakce vel eee 46,780 
Add: appropriation for: hospitals: och s.ectc geerteh sagt: coe eae ste 10,500 
Add: appropriation. Or. DIYIAIS <,..sactetiaaudeb.en bk ie I, 200 
Add appropriation fer quarantine CaSeS! 2.6 4. aus «s+ an cieues II,450 
Add appropriation for miscellaneous charitable purposes...... 19,830 


Total charitable appropriations (exclusive of blind pen- 
sions, mothers’ pensions, almshouse, county hospital, and 
expenses for state institutions and children’s institutions) $1,213,134 


With $1,213,134 to be expended in these counties, and all the many 
hundreds of supervisors and overseers and commissioners to spend it 
for the poor people, it is not strange that much of it should be wasted. 
Back of the different men (and two or three women) that are admin- 
istering this relief to the poor are the great differences in the counties 
themselves. We could not expect the same kind of care of the poor 
in rich Boone County as in poor Pope County. Nor is it just differ- 
ences in the financial resources of different counties. ‘The relief given 
to the poor is influenced by all the various elements that make up the 
social and industrial and political background, that is so different in 
each county. 

One of the most marked contrasts in the poor relief in the different 
counties is the amounts given. Of course, the amount of relief is 
unrelated to the social conditions or the special needs of the different 
localities. 

Alexander County (population 22,641), gives one of the smallest 
per capita amounts in relief of the state. In September, 1917, this 
county appropriated $4,500 for out door relief, but this is used almost 
entirely for hospital service, railroad fare (“passing on’’), institutional 
care of children and quarantine cases. Almost none of it is used for 
what is technically called out door relief—provisions, clothing, fuel, 
etc., used in the homes of the people. Private charities of Cairo must 
give necessary relief to the poor in their own homes. 

Lawrence County (population 22,661 in 1910) appropriated 
$16,000 and spent approximately $19,000. This is one of the highest 


* Extract from the Institution Quarterly, XI (June-September, 1920), 85-86. 


THE POOR LAW 851 


per capita rates of the state. (The increase in population lowers this 
somewhat.) 

Monroe County (population 13,508) spent $585 in relieving the 
county poor in one year (among the lowest per capita poor relief). 
Schuyler County (14,852 population) spent $6,531.19 the same year. 
DeKalb County (33,457 in population) appropriated $15,000. 
McHenry County (population 32,509) appropriated $2,500. 

St. Clair County, the largest in population outside of Cook County, 
appropriated $25,830, while Peoria appropriated $40,500, Sangamon 
$40,000, LaSalle $31,800, Kane $32,000. 

This contrast in the amounts appropriated is typical of differences 
in the ways the hundreds of relief-administrators are doing their work 
in the various counties. Each county has its own ideas about who 
should be aided, and what character of relief should be given. 

Just as there is no underlying principle that relates one county to 
another, so often each township differs within a county. In St. Clair 
County the county auditor published for the year 1918 a very inter- 
esting report on the “ Pauper Claims,” giving the name of the town- 
ship and its supervisor or overseer of the poor, its population, its 
equalized valuation, the total amount spent for its pauper claims, and 
the per capita pauper claim, with a statement showing the increase or 
decrease as compared with the preceding year. The highest per 
capita amount given was in Stites Township (population of 1,822, 
almost entirely colored people)—$o.80 per capita. The three next 
highest per capita were $0.34, $0.26 and $0.21, all in rich agricultural 
communities. East St. Louis and Belleville, the largest industrial 
centers, spent respectively $0.13 and $0.14 per capita. In five town- 
ships no county relief was given. The average for the year was $0.12 
per capita. ‘The total decrease, as compared with the preceding year, 


was $4,456.72. 
eee, 


3. Outdoor Relief in Cook County: The County Agent’ 


The most important officer connected with the care of dependents 
by the County is the County Agent. He is the representative of the 
County to whom all applications for County Aid must be made. In 
this work he is governed by the provisions of the so-called “ Pauper 
Law” which requires recipients of aid to have been residents of the 


t Extract from A Study of Cook County, issued by the Cook County Board of 
Commissioners, 1914, pp. 22-24. For the corresponding items at the present 
time, see the annual Charity Service Reports of the Board of Commissioners of 
Cook County. 


852 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


State and County for at least one year, and which provides, within 
certain degrees of kinship, that, when possible, relatives shall support 
relatives. 

The County Agent also co-operates with the federal authorities, 
giving them the names of persons liable to be deported under the 
United States Immigration Law, which provides that immigrants who 
have become public charges within three years after admission from 
causes existing before admission, and immigrants who were admitted 
although they, as a matter of fact, might have been discovered to be 
liable to become public charges, may be returned to their former 
home. 

The County Agent’s representatives must therefore make suff- 
cient inquiry to determine whether the applicant should be helped by 
Cook County, or should be returned to another county, or is ineligible 
for aid because of relatives able to contribute to his support. In 
1913, 168 cases were investigated of non-residents who were thought 
properly to be charges upon other counties, resulting in 85 persons 
being actually returned to the gounty from which they emigrated; 
83 applications were made by the authorities of other counties to 
return residents to Cook County, of which 50 were accepted and 33 
rejected. The transportation of applicants from Cook County to 
the county of their residence, and from other counties to Cook 
County in 1913, cost $1,117.14, and the sum of $2,000.00 was appro- 
priated for this purpose for 1914. 

When it has been determined after investigation that the applicant 
is eligible, the County Agent must either himself, or through his 
assistants, determine whether help shall be given in the home of the 
applicant (Outdoor Relief), or in one of the County Institutions (Indoor 
Relief), or admission secured into an institution appropriate to the 
applicant’s needs. If the application is accepted and outdoor relief 
~ decided upon, aid of various kinds is givwan. 

1. Medical aid: Certain kinds of illness-are treated and certain 
forms of medical care are given in the home. For this purpose, a 
staff of 16 County Physicians is maintained, and an appropriation of 
$15,000.00 was made for 1914 to cover medical service connected with 
the County Agent’s office, at the rate of $1.00 per visit. In 1913, 
18,005 persons were given treatment in their homes; 1,389 cases were 
given preliminary treatment and then sent to the County Hospital for 
further attention. Eye glasses, artificial limbs, braces, and other 
needed appliances are also given, and mention may be made at this 
time of the burial of those who die destitute, who are interred in the 


THE POOR LAW 853 


County burial ground: 182 burials were provided in 1913 through the 
office of the County Agent. 

2. Food and other material aid: The 1913 report of the County 
Agent shows that 10,064 family groups (9,487 civilian and 577 families 
of old soldiers), 42,002 persons in all, were given material relief in their 
homes. The heads of 4,246 of these families were widows or deserted 
women, with a total of 10,835 children to care for; 2,585 of these 
families received aid for only one month; 4,007 families were aided 
from one to two months while only 643 families had to be aided 
throughout the entire 12 months. 

The food is distributed in proportions known as “ Rations,”’ which 
are graded to suit the size of the family. The following description of 
rations allowed in 1913 is interesting: 


No. 1 Ration No. 2 Ration No. 3 Ration 
One Person 2 or 3 Persons 4 or 5 Persons 
t lb. Soap 1 lb. Soap 2 Ibs. Soap 
2 lbs. Beans 5 lbs. Beans 5 lbs. Beans 
2 lbs. Rice 4 lbs. Rice 6 lbs. Rice 
23 lbs. Rolled Oats 2% Ibs. Rolled Oats 5 lbs. Rolled Oats 
5 lb. Coffee t lb. Coffee 2 lbs. Coffee 
% Ib. Tea ro Tiong ds Tea 1 lb. Tea 
t Sack ~¢ Flour 1 Sack Spring Flour 2 Sacks + Flour 
2% lbs. Corn Meal 23 lbs. Corn Meal 5 lbs. Corn Meal 
2 lbs. Sugar 3. Ibs. Sugar 5 lbs. Sugar 
24 lbs. Syrup 3, Ibs. Lard 3 alba. Lard)! | 
23 lbs. Syrup 23 lbs. Syrup 


Cost per Ration, 91 cts. Cost per Ration, $1.77. Cost per Ration, $2.81 


No. 4 Ration No. 5 Ration 

6 or 7 Persons 8 or more Persons 
2 Ibs. Soap 2 Ibs. Soap 
5 Ibs. Beans 5 Ibs. Beans 
6 lbs. Rice 6 Ibs. Rice 
5 lbs. Rolled Oats 5 Ibs. Rolled Oats 
2 Ibs. Coffee 2 Ibs. Coffee 
TetD.. lea 1 lb. Tea 
2 Sacks ¢ Flour 3 Sacks ¢ Flour 
t Sack +; Flour 5 lbs. Corn Meal 
5. lbs. Corn Meal 8 Ibs. Sugar - 
7 Ibs. Sugar 3. Ibs. Lard 
3. Ibs. Lard 23 Ibs. Syrup 


23 lbs. Syrup 
Cost per Ration, $3.13 Cost Per Ration, $3.39 


854 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


During 1913, in addition to food, 15,603 pairs of shoes,’ 16,733 tons 
of coal, 59,576 quarts of milk and 172,210 pounds of ice were 
distributed. 

The staff of the County Agent for 1914 included a first assistant 
and seven second assistant county agents, a deporting agent and from 
15 to 45 relief investigators, as the demands upon the office fluctuated. 
The appropriation for salaries of this office for 1914, including besides 
the staff mentioned above the necessary clerical, storeroom and 
janitor service, was $107,861.85. 

For the purpose of convenience to the poor, as well as economy and 
efficiency of service, the County Agent has districted the city, and 
maintains a branch in each of eight districts. Outdoor relief in towns 
lying outside of the city limits is administered by the town supervisors. 
$23,075 were appropriated for 1914 for relief to be granted in the 
respective towns, including payment at the rate of $1.00 a day to the 
supervisors while acting as overseers of the poor. 


4. Indoor Relief? 
INSTITUTIONAL CARE 


In case relief and treatment in the home are not appropriate forms 
of service, the County Agent admits the applicant to the County 
Hospital, the County Psychopathic Hospital, the Oak Forest Infirm- 
ary, or the County institution for tubercular patients (located also at 
Oak Forest) as the case may demand, or supervises the examination 
which is the basis for admission to the state institutions for the blind 
and deaf (at Jacksonville), the féeble-minded (at Lincoln), and the 
insane (at Kankakee, Elgin, Dunning, Peoria and Watertown). In 
1913 there were 2,306 such examinations resulting in 1,756 commit- 
ments to state insane hospitals, 30 admissions to the Illinois Asylum 
for Feeble-minded Children and 2 admissions to the school for the deaf. 


5. The County Infirmary 3 


The institution in which Cook County cares for its infirm and aged 
has been given the name Oak Forest Infirmary in the hope that it may 
lose some of the horror attached in the minds of the decent poor to 
the ‘Poor House,” “Almshouse,” or simply “House.” It has been 

*Given school children on receipt of a note from the principal after 
investigation. ‘ 

2 Extract from A Study of Cook County, p. 26. 

3 Ibid., pp. 28-32. 


THE POOR LAW 855 


located for the past three years on the beautiful county farm of 340 
acres at Oak Forest, which is twenty miles southwest of Chicago on 
the Rock Island railroad. 

The two institutions at Oak Forest are the Infirmary, where the 
feeble, aged, chronically sick, and a few imbecile or physically handi- 
capped children’ are cared for, and the Tuberculosis Hospital. In 
1913, the county spent approximately $350,000 for the support of the 
two institutions and cared for 4,000 persons, the number present at 
any one time varying between 1,600 in the summer and 2,100 in the 
winter months. The corresponding appropriation for 1914 is 
$400,085. 

Naturally a large proportion of the inmates are aged, 50 per cent in 

1913 being over 60 and 7o per cent over 50 years of age, which is old 

age among the poor, who have gone to work very young and whose 
lives of hardship bring them to an early old age. Five hundred were 
irresponsible, feeble-minded, imbecile or even idiotic. The patients in 
the Infirmary come, of course, from every kind of family and represent 
every kind of experience. Thirty-one nationalities besides American 
were represented among them in 1912, and occupations as varied as 
brick layers, carpenters, engineers, shoemakers, teamsters, cabinet 
makers, architects, and actors were found in their midst. The great 
number of men are, however, unskilled laborers and of the women, 
housekeepers. Many have lived in earlier days in the country or in 
smaller towns and have done outdoor tasks. All have worked, 
although some have spent years in more or less dissipated ways. 
There are aged and infirm men whose women-folk are dead and feeble 
old women whose men-folk have died or deserted long ago. There are 
a few couples passing their last years together there. 

The staff of employes to care for so large and so feeble a population 
is necessarily large, comprising, besides the general and assistant 


Boys Girls 
SeOnuaAtion, DECGMDEr, 1OLT..ecknstbs ss ae 4 38 18 
SeerRTL CEC: COED 3 chek. ws + eats Meme D age aye 51 36 
BrIconar eC. skies cee See CE Re Te ee 51 26 
BIE KO oo 6 LTS OE: PAA 6 5 
Population; Decemberp1o12% sii uh «isle * 31 23 

Tubercular: 
NESS a 203 BOE EN ae On Oe a ge geo RR ORO 2% 28 
TOTES TEST a1 9 GSU ee eget eee RPE 20 14 
RET Re oa. < Sos os 5's Sax oes LE Te STs 3 5 


856 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


superintendent, five senior and ten junior physicians, a chief and four 
assistant engineers, three housekeepers, a head cook, a director and 
two assistant directors of nurses, 62 nurses, and approximately 50 
assistants in the various departments connected with the infirmary. 
For consideration both of economy and of kindness, those who can 
work should be given the opportunity to do so. This means a very 
considerable amount of supervision; it also requires the exercise of 
great ingenuity. They must not be overworked, and their tasks 
should be so assigned as to give them variety and interest and inci- 
dentally reduce the cost of their care. They have in the past been 
occupied at tasks adapted to their strength, such as making brooms, 
whisk brooms, mattresses, pillows, overalls, and jumpers besides many 
other articles. During 1914 the superintendent has, with great bene- 
fit to their health and with profit to the institution, undertaken to give 
them light work about the grounds. One venture has resulted in a 
phenomenally successful chicken farm which supplies chickens and 
eggs to the tuberculosis patients, and another in the direction of 
gardening has added variety to the diet and given wholesome occupa- 
tions to old persons who have been used to doing things with their 
hands on the land. The question of developing or at least keeping 
alive such skill as they possess, of possibly finding a market for some 
of their products, and possibly of paying for certain kinds of tasks are 
problems to be worked at as the service of this appealing group of 
dependents grows more intelligent and skillful. 

It may be said now that these pathetic charges on the bounty of 
the state are assured of clean and adequate lodging accommodations, 
of wholesome food, of comfortable clothing, of light and air, and the 
sight of beautiful.stretches of country, of the reasonable chance to 
exercise their feeble powers. When one recalls the circumstances from 
which many of these patients have come, a reasonable hope of further 
raising the standard of care does not seem groundless. 


6. Summer Outings’ 


Attention has been called to the fact that the daily population of 
the Oak Forest Infirmary is much larger in the Winter than in the 
Summer. It is possible for many aged or infirm persons either to 
care for themselves in the Summertime, or to find support with rela- 
tives when fuel is not needed and lighter food will prove adequate than 
in the Winter. The unoccupied space at the Oak Forest Infirmary has 


t Extract from A Study of Cook County, p. 38. 


THE POOR LAW 857 


been utilized during the Summers of 1913 and 1914 to give Summer 
outings to women with children who are usually in receipt of outdoor 
relief from the office of the County Agent. For 1914, an appropriation 
of $2,500 was made for salaries of those in charge of this outing camp 
and for incidental expenses. ‘The general cost of maintenance is borne 
from the regular institution funds. During the night these women and 
children sleep in those portions of the Infirmary which would other- 
wise be vacant at that time of year. They eat in the general dining 
room at a time when the patients are not being served, and portions of 
the grounds not frequented by inmates of the institution are likewise 
- set apart for their play and recreation. For their care, their guidance 
in recreation and amusement, and for their instruction, persons are 
employed who are trained in the direction of supervising the play of 
older and of little children and of counseling the women. As has been 
said, this opportunity for outing is limited to those families who are 
the recipients of the outdoor relief from the County Agent. Should 
the experiment finally justify itself, undoubtedly further provision 
of a more suitable and appropriate kind will be made. 


7. Bureau of Public Welfare‘ 


The purpose of all the expenditure of money, strength and skill in 
the charity service is that the misery of the community may be 
lessened, the health of the public safe-guarded, the earning capacity of 
the able-bodied conserved. If the spirit of the law is observed, it 
means the gradual development of a charity service able to render the 
aid offered in-such a constructive and intelligent manner as to make it 
really effectual and, so far as possible, preventive of needless poverty, 
sickness and wretchedness. Even with the service as it has de- 
veloped, the foot ball often of political parties, the plaything for 
political ends, there is in the ordinary performance of duty an enor- 
mous amount of simple, humble, unrecognized devotion and kind- 
ness. The attendants at the Infirmary, the nurses in the hospital, the 
other members of staff, give not only the service for which they are 
paid, often most inadequately, but genuine human sympathy. But 
their duties often become a routine matter, and when hundreds are 
cared for it is difficult to remember always that each has his own prob- 
lem of misery and need. Often the patient is reluctant to confide in 
the attendant or nurse with whom he comes in frequent contact. The 
necessity of devising ways of discovery when the especial services should 


t Ibid., pp. 45-46. 


858 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


be offered has, therefore, been apparent to many who are concerned with 
the more efficient administration of the County Charity Service. 

Moreover, the same necessity which has arisen in the County 
Hospital and in the County Court for supplementing the ordinary 
machinery of the institution by the creation of a Social Service 
Department has been recognized in connection with Oak Forest, the 
Jail and various institutions for children. Therefore, in 1914 the 
Bureau of Public Welfare was created to render such services as these 
in connection with the institutions named. 

There is a Director of the Bureau, two Welfare Workers are in ser- 
vice at Oak Forest, two at the County Jail, and two in connection with 
the institutions to which children are committed by the Juvenile Court. 
In the first six months after the organization of the Bureau, 711 cases 
were handled, of which 308 were at Oak Forest, 238 at the jail and 168 
in connection with the children’s institutions. 

The circumstances of 180 patients at Oak Forest have been 
inquired into minutely, resulting in 24 per cent of these patients being 
returned to normal life or removed to hospitals for treatment of their 
ailments or placed in special institutions more suited to their needs. 
Thus Oak Forest has been relieved of their care, the patients have been 
given the chance of normal living and recovery, and, merely as a 
byproduct, Cook County has been saved an annual expenditure of 
$6,336. At the suggestion of the Bureau, the County Board has 
appointed a psychologist to examine into the mental condition of all 
patients who appear to be inadvisably held in the Infirmary. A state- 
ment has been prepared of the condition of 78 blind inmates of the 
Infirmary, and submitted to a leading oculist, who will make examina- 
tions in all cases where the patient desires it. 

Not only the circumstances incident to the crimes committed by 
238 boys have been reviewed by the two workers assigned to the jail, 
but an inquiry has been made into the boys’ home surroundings, work 
record and previous court records, if any, to determine what kind of 
boys they are. These findings are submitted to the judge at the time of 
the boy’s trial, and furnish a basis for his decision, and often prevent 
injustice. The work has resulted in many boys profiting by an early 
hearing of their cases, a mitigation of sentence, a commitment to 
Pontiac rather than the House of Correction, return to parents in other 
states, or trial on probation. 

The parents and relatives of 165 children who are supported by the 
county in orphanages have been searched out, and a re-examination of 


THE POOR LAW 859 


the circumstances of these families instituted. As a result some chil- 
dren are living now in normal homes, and others who were formerly 
dependent upon the county have been given a greater sense of inde- 
pendence, their board now being paid out of their rightful heritages. 
Eighteen per cent of these children have been removed from County 
support, and other cases are now being investigated, with a probable 
total annual saving to the county of $6,610. This, however, is a 
result and not the purpose of the work. ‘The Bureau is doing much to 
humanize the charity service. 

For the members of the investigating staff and the necessary 
clerical aid there was appropriated (for 9 months) for 1914, the sum of 
$8,325. 

8. Support Department of County Court' 

The obligation placed by the pauper act on relatives to support 
their kin is enforced by the State’s Attorney by action brought in the 
County Court. Before bringing action, the State’s Attorney must con- 
vince himself that the relatives are really able to render the support or 
at least to make a contribution. Frequently appeal to the county 
is made only after all resources have been exhausted, and the relatives 
of the destitute, while not destitute, may be very near the poverty line. 
And as it would be wasteful to require contributions from one to the 
support of another which would render the contributor likely to become 
dependent, the court has been authorized to use investigators to secure 
the data necessary for really intelligent decisions. Frequently it is 
possible to secure the payments without court action, and often the 
payments are made under order of the court to the Clerk of the Court 
and distributed through the State’s Attorney’s office. 

In 1913, there were 922 suits commenced and tried, involving 
3,827 persons, and $94,286.00 was collected by the Clerk of. the 
County Court and paid over to the beneficiaries. 


9. The County Hospital ? 


The County Hospital is the second largest hospital in the world. 
It is a general hospital, including departments of surgery, medicine, 
obstetrics, gynecology, nervous and mental diseases, children’s 
diseases, tuberculosis, diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, skin 
and #venereal diseases, contagious diseases, orthopedic surgery, 
pathology and pathological chemistry. 


t Extract from A Study of Cook County, p. 44. 
2 Tbid., pp. 40-41. 


860 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


27,887 persons having an acute illness (an average daily popula- 
tion of from 1,300 to 1,700 men, women and children) were admitted to 
the County Hospital as patients during 1913 and 21,281 out-patients 
with minor injuries not serious enough to require hospital care were 
given attention in the dressing room. ‘The total cost of running the 
hospital for 1913 was $159,059.37, which averages $1.31 per capita 
pér. days wan. 

The chief executive officers of the hospital are a warden, two 
assistant wardens and a superintendent of nurses. ‘There is also a 
consulting staff of 22 physicians and an attending staff of 78 physicians; 
60 internes; and nearly 300 nurses supplied on yearly nero 
Tilinois Training School, a volunteer body of public spirited women, 
who for thirty-four years have supervised the training of nurses and 
supplied skilled service to the sick and poor of Cook County. 

The present medical staff, secured through Civil Service examina- 
tions, is said to be e Superior to that of any private hospital in Chicago. 
The efficiency of the the medical work has been greatly increased by newly 
prescribed hours and standards of service; by a system of measuring 
and recording the service rendered by each chief physician and his 
assistants; and by holding each chief responsible for the work of his 
entire department. 

The efficacy of treatment and rapidity with which a cure may be 
effected, depends in part on the mental condition of the patient. .... 
Furthermore, an effectual cure may prove very transitory if a 
patient goes back’ into the very conditions which gave rise to the 
earlier illness. In large numbers of cases, to render service given 
at such cost in the hospital of permanent value, other forms of aid 
must be available for the patient on leaving. ... . The recognition 
of the wastefulness of leaving undone these services without which the 
others seem so much less effectual is being more and more recognized. 
The Illinois Training School has therefore maintained a Social Service 
Department, through which such assistance as has been described is © 
offered to the patients in the hospital and to those leaving. Special 
provision for this department is included in the contract between the 
County and'the Training School. 


SECTION II 


THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS ILL 
WITH TUBERCULOSIS 


1o. Public Tuberculosis Sanitariums! 


542. May establish public tuberculosis sanitariums—Tax levy.| 
§1. That the city council of cities and boards of trustees in villages of 
this State shall have the power, in the manner hereinafter provided, to 
establish and maintain:a public sanitarium and branches, dispensaries 
and other auxiliary institutions connected with same within or without 
the limits of such cities and villages, for the use and benefit of the inhab- 
itants of such city or village for the treatment and care of persons 
afflicted with tuberculosis, and shall have the power to levy a tax not 
to exceed two-thirds of one mill on the dollar annually on all taxable— 
property of such city or village, such tax to be levied and collected in 
like manner with the general taxes of the said city or village and to be 
known as the “Tuberculosis Sanitarium Fund,” which said tax shall 
be in addition to all other taxes which such city or village is now or may 
hereafter be authorized to levy upon the aggregate valuation of all 
_ property within such city or village, and the county clerk, in reducing 
tax levies under the provisions of section two (2) of an act entitled, 
“An Act concerning the levy and’ extension of taxes,” approved May 
9, 1901, in force July 1,,1901, as subsequently amended shall not con- 
sider the tax for said tuberculosis sanitarium fund authorized by this 
act as a part of the general tax levy for city or village purposes and 
shall not include the same in the limitation of two (2) per cent of the 
assessed valuation upon which taxes are required to be extended. 

543. Petition—Election.| § 2. When one hundred legal voters of 
any such city or village shall present a petition to the city council 
or board of trustees of such city or village, as the case may be, asking 
that an annual tax may be levied for the establishment and main- 
tenance of a public tuberculosis sanitarium in such city or village, 
such city council or board of trustees, as the case may be, shall 
instruct the city or village clerk to, and such city or village clerk shall, 

“An Act to Enable Cities and Villages to Establish and Maintain Public 


Tuberculosis Sanitariums”’ (Approved March 7, 1908. In force July 1, 1908), ° 
Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 24, secs. 542-61. 


861 


862 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


in the next legal notice of the regular annual election in such city or 
village, give notice that at such election every elector may vote “For 
the levy of a tax for a public tuberculosis sanitarium,” or “against the 
levy of a tax for a public tuberculosis sanitarium,”’ and if the majority 
of all the votes cast upon the proposition is, that such city or village 
shall be “for the tax for a public tuberculosis sanitarium,” the city 
council or board of trustees of such city or village shall thereafter 
annually levy a tax of not to exceed two-thirds of one mill on the dollar, 
which tax shall be collected in like manner with other general taxes in 
such city or village and shall be known as the “Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium Fund,” and thereafter the city council or board of trustees, as 
the case may be, of such city or village shall include and appropriate 
from such fund in the annual appropriation bill such sum or sums of 
money as may be deemed necessary to defray all necessary expenses 
and liabilities of such tuberculosis sanitarium. | 

544. Appointment of directors.| §3. When any such city council 
or board of trustees shall have decided to establish and maintain a 
public tuberculosis sanitarium under this act, the mayor of such cities 
and the president of the board of trustees of such villages shall, with the 
approval of the city council or board of trustees, as the case may be, 
proceed to appoint a board of three directors, one of whom, in cities 
or villages having a board of health, shall be from such board of health, 
and the other two from the citizens at large and shall be chosen with 
reference to their special fitness for such office. 

545. Terms of office—Removal.| §4. Said directors shall hold 
office one-third for one year, one-third for two years and one-third for 
three years from the first of July following their appointment, and at 
their first regular meeting shall cast lots for the respective terms; and 
annually thereafter the mayor or president of the board of trustees, as 
the case may be, shall, before the first of July each year, appoint as 
before, one director to take the place of the retiring director, who shall 
hold office for three years and until his successor is appointed. The 
mayor or president of the board of trustees, as the case may be, by 
and with the consent of the city council or board of trustees, as the 
case may be, remove any director for misconduct or neglect of duty. 

546. Vacancies—Not to be interested in contracts.| §5. Vacancies in 
the board of directors, occasioned by removal, resignation or otherwise, 
shall be reported to the city council or board of trustees as the case 
may be, and be filled in like manner as original appointments, and 
no director shall receive compensation as such and shall not be inter- 


TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS 863 


ested, either directly or indirectly, in the purchase or sale of any 
supplies for said sanitarium. 

547. Organization—Control of funds, etc.] §6. Said directors 
shall, immediately after appointment, meet and organize by the elec- | 
tion of one of their number president and one as secretary and by 
the election of such other officers as they may deem necessary. They 
shall make and adopt such by-laws, rules and regulations for their 
own guidance and for the government of the sanitarium and the 
branches, dispensaries and auxiliary institutions and activities con- 
nected therewith as may be expedient, not inconsistent with this act 
and the ordinances of such city or village. They shall have exclusive 
control of the expenditure of all moneys collected to the credit of the 
tuberculosis sanitarium fund and of the construction of any sanitarium | 
building or other buildings necessary for its branches, dispensaries and 
other auxiliary institutions and activities in connection with said 
institution, and of the supervision, care and custody of the grounds, 
rooms or buildings constructed, leased or set apart for that purpose: 
Provided, that all moneys received for such sanitarium shall be 
deposited in the treasury of said village or city to the credit of the 
tuberculosis sanitarium fund, and shall not be used for any other 
purpose and shall be drawn upon by the proper officers of said city or 
village upon the properly authenticated vouchers of the sanitarium 
board. Said board shall have the power to purchase or lease ground 
within or without the limits of such city or village, and to occupy, 
lease or erect an appropriate building or buildings for the use of 
said sanitarium, branches, dispensaries and other auxiliary institu- 
tions and activities connected therewith, by and with the approval of 
the city council or board of trustees as the case may be; and shall have 
the power to appoint suitable superintendents or matrons or both and 
all necessary assistants and other employees and fix their compensa- 
tion, and shall also have the power to remove such appointees, and 
shall in general carry out the spirit and intent of this act in establish- 
ing and maintaining a public sanitarium, and one or all of said directors 
shall visit and examine said sanitarium at least twice in each month 
and make monthly reports of its condition to the city council or board 
of trustees, as the case may be. In any city which has adopted or 
hereafter shall adopt the civil service law for cities entitled, ‘‘An Act to 
regulate the civil service of cities,’ approved March 20, 1895, all 
appointments with the exception of superintendents and all removals 
of all matrons and other assistants shall be made pursuant to the 


864 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


provisions of said civil service law and not otherwise: Provided, that 
where in any city any persons are occupying any of said positions 
pursuant to appointment and certification thereon by the civil service 
commission of such city made after examination, such persons shall 
hold said positions as though duly appointed after examination under 
the provisions of said civil service law, and all other matrons, and 
assistants not so appointed after examination shall have the status of 
temporary appointees under said civil service law. All officers and 
employees of any such public tuberculosis sanitarium shall severally 
be deemed officers or employees as the case may be, of the city or 
village in which such sanitarium is established. 

548. Sanitarium to be free to inhabitants—Regulation—Extension 
of benefits.| § 7. Every sanitarium established under this act shall be 
free for the benefit of the inhabitants of such city or village who may 
be afflicted with tuberculosis, and they shall be entitled to occupancy, 
nursing, care, medicines and attendance according to the rules and 
regulations prescribed by said board. Such sanitarium shall always 
be subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as said board may 
adopt in order to render the use of said sanitarium of the greatest 
benefit to the greatest number, and said board may exclude from the 
use of said sanitarium any and all inhabitants and persons who shall 
wilfully violate such rules or regulations: Provided, however, that no 
person so afflicted shall be compelled to enter such sanitarium or any 
of its branches, dispensaries or other auxiliary institutions without his 
consent in writing first having been obtained, or in case of a minor 
or one under a disability the consent in writing of the parents, guardian 
or conservator, as the case may be. 

Said board shall, upon request or by consent of the party afflicted 
or the legal guardian, conservator or parents thereof, have the power 
to extend the benefits and privileges of such institution, under proper 
rules and regulations, into the homes of persons afflicted with tuber- 
culosis and to furnish nurses, instruction, medicines, attendance and 
all other aid necessary to effect a cure, and to do all things in and 
about the treatment and care of persons so afflicted which will have a 
tendency to effect a cure of the person or persons afflicted therewith 
and to stamp out tuberculosis in such city or village. 

And said board may extend the privileges and use of such sani- 
tarium and treatment to persons residing outside of such city or village 
in this State so afflicted, upon such terms and conditions as said board 
may from time to time by its rules and regulations prescribe. 


TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS 865 


549. Donations—Monthly and annual reports.| § 8. Said board of 
directors, in the name of the city or village, may receive from any 
inhabitant or person any contribution or donation of money or 
property and shall pay over to said city or village treasurer all moneys 
thus received as often as once in each month and shall take the receipt 
of such treasurer therefor; and shall also, at the regular monthly 
meeting of the city council or board of trustees, report to such city 
council or board of trustees the names of such persons or inhabitants 
from whom any such contribution or donation has been received and 
the amount and nature of property so received from each and the 
date when the same was received. And said board of directors shall 
make, on or before the second Monday in June of each year, an annual 
report to the city council or board of trustees, as the case may be, 
stating the condition of their trust on the first day of June of that year, 
the various sums of money received from the “Sanitarium Fund” and 
from other sources and how such moneys have been expended and for 
what purposes; the number of patients and such other statistics, 
information and suggestions as they may deem of general interest. 

550. Rules.| §9. When such sanitarium is established, the 
physicians, nurses, attendants, the persons sick therein and all persons 
approaching or coming within the limits of the same or grounds thereof, 
and all furniture and other articles used or brought here, shall be sub- 
ject to such rules and regulations as said board may prescribe; and 
such rules and regulations shall extend to all branches, dispensaries and 
other auxiliary institutions located within or without such city or 
village and to all employees in same and to all employees sent to the 
homes of the afflicted as herein provided for..... 

552. Equal privilege to physicians.| § 11. All reputable physicians 
shall have equal privileges in treating patients in said sanitarium. 

563, Discontinuance of sanitarium.| §12. Whenever the board 
of directors of any public tuberculosis sanitarium, established and 
maintained under this act, shall recommend, in writing, to the city 
council or board of trustees, as the case may be, the discontinuance of 
any public tuberculosis sanitarium, stating in said report the reasons 
therefor, the said city council or board of trustees, may pass an ordi- 
nance for the discontinuance of such public tuberculosis sanitarium. 

ssa. Submission to voters.| §13. Whenever such ordinance is 
passed for the discontinuance of any such sanitarium, the said ordi- 
nance shall be submitted to the voters of such city or village, as the 
case may be, at the next succeeding general or special election, or at 


866 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


any special election called for that purpose, and the said ordinance 
shall become operative, effective and valid if approved by a majority 
of such voters voting upon the question. .... 

556. If ratified, debts to be paid and surplus moneys transferred.| 
§ 15. Whenever such ordinance shall have been ratified, and made 
effective, operative and valid by vote, as provided in the last preced- 
ing section, the city council or board of trustees of such city or village, 
may after having discharged all financial obligations of such tuber- 
culosis sanitarium by appropriate ordinance, transfer any moneys then 
in the “tuberculosis sanitarium fund” from such fund into any other 
lawful appropriation or appropriations of such city or village. 

357. Tax levy to maintain sanitarium.] § 16. Where a tuberculosis 
sanitarium, organized under the provisions of this act, is being main- 
tained in any city, or village of less than one hundred thousand inhab- 
itants, the tax levy for the support of such sanitarium, so maintained 
may be increased to a sum not to exceed one and one-third mills on 
the dollar, and when so increased shall be levied and collected as 
hereinbefore provided. 

558. Board to determine necessity of increased tax levy.| § 17. The 
board of directors of such tuberculosis sanitarium so maintained, 
shall determine the necessity of such increased tax levy; and when 
the same is deemed necessary the board shall recommend in writing 
to the city council or board of trustees, as the case may be, the neces- 
sity of such increased tax levy and the number of mills tax desired to 
be levied. 

559. Tax levy.| §18. Whenever the board of directors of any 
sanitarium so established and maintained, shall recommend in writing 
an increased tax levy to the city council or board of trustees, as the 
case may be, the city council or board of trustees shall pass an 
ordinance for the establishment and levy of such increased tax so 
recommended. 

560. To be submitted to voters.| § 19. Whenever any ordinance is 
passed to increase the tax levy for any sanitarium so maintained, the 
said resolution shall be submitted to the voters of such city or village, 
as the case may be, at the next succeeding general or special election, 
or at any election called for that purpose, and the said ordinance or 
resolution shall become operative, effective and valid if approved by a 
majority of the voters voting upon the question. 

361. Form of ballot.| § 20. Such ordinance shall be printed on a 
ballot in full, which shall be separate, and distinct from the ballot 
for candidates for office. .... 


TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS 867 


11. The Control of Tuberculosis 
A. RULES OF CITY AND STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT 
RE TUBERCULOSIS! 

Regarding tuberculosis as a contagious or infectious disease, the 
Health Department, through legislative power vested in it, makes 
tuberculosis a reportable disease, and provides penalties for failure to 
report cases of the disease. All cases of tuberculosis should, there- 
fore, be reported to that Department, for to it is the physician legally 
responsible. The Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium in coopera- 
tion with the Health Department, supervises the control of tubercu- 
losis in the City of Chicago. It has control not only over those 
patients that come to the clinic of their own volition, but also of the 
patients reported by private physicians as being tuberculous, or 
suspected of being tuberculous. 

The Health Department when it receives the report of a new 
patient, refers the report to the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium, 
where it is filed as a ‘‘ Private Physician’s Case,” and where it is dis- 
tricted to one of the eight local dispensaries, according to the location 
of the patient’s abode. The dispensary physician or the tuberculosis 
nurse, at stated intervals, makes a tour of inspection of the homes of 
the various tuberculous individuals in his district, including in his 
calls those cases that are on file, termed ‘‘ Private Physicians’ Cases,” 
inspecting the premises and determining whether proper instructions 
have been given the patient, and whether the patient is carrying out 
these instructions properly. 

In the event that the private physician’s case is a careless tuber- 
culous individual, information is sought as to whether the patient is 
still supervised by the private physician that reported the case, ... . 
and if not, the patient automatically comes under the active super- 
vision of the dispensary staff. If, however, the patient still remains 
under the care of the private physician, he, the doctor, is informed as 
to the home conditions and asked to render better supervision. 

The dispensary physician, in his visit to the home, also instructs 
that all contacts must visit their family physician or the dispensary, 
in order that their physical status may be determined. 

DISPENSARY CO-OPERATION WITH THE PRIVATE PHYSICIAN 
NURSING SERVICE 
The private physician may call on the Municipal Tuberculosis 


Sanitarium for nursing service in his bedridden cases of tuberculosis, or 


1 Extract from Bulletin of the City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sani- 
tarium, II, No. 2 (October, 1920), pp. 11-15. See Report, Department of Health, 
City of Chicago, 1911-18, pp. 3-13. 


868 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


for nurse’s visits to the home of the patient, so that the patient may 
receive detailed instructions as to establishing a proper tuberculous 
therapeutic régime in the home. Before nursing service can be ren- 
dered, however, the dispensary physician makes a call at the home and 
determines the advisability of such service, making any other recom- 
mendations necessary. 


ADMISSION TO THE CITY SANITARIUM 


Admission to the City Sanitarium is made only through one of the 
eight dispensaries of the Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. The 
patient is referred by the private physician to the dispensary for an 
examination, when his application is filled out. In cases where it is 
necessary, a home visit is made by the dispensary physician. A 
history chart is filed at the dispensary for these patients as for all other 
patients under actual dispensary supervision, recording the findings 
for future reference when the patient returns to his home. 

Dispensary supervision consists of: 

1. Complete physical examination and diagnosis (form card being 
sent to the physician informing him of diagnosis made). 

2. Frequent return to the dispensary for examination, advice and 
medication. 

3. Nurse’s visits to the home for instruction. 

4. Porch equipment supplied where outdoor sleeping is considered 
essential and where the patient cannot provide the same. 

5. Additional tuberculosis food rations, requisitioned through the 
County Agent’s Department. .... 

Because of the marked susceptibility of children to tnherarnen 
the Health Department enforces the rule that there shall not be pre- 
sent in the home of a positive sputum case of tuberculosis any children. 
Either the tuberculosis individual must leave that home and enter an 
institution for the treatment of his disease or segregate himself from 
children in some other abode or the children must be removed from 


that home. 
HOSPITALIZATION 


Hospitalization of the tuberculous patient is of two types: 

Willing, where the patient, an open or closed case of tuberculosis, 
has agreed to enter an institution for his treatment and goes there or 
is taken there by an ambulance. 

Forcible, Section 1190 of the Municipal Code of the City of 
Chicago gives the Commissioner of Health power to remove any 


TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS 869 


individual suffering from a contagious or infectious disease from his 
home to a sanitarium for the isolation and treatment of that disease. 
Acting under this authority, the Health Commissioner of Chicago 
applied this rule to tuberculosis, where the individual involved, after 
instructions had been given, refused to carry them out; continued 
careless as to the disposal of his sputum and living conditions; and was 
a menace to those about him, especially in families where children of 
immature age resided. A recommendation for forcible hospitalization 
is sent to the Supervisor of Field Quarantine of the Department of 
Health, usually by one of the dispensary physicians of the Municipal 
Tuberculosis Sanitarium, who has inspected the home personally, 
which inspection was preceded or followed by close observation and 
inspection by field nurses and quarantine officers. The patient is 
then removed, forcibly if necessary, by one of the City Health Depart- 
ment ambulances to an institution for the treatment of tuberculosis. 
In the majority of cases, at present, the institution selected is the Cook 
County Hospital. No tuberculous patient, who has entered an insti- 
tution for the treatment of tuberculosis, whether he be an open or a 
closed case, is allowed to leave that institution until permission for 
release has been granted by the Department of Health. This per- 
mission is given usually based on an investigation of the home condi- 
tions of the individual and on evidence that the patient is a con- 
scientious adherent to the rules laid down for the control of the disease. 


B. RULES FOR CONTROL OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AS 
ENFORCED BY THE CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF 
HEALTH" 

In 1908 tuberculosis was made a reportable disease in the city of 
Chicago. , 

The following rules and regulations for the control of cases of 
pulmonary tuberculosis or consumption must be enforced by the local 
health authorities. Health and other officials who fail to enforce these 
rules and all persons who violate them subject themselves to a fine of 
not to exceed $200 for each offense or imprisonment in the county 
gail, ornboths tic... |. 

Rule 12. Permission of the State Department of Public Health and 
the consent of the health authorities at the place of destination must 
be obtained before a person suffering from open pulmonary tuber- 
culosis can be removed from one health jurisdiction to another. 


What You Should Know about Tuberculosis or Consumption, pamphlet pub- 
lished by Department of Health, City of Chicago. 


870 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


12. The County Tuberculosis Hospital* 


This hospital is located on the County Farm at Oak Forest, but 
entirely detached from the Infirmary, both physically and in manage- 
ment, except that the superintendent of Oak Forest is superintendent 
of both institutions. 

The main building of the hospital contains administrative offices, 
physicians’ offices, wards for the advanced patients and private rooms 
for the dying patients. The building is provided with sun parlors and 
porches and is entirely modern. i 

Adjacent to this main building is the general dining hall located on 
a rise of ground extending north and south with an east view over 
miles of farm lands, hills and woods. The first floor of this building 
is devoted to the kitchens, store rooms, refrigerators; the second floor 
to the refectory. The building is equally attractive without and 
within, the entire construction being economical, but in good taste as 
to lines, selection of colors for decoration and utilization of every detail. 

South of the dining hall, flanked by cherry trees and maples, are 
six open air cottages which accommodate 20 adult patients each. 
These cottages are of attractive design with the long apex extending 
east and west. The sleeping quarters are in two wings, the north 
side having a window for each patient, and the entire south side open 
to the air but protected by canvas curtains. In the center of each 
cottage is an enclosed room with a cheery fire place, library table, and 
books and games for entertainment. Back of this central room are 
the toilet, bath and locker rooms. ‘These rooms are heated and pro- 
vide in the coldest weather for comfort while dressing and undressing 
and during recreation periods. ‘There are two cottages of similar con- 
struction at the foot of the hill devoted to the exclusive use of the 
children, thereby separating the children from the adult population. 
An open-air school is located nearby. 

There are still in use about 80 tents which will gradually be 
abandoned as they become unusable, the open-air cottage having 
proven better adapted to the treatment of tuberculosis. 

The chief aim of the Oak Forest Tuberculosis Hospital is to ‘‘cure 
the patient and return him to normal life.” The entire life of the 
men, women and children is therefore ordered with this in view. A 
hospital régime is maintained. The patient’s diet, rest, recreation and 
work hours are regulated according to his physical strength. Every 


* Extract from A Study of Cook County, p. 34. See also current annual Charity 
Service Reports of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County. 


TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS 871 


effort is put forth to induce the patients to become partners with the 
hospital in this effort to cure them. Visits to the city which result in 
fatigue hostile to their recovery are therefore discouraged. 

A system of careful examination has been inaugurated; a record 
of each patient is kept, showing the physical findings, the results of 
the laboratory tests of sputum, blood and urine, statement of his social 
state, history of his disease, dae response to treatment, and other 
significant facts. 

The staff for the Tuberculosis Hospital includes: a business 
manager, one director and one assistant director of nurses, three 
senior and six junior physicians, and a teacher for the children who are 
able to attend the open air school. 


SECTION III 


THE COMMITMENT AND CARE OF THE INSANE 
AND FEEBLE-MINDED 


13. The Commitment of Lunatics’ 


1. Term “insane” defined.| §1. Be it enacted, etc.: That the word 
insane in this act shall be construed to mean any person who, by reason 
of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of managing and caring for his 
own estate, or is dangerous to himself or others, if permitted to go at 
large, or is in such condition of mind or body as to be a fit subject for 
care and treatment in a hospital or asylum for the insane: Provided, 
that no person, idiot from birth, or whose mental. development was 
arrested by disease or physical injury occurring prior to the age of 
puberty, and person who is afflicted with simple epilepsy shall be 
regarded as insane, unless the manifestations of abnormal excitability, 
violence, or homicidal or suicidal impulses are such as to render his 
confinement in a hospital or asylum for the insane a proper precaution 
to prevent him from injuring himself or others. 

2. Not restrained of personal liberty unless adjudged insane.| § 2. 
Except as hereinafter provided, from and after the passage of this 
act no insane person, or person supposed to be insane, but who shall 
not have been legally adjudged to be insane, shall, by reason of his 
insanity or supposed insanity, be restrained of his iberty: Provided, 
that this section shall not be construed to forbid the temporary deten- 
tion of an alleged lunatic, for a reasonable time, not exceeding ten 
days, pending a judicial investigation of his mental condition. * 

3. Declaration of lunacy—Medical examination.]| § 3. When any 
person shall be, or be supposed to be, insane, any reputable citizen of 
the county in which such patient resides or is found may file with the 
clerk of the county court of said county, a statement, in writing, under 
oath, setting forth that the person named is insane and unsafe to be at 
large, or suffering under mental derangement, and that the welfare of 
himself or others requires his restraint or commitment to some hospital 
or asylum for the insane; the said statement must be accompanied by 
the names of the witnesses (one of whom at least must be a physician 


* [illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 85. 
872 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 873 


having personal knowledge of the case), by whom the truth of the 
allegations therein contained may be substantiated and proved: 
Provided, that when it shall appear by such statement the person 
alleged to be insane has not been examined by a physician, the judge 
may appoint a qualified physician of the county to make such examina- 
tion and allow him compensation therefor, not exceeding five dollars, 
which shall be taxed and collected as is herein provided in respect to 
other costs in proceedings in inquest of lunacy. 

4. Hearing upon declaration—Writ.| § 4. Upon the filing of the 
statement aforesaid, unless the person alleged to be insane shall be 
brought before the court without a writ, or unless an affidavit of some 
credible person shall be filed setting forth that, in the opinion of the 
affiant, the physical or mental condition of the said person is such 
(stating the same) as to render it manifestly improper that such person 
be brought before the court, the judge of the county shall direct the 
clerk to issue a writ, directed to the sheriff or to any constable or to 
the person having custody or charge of the person alleged to be insane, 
commanding such person to be brought before the court at such time 
and place as the judge may appoint for the hearing and determining of 
the matter; and in no case shall such hearing take place until the 
person alleged to be insane shall have been notified as the court shall 
direct. . 

5. Inquest shall be by jury.| § 5. Inquests in lunacy shall be by 
jury or a commission of two licensed physicians engaged in active 
practice in said county, as hereinafter provided. 

6. Commission in certain cases.| §6. When no jury is demanded 
and the circumstances of the case are such that there appears to the 
judge to be no occasion for the impaneling of a jury, or that a trial by 
jury would for any reason be inexpedient or improper, the judge shall 
appoint a commission of two qualified physicians in regular and active 
practice who are residents of the county, to be chosen by himself, on 
account of their known competency and integrity, who shall make a 
personal examination of the patient and file with the clerk of the court 
a report in writing verified by affidavit, of the result of their inquiries 
together with their conclusions and recommendations. The com- 
missioners herein provided for shall have power to administer oaths 
and take sworn testimony. 

7. Jury trial.| §7. In all cases of inquest by jury the jury shall 
consist of six persons, and one of the jurors at least must be a qualified 
physician, and the proceedings shall conform in all respects, as nearly 


874 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


as may be, to the ordinary practice of the county court. The rights 
of the person whose mental condition is inquired into shall be the same 
as those of any defendant in a civil suit. 

8. Where inquests may be held—Proceedings.| § 8. Inquests in 
lunacy may be in open court or in chambers, or at the home of the 
person alleged to be insane, at the discretion of the court. The judge 
shall preside whether the inquest is by jury or a commission, and the 
presence of the patient shall be indispensable, and no proceedings 
can be had in his absence, unless otherwise provided in this act. 
The judge may require all persons other than the patient, his 
friends, witnesses, licensed attorneys and officers of the court to 
withdraw from the room during the inquest. .... 

12. Conservators of estates—Contracts void.] § 12. If any person 
alleged to be insane shall be possessed of any estate, real, personal or 
mixed, it shall be lawful for the person filing application for an inquest 
in lunacy in his case to make at the same time application for the 
appointment of a conservator of such alleged lunatic. And if such 
alleged lunatic shall be adjudged insane, or if it shall appear to the 
court that any person has been adjudged insane by the court without 
application for a conservator having been made, and that such lunatic 
is possessed of any estate, real, personal or mixed, and is still insane, in 
either case it shall be lawful for the court, upon petition filed for that 
purpose, to make an appointment of a conservator upon the same 
judgment without further proceedings, and exercise in respect thereto 
all the power contained in an act entitled, ““An Act to revise the law in 
relation to lunatics, idiots, drunkards and spendthrifts,” approved 
March 26, 1874, in force July 1, 1874, and all amendments thereto: 
and such conservator shall perform the duties and incur the liabilities 
imposed by said act upon conservators appointed thereunder: Pro- 
vided, That in any county wherein a probate court has been or may 
hereinafter be established, upon the filing in such court of the proper 
petition, together with the duly certified copy of the record and the 
verdict of the jury, or the report of the commission of physicians, and 
the judgment of the county court thereon finding such person insane, 
such probate court may, in its discretion, without further inquest, by 
jury or commission of physicians, appoint such conservator; and every 
note, bill, bond or other contract by any person adjudged insane under 
the provisions of this act, shall be void as against such lunatic and his 
estate, but a person making any contract with such lunatic shall be 
bound thereby. 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 875 


13. County courts—Jurisdiction.| § 13. Jurisdiction over the per- 
sons of insane persons not charged with crime is vested in the county 
courts. 

14. Dockets, files, and record.| §14. Each county judge shall keep 
a separate docket of proceedings in inquisitions of lunacy, upon which 
shall be made such entries as will, together with the papers filed, pre- 
serve a perfect record of each case. The original statements and 
applications for inquest, writs and returns made thereto and reports of 
commissions or verdicts of juries, shall be filed with the clerk of the 
court, and a copy of the finding, whether the person alleged to be 
insane be found to be insane or sane, and, if found to be insane, a copy 
of the medical certificate also shall be in each case furnished to the 
State Commissioners of Public Charities. 

15. Patients in hospitals—Treatment and maintenance.] § 15. All 
insane persons admitted to any state hospital or asylum for the insane 
shall be maintained and treated, while in the institution, at the expense 
of the state, but the cost of clothing, transportation and other inci- 
dental expenses not constituting any part of the maintenance or treat- 
ment, shall be defrayed at their own expense, or that of the county from 
which they were admitted. 

16. “Private” and “county” patients.| § 16. It shall be the duty 
of the county judge, at the time of each inquest in lunacy, to inquire 
into the pecuniary condition of the person alleged to be insane and 
that of the relatives who are bound by law to maintain him. Patients 
committed to any state hospital or asylum for the insane shall be 
designated as private or county patients. Private patients are such 
as are of sufficient pecuniary ability to pay for their own clothing and 
incidental expenses while in the institution, and all others shall be 
entered upon the docket as county patients. 

17. Admission of patients to hospitals.| § 17. Upon the entry of an 
order of commitment of any insane person to a hospital for the insane, 
the clerk of the county court shall send a copy of the finding of the 
jury or commission and of the medical certificate provided for in sec- 
tion 9 of this act to the superintendent of the hospital for the insane to 
which such insane person is ordered to be committed, and such super- 
intendent shall, without delay, admit such insane person as a patient 
in said hospital: Provided, that if there is no room in such hospital for 
the admission of the person committed thereto, and that such county 
shall have its full quota of patients in said hospital, the superintendent 
thereof shall return to said county one quiet, harmless chronic patient, 


876 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


but should said county not have its full quota of patients in said 
hospital, the superintendent shall return one quiet, harmless chronic 
patient to any county which may be in excess of its quota; and should 
no county be in excess of its quota, the superintendent shall select the 
most quiet, harmless chronic patient in said hospital and return him 
to the county from which he was committed, in order to make room 
for the patient recently adjudged insane: Provided, further, if a 
hospital or asylum for the chronic or incurable insane shall be estab- 
lished, such chronic patient may be sent to such hospital or asylum for 
the chronic or incurable insane: Provided, further, that in case it shall 
not be found possible to admit such patient to a state hospital or 
asylum for the insane, the court where such inquest is had may make 
such further order in the matter as may be requisite and lawful. 

18. Conveying patients to hospitals.| §18. For the conveyance of 
any patient to a hospital or asylum for the insane, the clerk shall issue 
a warrant, in duplicate, directed to the sheriff or any suitable person, 
preferring some relative of the insane person, when desired, command- 
ing him to apprehend such insane person and deliver him to the 
superintendent. When necessary, the clerk may authorize the 
employment of one or more assistants; but no female patient shall thus 
be taken to the hospital or asylum by any person not her husband, 
father, brother or son, without the attendance of some other female of 
reputable character and mature age. Upon receiving the patient, the 
superintendent ‘shall indorse upon the warrant his receipt, naming the 
person or persons from whom the patient was received, and one copy of 
the warrant, so indorsed, shall be returned to the clerk, to be filed with 
the other papers relating to the case, but the other shall be left with the 
superintendent, and the person delivering the patient shall indorse 
thereon that he has so delivered him, and said duplicate warrant shall 
be prima facie evidence of the facts set forth therein and in said 
indorsement. 

19. “Private” patients—Bond for clothing and expenses.| § 19. No 
private patient shall be received into any state hospital or asylum for 
the insane, unless at or before the time of his admission there shall 
have been filed with the superintendent a bond, with two good and 
sufficient sureties, approved by the county judge, executed to the 
trustees of the institution, and conditioned that the obligors shall find 
the patient in suitable and sufficient clothing, while he may remain in 
the institution, and promptly pay for any articles of clothing furnished 
or other necessary incidental expenses incurred by the institution on 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 877 


account of said patient, and remove him when required by the trustees; 
and in case of failure upon the part of the trustees to recover upon any 
bond as approved by the county judge, the county shall become liable 
to the institution for the amount due from the said obligors. .... 

22. Discharge—Parole—Exceptions.| § 22. Authority to dis- 
charge patients from either of the state institutions for the insane is 
vested in the trustees, but may be delegated, by a formal vote, to the 
superintendent, under such regulations as they may see fit to adopt. 
Discharges may be made for either of the following causes, namely: 
Because the person adjudged to be insane is not insane, or because he 
has recovered from the attack of insanity or because he has so far 
improved as to be capable of caring for himself, or because the friends 
of the patient request his discharge, and in the judgment of the super- 
intendent no evil consequence is likely to follow such discharge, or 
because there is no prospect of further improvement under treatment, 
and the room occupied by an incurable and harmless patient is needed 
for the admission of others who are unsafe to be kept at large or prob- 
ably curable. Authority is also vested in the trustees to release the 
patients on parole for any term not exceeding three months; and, if not 
returned to the institution within that period, a new order of com- 
mitment from the county judge shall be necessary in order to the 
readmission of any such paroled patient to the institution: Provided, 
That the court may make such order upon the old verdict, if satisfied 
that the patient in question is still insane. But no patient who is 
violent, dangerous or more than usually troublesome or filthy, shall be 
discharged from any state institution and sent back to any county 
farm, almshouse or insane department thereof. And no patient who 
has not recovered his reason or who is charged with crime shall be 
declared discharged until at least ten days after notice shall have 
been given to the judge of the county court having jurisdiction 
in the case, in order to enable the said judge to make some proper 
order as to the disposition of the said patient, when so discharged, 
which order shall be entered of record, and a copy thereof furnished 
to the superintendent, and to the State Commissioners of Public * 
Charities. 

23. Patients upon discharge must be provided with clothing and 
funds.| § 23. No person shall be discharged from a state hospital or 
asylum for the insane without suitable clothing and a sum of money, 
not exceeding twenty dollars, sufficient to defray his expenses home, 
which shall be charged to the patient, if a private patient, and if a 


878 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


county patient, to the county, and collected as other debts due the 
institution are collected. 

24. Habeas corpus.| § 24. Every person confined as insane shall 
be entitled to the benefit of the writ of habeas corpus, and the question 
of insanity shall be decided at the hearing, and if the judge shall 
decide that the person is insane such decision shall be no bar to the 
issuing of the writ a second time whenever it shall be alleged that such 
person has been restored to reason; and if said person shall be adjudged 
sane, on presentation of a certified copy of said judgment to the county 
court where the inquest was had, such court shall rescind and set aside 
the judgment of insanity. | 

25. Notice of discharge of “county” patients to county court.] § 25. 
Whenever notice shall have been given to the judge of any county 
court that any patient committed to any hospital or asylum in this 
state, under the order of said court, has been discharged cured, upon 
receipt of such notice signed by the superintendent the judge shall 
enter an order restoring the patient in question to all his rights as a 
citizen, and, if a conservator of his estate shall have been appointed, 
the said conservator shall be removed. At any time, subsequent to 
the discharge of any patient, the judge of the county court may hear 
evidence tending to show that said patient has been restored to reason 
and, if satisfied of his recovery, may make and enter a similar order, 
and thereafter the said patient shall not be liable to be again com- 
mitted to any hospital or asylum for the insane without a new inquest 
in his case. 

26. Escaped patients.| § 26. If any patient shall escape from the 
hospital it shall be the duty of any sheriff or officer of the peace in any 
county in which he may be found to apprehend and detain him, and to 
report the same to the county judge of said county, who shall return 
him to the institution at the expense of the county from which he was 
committed. 

27. Sudden deaths—Inquest—Notice.| §27. In the event of a 
sudden or mysterious death of any inmate of any public or private 
hospital or asylum for the insane, a coroner’s inquest shall be held, as 
provided by law in other cases. Notice of the death of a patient and 
the cause thereof shall, in all cases be given to the judge of the court 
having jurisdiction over such patient, and the fact of his death, with 
the time, place and alleged cause shall be entered upon the 
docketizoeri 


* 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 879 


30. Criminal insane.| § 30. Nothing in this act shall be construed 
to apply to insane persons, or persons supposed to be insane, who are in 
custody on a criminal charge. .... 

33. Administration and enforcement of laws.] § 33. The adminis- 
tration and enforcement of the laws relating to the insane of this state 
and their treatment, in or out of hospitals or asylums for the insane, 
is entrusted to the State Commissioners of Public Charities, who shall 
have power, from time to time, with the approval of the Governor and 
Attorney General, to make rules and regulations on the following 
matters, so far as the same are not inconsistent with any laws of this 
State. | 

1. The licensing of all houses or places in which any person can be 
lawfully detained as insane or of unsound mind, and the withdrawal of 
licenses granted by them for cause shown, and the approval of the 
Governor and Attorney General. 

2. Regulation of the forms to be observed relating to the com- 
mitment, transfer of custody and discharge of lunatics not in conflict 
with the provisions of this act. 

3. The visitation and inspection of all houses or places in which any 
persons are detained as insane and of all persons detained therein. 

4. Reports and information to be furnished by the managers or 
trustees and medical superintendents of all houses or places subject to 
the provisions of this act, and by the boards of auxiliary visitors herein 
providedtGr; 7. -. . 

35. Record of insane kept by Commissioners of Public Charities.] 
§ 35. The State Commissioners of Public Charities shall keep a record 
of the names of all persons adjudged to be insane, and of the orders 
respecting them by the judges of the county court, copies of which 
orders shall be furnished by the county clerk upon their applica- 


37. Voluntary patients.| §37. Any person who may be in the 
early stages of insanity who may desire the benefit of treatment in a 
state or licensed private hospital for the insane as a voluntary patient, 
may be admitted to such hospital on his own written application, 
accompanied by a certificate from the county court of the county in 
which such applicant resides, stating that such person is a private or 
county patient, as the case may be, and such person shall, if admitted 
to a state or licensed private hospital for the insane, have the same 
standing as other private or county patients: Provided, that all 


880 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


voluntary patients shall have the right to leave the hospital at any 
time on giving three days’ notice to the superintendent. .... 


14. Lunatics, Idiots, Drunkards, and Spendthrifts' 


1. Courts of inquiry.| §1. When any person having any estate, 
real or personal, shall be, or be supposed to be, an insane person, who, 
by reason of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of managing and caring 
for his own estate, or when any person having any estate shall be, or 
be supposed to be a drunkard or spendthrift or otherwise incompetent, 
as defined in this Act, the County Court of the county wherein such 
person resides, or if such person resides out of this State and has an 
estate within this State, then, the County Court of the county where 
his real estate or a part thereof may lie, or if such non-resident has no 
real estate in this State then the County Court of the county where he 
may have personal property, shaJl, on the proper petition of any repu- 
table citizen of such county, for the appointment of a conservator of the 
person or estate (or both) of such person, proceed in the manner herein- 
after provided, to ascertain whether such person be an insane person, 
who, by reason of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of managing and 
caring for his own estate, a drunkard, spendthrift or incompetent as 
aforesaid: Provided, that in any county wherein a probate court is or 
hereafter may be established, such application shall be made to said 
Probate Court. 

2. Procedure for appointment of conservator.| § 2. On any petition 
for the appointment, of a conservator of any person being filed, the 
court shall set said cause for hearing, summons shall be issued return- 
able on any day of the term, and service thereof shall be had upon the 
person for whom a conservator is sought to be appointed, in the same 
manner by summons or otherwise as service is had in chancery, except- 
ing that where personal service of such summons is had, such service 
shall be had at least three days before the return day of such summons, 
At the time fixed for the hearing, a jury of six persons (or at the request 
of either the petitioner or the respondent twelve persons) shall be 
empaneledutostrayathe caseinaen & The court may, for good cause, 
continue the case from time to time. If any person be found to be an 
insane person, as defined in this Act, who, by reason of such condition, 
is incapable of managing or caring for his estate, or a drunkard, spend- 
thrift or incompetent person, as defined by this Act, it shall be the 
duty of the court to appoint a conservator for such person, or his estate 


* [llinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 86. 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 881 


or both: Provided, no non-resident of this State-shall be appointed 
under this Act as conservator. No petition filed underthe provisions 
of this Act for the appointment of a conservator shall be dismissed or 
withdrawn without leave of the court in which such petition is filed. 

The trial shall proceed in the same manner, as near as may be, as 
trials at law in the Circuit Court, except as otherwise provided in 
this Act. Upon the return of the finding of the jury, the court shall 
cause the same to be recorded at large by the clerk of the court, and 
unless the court shall grant a new trial, the court shall enter the proper 
order in accordance with the findings of the jury. Motions for a new 
trial in such causes may be made orally and when so made shall be 
entered upon the records. .... 

5. Care of estate—Custody of person—Children.| § 5. Such con- 
servator shall have the care and management of the real and personal 
estate of his ward, and the custody of his person unless otherwise 
ordered by the court, and the custody and education of his children 
where no other guardian is appointed, unless the court orders other- 
wise, but this act shall not be so construed as to deprive the mother 
of the custody and education of the children without her consent, 
if she be a fit and competent person to have such custody and 
education..... 


15. The County Psychopathic Hospital* 


The new Psychopathic Hospital associated with, but detached 
from, County Hospital, was completed in June, 1914, and supplanted 
the Detention Hospital. 

It is a brick building of pleasing appearance with ample porch 
space, adequate in the number of beds, and so planned as to permit of 
unlimited expansion. It is fireproof throughout with the necessary 
window bars hidden in the glass, so that it presents the appearance of 
an ordinary hospital. This hospital was built in record-breaking 
time, ground being broken in September, 1913, and patients admitted 
in June, 1914. It was built at a cost of $2,160 per bed, which con- 
sidering the large number of private rooms and the expensive apparatus 
for hydro-therapeutic treatment, is a remarkably low rate per bed. 

The hospital is designed for the temporary care of the mentally 
ill of Cook County who are held under observation pending the trial 
which the State Insane Law unfortunately makes necessary before 


« Extract from A Study of Cook County, pp. 41-43. 


_ 


882 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


commitment. Its erection gives opportunity, never before given in 
the county, for the scientific treatment of persons suffering from mental 
disorders. The hospital is equipped with all the apparatus which 
can mitigate the condition of these unfortunate patients. One com- 
mendable feature is that the hydro-therapy apparatus, consisting of 
baths, sprays, douches and showers, which not infrequently in even 
first-class hospitals is placed in the basement to the detriment of 
patients, is installed on the fifth floor, so that pleasant surroundings, 
light, air and sunshine make their contribution to the treatment. 
Another feature which adds greatly to the patients’ comfort is the 
installation on every floor of tubs for the prolonged baths given 


/ “disturbed patients.” With these baths accessible to every ward, 


the problem of controlling violent cases is practically solved. Violent 
patients remain quiet for hours under their soothing influence, and the 
baths thus take the place to some extent of sedatives and restraints. 

2,477 patients were cared for during 1913, 787 of whom were from 
to to 30 years of age and 1,230 from 30 to 50 years of age. ‘There is an 
out-patient department located in the hospital for dispensary work 
with these mental cases, and there is also a social service department 
for the precommitment or dismissed cases. 


16. Social Service Investigation in Cases of Alleged 
Insanity’ 


The determination of a person’s sanity is reached after a trial before 
the County Court. The Court’s decision is based upon the conduct of 
the individual and the social and economic circumstances of the case. 
These facts are essential to a proper decision and often are the deciding 
factor for prescribing forms of treatment which may be secured 
through co-operating agencies. The mental disturbance may be 
incipient and yield to the brief period of rest under observation in the 
Psychopathic Hospital, or may be caused by some conditions of pov- 
erty, domestic mal-adjustment, wrong conditions of employment or 
other circumstances which can possibly be so altered as to remove all 
necessity of commitment of the individual to a Hospital for the 
Insane. If such is the result of the inquiry, it means economy for the 
taxpayer of the county, and it also means the prevention of incalcul- 
able misery on the part of the patient and humiliation and suffering on 
the part of his relatives. The County Court, therefore, avails itself 
of investigators, trained nurses and social workers who can obtain 


t Extract from A Study of Cook County, p. 43. 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 88 3 
and present to the court these essential facts. or the social investi- 
gators thus connected with the County Court in 1914 $11,000 was 
appropriated. 


17. Care and Detention of Feeble-minded Persons‘ 


346. Definition.| §1. Be it enacted, etc.: The words ‘‘feeble- 
minded person” in this act shall be construed to mean any person 
afflicted with mental defectiveness from birth or from any early age, 
so pronounced that he is incapable of managing himself and his affairs, 
or of being taught to do so, and requires supervision, control and care 
for his own welfare, or for the welfare of others, or for the welfare of the 
community, who is not classifiable as an “insane person”’ within the 
meaning of “‘An Act to revise the law in relation to the commitment 
and detention of lunatics, and to provide for the appointment and 
removal of conservators, and to repeal certain acts therein named,”’ 
approved June 21, 1893, in force July 1, 1893. 

347. Commitment of feeble-minded.| § 2. From and after the 
taking effect of this act, no feeble-minded person shall be sent to any 
public institution for the feeble-minded except as hereinafter provided. 

348. Petition-Endorsements—A gainst whom process shall issue.] 
§ 3. When any person residing in this State shall be supposed to be 
feeble-minded, and by reason of such mental condition of feeble- 
mindedness, and of social conditions, such as want of proper super- 
vision, control, care and support, or other causes, it is unsafe and 
dangerous to the welfare of the community for him to be at large 
without supervision, control and care, any relative, guardian or con- 
servator, or any reputable citizen of the State in which such supposed 
feeble-minded person resides or is found may, by leave of court first 
had and obtained, file with the clerk of either the Circuit Court or of 
the County Court of the county in which such supposed feeble-minded 
person resides or is found, or with the clerk of a City Court, including 
the Municipal Court of Chicago, when the supposed feeble-minded 
person resides or is found in the city, a petition in writing, setting 
forth that the person therein named is feeble-minded, the fact and 
circumstances of the social conditions, such as want of proper super- 
vision, control, care and support, or other causes, making it unsafe 
or dangerous to the welfare of the community for such person to beat 
large without supervision, control or care; also the name and resi- 
dence, or that such name or residence is unknown to the petitioner, of 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 23, secs. 346-69. 


884 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


os 


some person, if any there be, actually supervising, caring for or sup- 
porting such person, and of at least one person, if any there be, 
legally chargeable with such supervision, care or support, and also the 
names and residences or that same are unknown of the parents or 
guardians. 

The petition shall also allege whether or not such person has been 
examined by a qualified physician having personal knowledge of the 
condition of such alleged feeble-minded person. There shall be 
endorsed on such petition the names and residences of witnesses 
known to petitioner by whom the truth of the allegations of the peti- 
tion may be proved, as well as the name and residence of a qualified 
physician, if any is known to the petitioner, having personal knowledge 
of the case. All persons named in such petition shall be made defend- 
ants by name and shall be notified of such proceedings by summons, 
if residents of this State, in the same manner as is now or may here- 
after be required by law in proceedings in chancery in this State, except 
only as herein otherwise provided. All persons whose names are 
stated in the petition to be unknown to the petitioner shall be deemed 
and taken as defendants by the name and designation of “‘all whom it 
may concern.” ‘The petition shall be verified by affidavit, which 
shall be sufficient if it states that it is based upon'information and 
belief. Process shall be issued against all persons made parties by the 
designation of “all whom it may concern” by such description and 
notice given by publication as required in this act, shall be sufficient to 
authorize the court to hear and determine the suit as though the 
parties had been sued by their proper names. 

349. Summons—Publication—Default.| §4. The summons shall 
require all defendants to personally appear at the time and place 
stated therein, and to bring into court the alleged feeble-minded 
person. No written answer shall be required to the petition, but the 
cause shall stand for trial upon the petition on the return day of the 
summons. The summons shall be made returnable at any time 
within twenty days after the date thereof, and may be served as 
summons in chancery is served by any officer authorized by law to 
serve processes of the court issuing such summons. No service of 
process shall be necessary upon any of the defendants named, if they 
appear or are brought before the court personally without service of 
summons..... 

350. Warrant—Temporary detention.| §5. Upon the filing of the 
petition, or upon motion at any time thereafter, if it shall be made to 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 885 


appear to the court by evidence given under oath that it is for the best 
interest of the alleged feeble-minded person and the community that 
such person be at once taken into custody, or that the service of sum- 
mons will be ineffectual to secure the presence of such person, a 
warrant may issue on the order of the court, directing that such person 
be taken into custody and brought before the court forthwith or at 
such time and place the judge may appoint, and pending the hearing of 
the petition, the court may make any order for the detention of such 
feeble-minded person, or the placing of such feeble minded-person 
under temporary guardianship of some suitable person, on such person 
entering into a recognizance for his appearance, as the court shall deem 
proper. But no such alleged feeble-minded person shall, during the 
pendency of the hearing of the petition, be detained in any place 
provided for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of any 
criminal or quasi-criminal offense. 

351. Continuation—Examination by psychologists—Interrogatories.| 
§ 6. At any time after the filing of the petition and pending the final 
disposition of the case, the court may continue the hearing from time 
to time, and may order such alleged feeble-minded person to submit to 
the examination of some qualified physician or psychologist, and the 
court may also require by rule or order that the petitioner answer 
under oath such interrogatories as may be propounded, in a form to 
be prescribed by the Board of Administration. 

352. Hearing by commission—Evidence—Report and recommenda- 
tions.| §7. The hearing on the petition shall be by the court and a 
commission to be appointed by the court, of two qualified physicians 
or one qualified physician and one qualified psychologist, residents of 
the county, to be selected by the judge on account of their known 
competency and integrity, and evidence shall be heard and proceedings 
had as in any other civil proceedings. 

Evidence shall also be heard and inquiry made into the social 
conditions, such as want of proper supervision, control, care or support, 
and other causes making it unsafe or dangerous to the welfare of the 
community for such person to be at large, without supervision, control 
and care. The commission shall also make a personal examination 
touching the mental condition of the alleged feeble-minded person. 
Upon the conclusion of the hearing, inquiry and examination, the 
commission shall file with the clerk of the court a report in writing, 
showing the result of their examination of the mental condition and 
social conditions aforesaid, setting forth their conclusions and recom- 


886 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


mendations, and shall also file with such report their sworn answers to 
such interrogatories as may be propounded in a form to be prescribed 
by the Board of Administration. Such answers may be based upon 
their best knowledge and belief. 

353. Setting aside or overruling report—Additional evidence.| § 8. 
The report shall have the same effect as reports of masters in chancery, 
and shall be subject to be set aside or overruled by the court the same 
as reports of masters in chancery: Provided, however, that there shall 
be no need of making objections and taking exceptions to same, and 
the court shall have the power to dismiss the proceedings, order a new 
hearing by the same or a new commission, or make such findings of 
fact in lieu of the findings in such report as may be justified by the 
evidence heard, and on the review by the court of the findings and 
recommendations of the commission, the court may hear such further 
evidence as it thinks fit. 

354. Decree—A ppointment of guardian.] § 9. If the court shall 
find such alleged feeble-minded person not to be feeble-minded as 
defined in this act, he shall order the petition dismissed and the person 
discharged. If the court shall find such alleged feeble-minded person 
to be feeble-minded, and subject to be dealt with under this act, having 
due regard to all the circumstances appearing on the hearing, the guid- 
ing and controlling thought of the court throughout the proceedings to 
be the welfare of the feeble-minded person and the welfare of the com- 
munity, it shall enter a decree, appointing a suitable person to be the 
guardian of the person of such feeble-minded person, or directing that 
such feeble-minded person be sent to a private institution qualified 
and licensed under the laws of the State to receive such person whose 
managers are willing to receive him, or may direct that he be placed in 
a public institution for the feeble-minded and such decree so entered 
shall stand and continue binding upon all persons whom it may con- 
cern until rescinded or otherwise regularly superseded or set aside. 

Provided, however, that any guardian appointed under this act 
shall be subordinate to any guardian or conservator previously or sub- 
sequently appointed, pursuant to ‘An Act to revise the law in rela- 
tion to idiots, lunatics, drunkards and spendthrifts,” approved March 
26, 1874, and in force July 1, 1874, or “An Act in regard to guardians 
and wards,” approved April 10, 1872, in force July 1, 1872. 

355. Powers of guardian.| § 10. An order that the feeble-minded 
person be placed under guardianship shall confer on the person named 
in the order as guardian such powers, subject to the regulations of the 


- 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 887 


Board of Administration, as would have been exercisable if he had been 
the father of the feeble-minded, and the feeble-minded person had been 
under the age of fourteen. .... 

359. Petition for discharge—Hearing—Discharge or variation of 
order.| §14. No feeble-minded person admitted to an institution for 
the feeble-minded pursuant to an order of court as herein provided 
shall be discharged therefrom except as herein provided, except that 
nothing herein contained shall “abridge the right of petition for the 
writ of habeas corpus. At any time after the admission of the feeble- 
minded person to an institution for the feeble-minded, pursuant to an 
order of court as herein provided, the feeble-minded person, or any of 
the relatives or friends of the feeble-minded person, or any reputable 
citizen, or the superintendent of the institution having the feeble- 
minded person in charge, or the Board of Administration, may peti- 
tion the court that entered the order of admission, to discharge the 
feeble-minded person, or to vary the order of the court sending 
the feeble-minded person to an institution. If, on the hearing of the 
petition, the court is satisfied that the welfare of the feeble-minded 
person, or the welfare of others, or the welfare of the community 
requires his discharge, or a variation of the order, the court may 
enter such order of discharge or variation, as the court thinks proper. 
Discharges and variations of orders may be made for either of the 
following causes: Because the person adjudged to be feeble-minded is 
not feeble-minded; because he has so far improved as to be capable of 
caring for himself; because the relatives or friends of the feeble- 
minded person are able and willing to supervise, control, care for and 
support him and request his discharge, and in the judgment of the 
superintendent of the institution having the person in charge, no evil 
consequences are likely to follow such discharge; but the enumeration 
of grounds of discharge or variation herein shall not exclude other 
grounds of discharge or variation which the court, in its discretion, 
may deem adequate, having due regard for the welfare of the person 
concerned, or the welfare of others, or the welfare of the com- 
munity. On any petition of discharge or variation, the court may 
discharge the feeble-minded person from all supervision, control and 
care, or may place him under guardianship, or may transfer him from 
a public institution to a private institution, or from a private institu- 
tion to a public institution, as the court thinks fit under all the cir- 

cumstances appearing on the hearing of the petition. The superin- 
—tendent of the institution having the feeble-minded person in charge, 


888 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


must be notified of the time and place of hearing on any petition for 
discharge or variation, as the court shall direct, and no order of dis- 
charge or variation shall be entered without giving such superintendent 
a reasonable opportunity to be heard; and the court may notify such 
other persons, relatives and friends of the feeble-minded person as the 
court may think proper of the time and place of the hearing on any 
petition for discharge or variation of prior order. The denial of one 
petition for discharge or variation shall be no bar to another on the 
same or different grounds within a reasonable time thereafter, such 
reasonable time to be determined by the court in its discretion, dis- 
couraging frequent, repeated, frivolous, ill-founded petitions for dis- 
charge or variation of prior order. On reception of a feeble-minded 
person in an institution pursuant to an order of court under this 
act, the superintendent of the institution under regulations of the 
Board of Administration shall cause the feeble-minded person to be 
examined touching his mental condition, and if upon such examination 
it is found the person is not feeble-minded, it shall be the duty of the 
superintendent to petition the court for a discharge or variation of the 
order sending him to the institution. Any person sent to an institu- 
tion pursuant to an order of court under this act shall have the right to 
at least one hearing on a petition for discharge or variation within one 
year after the date of the order sending him to an institution. 

360. Communication with friends—Leave of absence.| § 15. Every 
person admitted to any institution for the feeble-minded shall have 
all reasonable opportunity and facility for communication with his 
friends, and be permitted to write and send letters, providing they 
contain nothing of an immoral or personally offensive character and 
letters written by any charge to any member of the Board of Adminis- 
tration, or to any member of the State Charities Commission, or to any 
State or county official, shall be forwarded unopened. But no leave 
of absence shall be granted except for good cause to be determined and 
approved by the Board of Administration in each case who shall take 
appropriate measures to secure for the feeble-minded person proper 
supervision, control and care during such leave of absence, and no leave 
of absence shall be for a longer period than two weeks in one calendar 


365. Dependent or delinquent feeble-minded children.| § 20. When 
a child is brought before a ‘‘juvenile” court as a dependent or delin- 
quent child, if it appears to the court, on the testimony of a physician 


or a psychologist or other evidence that such person or child is feeble- — 


CARE OF THE INSANE AND FEEBLE-MINDED 889 


minded within the meaning of this act, the court may adjourn the 
proceedings and direct some suitable officer of the court or other suit- 
able reputable person to file a petition under this act; and the court 
may order that pending the preparation, filing and hearing of such 
petitions, the person or child be detained in a place of safety, or be 
placed under the guardianship of some suitable person on that person 
entering into recognizance for his appearance. ... . 

369. Escape—Duty of superintendent.| § 24. If any feeble-minded 
person shall escape from an institution for the feeble-minded, it shall 
be the duty of the superintendent of the institution and his assistants, 
and of any sheriff or constable, or other officer of the peace in any 
county in which he may be found, to take and detain him without a 
warrant, and report the same at once to the county judge of said 
county, who shall return him to the institution at the expense of the 
county from which he was admitted. .... 


SECTION IV 
STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS 


18. The Widow’s Award! 


75. Widow’s award.| § 74. The widow, residing in this State, of 
a deceased husband whose estate is administered in this State, whether 
her husband died testate or intestate, shall, in all cases, in exclusion 
of all debts, claims, charges, legacies and bequests, except funeral 
expenses, be allowed as her sole and exclusive property forever, except 
as herein otherwise provided, the following, to-wit: 

First—The family pictures and the wearing apparel, jewels and 
ornaments of herself and her minor children. 

Second—Such sum of money as the appraisers may deem reason- 
able for the proper support of herself and his minor children for the 
period of one year after the death of the testator or intestate, in a 
manner suited to her condition in life, taking into account the condi- 
tion of the estate of the testator or intestate. ' 

Such allowance shall in no case be less than five hundred ($500) 
dollars, together with an additional sum not to exceed two hundred 
($200) dollars, for each minor child of the testator or intestate under 
eighteen (18) years of age at the time of his death. The amount so 
allowed for the support of the minor or minors shall be, by the executor 
or administrator, paid to the widow in quarterly payments due and 
payable at the end of each quarter of the year for which the allowance 
is made. In case such widow dies or abandons such minor child, 
before the expiration of the year, the amount allowed on account of 
said minor and remaining unpaid to the widow shall become the 
property of said minor..... 

78. Allowance to children.| §77. When the person dying is, at 
the time of his or her death, a housekeeper, the head of a family, and 
leaves no widow, or surviving husband, there shall be allowed to the 
children of the deceased residing with him or her at the time of his 
or her death (including all males under eighteen years of age, and all 
females), the same amount of property, and money, subject to the 
review of the court as provided in section 75, is allowed to the widow 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 3, secs. 75-78. 
890 


STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS Sot 


for herself and children by this Act, with the same right of selection 
of chattel property at its appraised value, which selection may be 
made by the guardian for the minors, and by the conservator for any 
adult female under disability. Such award may be apportioned as 
the court may-direct. 


19. Abandonment of Wife or Children’ 


24. Neglect to support destitute wife or child—Penalty.]| § 1. That 
every person who shall, without any reasonable cause, neglect or 
refuse to provide for the support or maintenance of his wife, said wife 
being in destitute or in necessitous circumstances, or any person who 
shall, without lawful excuse, desert or neglect or refuse to provide 
for the support or maintenance of his or her child or children under 
the age of eighteen years, in destitute or necessitous circumstances, shall 
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall 
be punished by a fine of not to exceed six hundred dollars or by impri- 
sonment in the county jail, house of correction or workhouse, not to 
exceed one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 

25. Proceedings.| §2. Proceedings under this act may be by 
indictment or information. 

26. Temporary order for support.) §3. At any time before the 
trial, upon motion of the complainant and upon notice to the defendant, 
the court at any time or a judge thereof in vacation, may enter such 
temporary order as may seem just, providing for the support or 
_maintenance of the wife or child or children of the defendant, or both, 
pendente lite, and may for violation of such order punish the offender 
as for a contempt of court. ) 

27. When fine imposed—To whom paid—Order of court to pay sum 
periodically—Release of defendant on probation.| § 4. Whenever a 
fine shall be imposed, it may be directed by the court to be paid, in 
whole or in part, to the wife or to the guardian or custodian of the 
minor child or children: Provided, that before the trial with the 
consent of the defendant, or at the trial, on entry of a plea of guilty, 
or after conviction, instead of imposing the penalty provided in this 
act, or in addition thereto the court in its discretion, having regard 
to the circumstances, and to the financial ability or earning capacity 
of the defendant, shall have the power to make an order, which shall 
be subject to change by the court from time to time as circumstances 
may require, directing the defendant to pay a certain sum periodically 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 68, secs. 24-33. 


892 FAMILY WELFARE WORK — 


for a term not exceeding one year, to the wife or to the guardian or 
custodian of the said minor child or children, or to an organization 
or individual approved by the court as trustee; and shall also have 
the power to relieve the defendant from custody on probation for the 
period fixed in the order of judgment upon his or her entering into a 
recognizance, with or without surety, in such sum as the court or a 
judge thereof in vacation, may order and approve. ‘The condition 
of the recognizance shall be such that if the defendant shall make his 
or her personal appearance in court whenever ordered to do so by said 
court, at such period as may be fixed, within one year, and shall 
further comply with the terms of such order of support, or of any 
subsequent modification thereof, then such recognizance shall be 
void; otherwise in full force and effect. 

28. Violation of order—Forfeiture of recognizance.]| §5. If the 
court be satisfied by testimony in open court, that at any time during 
said period of one year the defendant has violated the terms of such 
order, it may forthwith proceed with the trial of the defendant under 
the original charge, or sentence him or her under the original convic- 
tion, or enforce the suspended sentence, as the case may be. In case 
of forfeiture of recognizance, and enforcement thereof by execution, 
the sum so recovered may, in the discretion of the court, be paid, 
in whole or in part, to the wife, or to the guardian or custodian or 
trustee of the said minor child or children. 

29. Evidence.| § 6. No other or greater evidence shall be required 
to prove the marriage of such husband and wife, or that the defendant 
is the father or mother of such child or children, than is or shall be 
required to prove such fact in a civil action. 

30. Husband or wife as competent witness.| § 7. In no prosecution 
under this act shall any existing statute or rule of law prohibiting the 
disclosure of confidential communications between husband and wife 
apply. And both husband and wife shall be competent witnesses 
to testify to any and all relevant matters, including the fact of such 
marriage and of the parentage of such child or children: Provided, 
that neither shall be compelled to give evidence incriminating himself 
or herself. 

31. Actions may be prosecuted during existence of marriage relations.| 
§ 8. Actions against persons under this act who shall without any 
reasonable cause neglect or refuse to provide for the support or 
maintenance of his wife may be prosecuted at any time during the 
existence of the marriage relations. 


STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS 893 


32. Actions may be prosecuted until child or children reach the age 
of eighteen years.| § 9. Actions against persons under this act who 
shall without lawful excuse neglect or refuse to provide for the 
support or maintenance of his or her child or children may be prose- 
cuted at any time until said child or children reaches the age of eighteen 
years. 

33. How offenses construed.| § 10. It is hereby expressly declared 
that the offenses as herein before set forth in this Act, are and shall 
be so taken and construed to be continuing offenses. 


20. Contributing to Dependency of Children’ 


100. Dependent or neglected child defined.| §1. Be tt enacted, etc.: 
For the purposes of this Act a dependent and neglected child shall mean 
any male who while under the age of 17 years or any female who while 
under the age of 18 years, for any reason is destitute, homeless or aban- 
doned; or dependent upon the public for support; or has not proper 
parental care or guardianship; or habitually begs or receives alms; or is 
found living in any house of ill fame or with any vicious or disreputable 
person; or has a home which by reason of neglect, cruelty or depravity 
on the part of its parents, guardian or any other person in whose care 
it may be is an unfit place for such child; and any child who while 
under the age of ten years is found begging, peddling or selling any 
articles or singing or playing any musical instrument for gain upon 
the street or giving any public entertainments or accompanies or is 
used in aid of any person so doing. 

to1. Penalty for contributing to dependency or neglect.| § 2. Any 
parent, legal guardian or person having the custody of a male under 
the age of 17 years or of a female under the age of 18 years, who shall 
knowingly or wilfully cause, aid or encourage such person to be or to 
become a dependent and neglected child as defined in section 1, or who 
shall knowingly or wilfully do acts which directly tend to render 
any such child so dependent and neglected, or who shall knowingly 
or wilfully fail to do that which will directly tend to prevent such 
state of dependency and neglect shall be deemed guilty of the crime 
of contributing to the dependency and neglect of children and on 
conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200.00 
or by imprisonment in the county jail, house of correction or workhouse 
for not more than one year or both by such fine and imprisonment: 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 38, secs. 100-102. 


894 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Provided, that instead of imposing the punishment hereinbefore 
provided, the court shall have the power to release the defendant 
from custody on probation for the space of one year upon his or her 
entering into recognizance with or without surety in such sum as 
the court may direct. The conditions of the recognizance shall be 
such that if the defendant shall make his or her personal appearance 
in court whenever ordered to do so within the year and shall provide 
and care for such neglected and dependent child in such manner as 
to prevent a continuance or a repetition of such state of dependency 
and neglect or as otherwise may be directed by the court then the 
recognizance shall be void, otherwise it shall be of full force and effect. 
If the court be satisfied by information and due proof under oath 
that any time during the year the defendant has violated the terms 
of such order that it may forthwith revoke the order and sentence him 
or her under the original conviction. Unless so sentenced, the 
defendant shall at the end of the year be discharged. In case of 
forfeiture on the recognizance the sum recovered thereon may in 
the discretion of the court be paid in whole or in part to someone 
designated by the court for the support of such dependent and 
neglected child. 

102. Husband or wife competent witness.| § 3. The husband or 
wife of the defendant shall be a competent witness to testify in any 
case brought under this Act and to any and all matters relevant 
thereto. 


21. Contributing to Delinquency of Children* 


103. Delinquent child defined.| §1. Be tt enacted, etc.: That for 
the purposes of this Act a delinquent child is any male who while 
under the age of seventeen (17) years, or any female who while under 
the age of eighteen (18) years violates any law of this state; or is incor- 
rigible, or knowingly associates with thieves, vicious or immoral per- 
sons; or without just cause and without the consent of its parents, 
guardian or custodian absents itself from its home or place of abode, 
or is growing up in idleness or crime; or knowingly frequents a house 
of ill repute; or knowingly frequents any policy shop or place where 
any gambling device is operated; or frequents any saloon or dram- 
shop where intoxicating liquors are sold; or patronizes or visits any 
public pool room or bucket shop; or wanders about the streets in the 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 38, secs. 103-5. 


STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS 895 


night time without being on any lawful business or lawful occupa- 
tion; or habitually wanders about any railroad yards or tracks or 
jumps or attempts to jump onto any moving train; or enters any car 
or engine without lawful authority; or uses vile, obscene, vulgar, 
profane or indecent language in any public place. 

104. Penalty.| § 2. Any person who shall knowingly or wilfully 
cause, aid or encourage any male under the age of seventeen (17) 
years or any female under the age of eighteen (18) years to be or to 
become a delinquent child as defined in section one (1) or who shall 
knowingly or wilfully do acts which directly tend to render any such 
child so delinquent and who when able to do so, shall wilfully neglect 
to do that which will directly tend to prevent such state of delinquency 
shall be deemed guilty of the crime of contributing to the delinquency 
of children and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of 
not more than two hundred (200) dollars, or by imprisonment in 
the county jail, house of correction or workhouse not more than one 
(1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 

105. Husband or wife competent witness.) § 3. The husband or 
wife of the defendant shall be a competent witness to testify in any 
case brought under the provisions of this Act and to any and all 
matters relevant thereto. 


22. Statutory Grounds for Divorce’ 


1. Causes.] § 1. In every case in which a marriage has been, or 
hereafter may be contracted and solemnized between any two persons, 
and it shall be adjudged, in the manner hereinafter provided, that 
either party at the time of such marriage was, and continues to be 
naturally impotent; or that he or she had a wife or husband living 
at the time of such marriage; or that either party has committed 
adultery subsequently to the marriage; or has wilfully deserted or 
absented himself or herself from the husband or wife, without any 
reasonable cause, for the space of two years; or has been guilty of 
habitual drunkenness for the space of two years; or has attempted 
the life of the other by poison or other means showing malice, or has 
been guilty of extreme and repeated cruelty; or has been convicted 
of felony or other infamous crime; or has infected the other with a 
communicable venereal disease, it shall be lawful for the injured party 
to obtain a divorce and dissolution of such marriage contract. 


t [bid., chap. 40, sec. 1. 


896 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


23. Remarriage within One Year Forbidden‘ 


§ ra. That in every case in which a divorce has been granted for 
any of the several causes contained in section 1 of said act, neither 
party shall marry again within one year from the time the decree was 
granted: Provided, when the cause for such divorce is adultery, the 
person decreed guilty of adultery shall not marry for a term of two 
years from the time the decree was granted: Provided, however, that 
nothing in this section shall prevent the persons divorced from remarry- 
ing each other; and every person marrying contrary to the provisions 
of this section shall be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary 
for not less than one year, nor more than three years, and said marriage 
shall be held absolutely void. 


24. Law Prohibiting Remarriage within a Year Repealed? 


§ 2. In all cases where a marriage has been contracted in violation 
of the provisions of section 1a of “An Act to revise the law in relation 
to divorce,” approved March to, 1874, as amended, except where 
either of the contracting parties has, subsequent to said marriage, 
and prior to the taking effect of this Act, entered into another marriage 
contract which was and is legal and binding, under the laws of Illinois, 
said marriages so contracted in violation of said section 1a, if otherwise 
legal, are hereby validated and confirmed, except that property 
rights heretofore vested shall not be affected by this Act. 


25. Bastardy* 


1. Complaint by mother.| §1. When a woman who shall be 
pregnant or delivered of a child, which, by law, would be deemed a 
bastard, shall make complaint to a justice of the peace or judge of a 
court having jurisdiction herein, in the county where she may be so 
pregnant or delivered, or the person accused may be found, and shall 
accuse, under oath or affirmation, a person with being the father of 
such a child, it shall be the duty of such justice or judge to issue a 
warrant against the person so accused and cause him to be brought 
forthwith before him, or in his absence, any other justice of the peace 
or judge in such county. 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Hurd, 1921), chap. 40, sec. 1a. 
2 Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 40, sec. 2. 
3 Ibid., chap. 17, secs. 1-18. 


STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS 897 


4 


2. Warrant.| § 2. The warrant shall be directed to all sheriffs, 
coroners and constables in the State of [linois, and may be executed 
by any such officer in any county. 

3. Examination—Bail—Commitment.| § 3. Upon his appearance, 
it shall be the duty of said justice or judge to examine the woman, 
upon oath or affirmation, in the presence of the man alleged to be the 
father of the child, touching the charge against him. The defendant 
shall have the right to controvert such charge, and evidence may be 
heard, as in cases of trials before the County Court. If the justice 
or judge shall be of the opinion that sufficient cause appears, it 
shall be his duty to bind the person so accused, in bond, with 
sufficient security, to appear at. the next term of a court having 
jurisdiction herein, in such county, to answer such charge, to which 
court said warrant and bond shall be returned. On neglect or refusal 
to give bond and security, the justice or judge shall cause such person 
to be committed to the jail of the county, there to be held to answer 
the complaint. 

4. Trial.| §4. The court having jurisdiction of cases coming 
within the terms of an Act entitled, “An Act relating to children who 
are or may hereafter become dependent, neglected or delinquent, 
to define these terms and to provide for the treatment, control, 
maintenance, adoption and guardianship of the persons of such 
children,” approved April 21, 1899, in force July 1, 1899, as amended, 
shall with other courts of competent jurisdiction, have jurisdiction in 
the trial of all cases arising under the terms of this Act. The said 
court, at its next term, shall cause an issue to be made up, whether 
the person charged, as aforesaid, is the real father of the child or 
not, which issue shall be tried by a jury. When the person charged 
appears and denies the charge, he shall have a right to controvert, 
by all legal evidence, the truth of said charge. 

5. Continuance.| §5. If, at the time of such court, the woman 
be not delivered, or is unable to attend, the court shall order a recog- 
nizance to be taken of the person charged as aforesaid, in such an 
amount and with such sureties as the court may deem just, for the 
appearance of such person at the next court after the birth of her child; 
and should such mother not be able to attend at the next term after the 
birth of her child, the recognizance shall be continued until she is able. 

6. Parties competent witnesses.| §6. On the trial of every issue 
of bastardy, the mother and defendant shall be admitted as competent 
witnesses, and their credibility shall be left to the jury. 


898 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


7. When judgment is for defendant.| § 7. If, upon the trial of the 
issue aforesaid, the jury shall find that the child is not the child of 
the defendant or alleged father, then the judgment of the court shall 
be that he be discharged. ‘The woman making the complaint shall 
pay the costs of the prosecution, and judgment shall be entered 
therefor, and execution may thereupon issue. 

8. When judgment is against defendant.| § 8. In case the issue is 
found against the defendant or reputed father, or whenever he shall, 
in open court, have confessed the truth of the charge against him, he 
shall be condemned by the order and judgment of the court to pay 
a sum of money not exceeding two hundred dollars for the first year 
after the birth of such child, and a sum not exceeding one hundred 
dollars yearly, for nine years succeeding said first year, for the sup- 
port, maintenanee, and education of such child, and shall, moreover, 
be adjudged to pay all the costs of the prosecution, for which cost 
execution shall issue as in other cases. And the said reputed father 
shall be required by said court to give bond with sufficient security, to 
be approved by the judge of said court, for the payment of such sum 
of money as shall be ordered by said court, as aforesaid; which said 
bond shall be made payable to the People of the State of Illinois, and 
conditioned for the due and faithful payment of said yearly sum, in 
equal quarterly installments, to the. clerk of said court, which bond 
shall be filed and preserved by the clerk of said court. 

9. Commitment in case of refusal to give security.| § 9. In case 
the defendant shall refuse or neglect to give such security as may 
be ordered by the court, he shall be committed to the jail of the 
county, there to remain until he shall comply with such order, or until 
otherwise discharged by due course of law. Any person so committed 
shall be discharged for insolvency or inability to give bond: Provided, 
such discharge shall not be made within six months after such 
commitment. 

10. Money—How used.| §10. The money, when received, shall 
be laid out and appropriated for the support of such child in such 
manner as shall be directed by the court; but when a guardian shall 
be appointed for such bastard, the money arising from such bond shall 
be paid over to such guardian. 

11. Proceedings upon default of payment.| § 11. Whenever default 
shall be made in the payment of an installment, or any part thereof, 
mentioned in the bond provided for in the foregoing section, the judge 
of the court wherein such bond is filed shall, at the request of the 


STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS 899 


mother or guardian, or any other person interested in the support of 
such child, issue a citation to the principal and sureties in said bond, 
requiring them to appear on some day, in said citation mentioned, 
during the next term of said court and show cause, if any they have, 
why execution should not issue against them for the amount of the 
installment or installments due and unpaid on said bond, which said 
citation shall be served by any sheriff or constable of the county in 
which such principal or sureties reside or may be found, at least five 
days before the term day thereof. And if the amount due on such 
installment or installments shall not be paid at or before the time 
mentioned for showing cause, as aforesaid, the said judge shall render 
judgment in favor of the people of the State of Illinois, against the 
principal and sureties who have been served with said citation, for 
the amount unpaid on the installment or installments due on said 
bond, and the costs of said proceeding; and execution shall issue 
from said court against the goods and chattels of the person or persons 
against whom said judgment shall be rendered, for the amount of said 
judgment and costs, to the sheriff of any county in the State where the 
parties to said judgment, or either of them, reside or have property 
subject to such execution. 

12. Contempi—Commiiment—Judgmentlien.| § 12. And said judge 
shall also have power in case of default in the payment, when 
due, of any installment or installments, or any part thereof, in the 
condition of said bond mentioned, to adjudge the reputed father of 
such child guilty of contempt of said court, by reason of the non- 
payment as aforesaid, and to order him to be committed to the county 
jail of said county until the amount of said installment or installments 
so due, shall be fully paid, together with all costs of such commitment, 
and in the obtaining and enforcing of said judgment and execution, as 
aforesaid. But the commitment of such reputed father shall not 
operate to stay or defeat the obtaining of judgment and the collection 
thereof by execution as aforesaid: Provided, that the rendition and 
collection of judgment, as aforesaid, shall not be construed to bar or 
hinder the taking of similar proceedings for the collection of subsequent 
installments on said bond, as they shall become due and remain 
unpaid. And, provided, further, that if the judge, or any other person 
interested in the support of such child, still deem it necessary, in 
order to secure the payment or collection of judgment, that the same 
should be made a lien on real estate, a transcript of said proceedings 
and judgment shall be made by the clerk of said court, and filed and 


goo FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


recorded in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of said county, 
in the same manner and with like effect as transcripts of judgments of 
justices of the peace are filed and recorded, to make the same a lien 
on real estate, and execution and other process shall thereupon issue 
for the collection of said judgment as in case of other judgments in 
said circuit court, and the provisions of this section, as far as applica- 
ble, apply to all bonds, which have heretofore been taken in pursuance 
of the statutes in regard to bastardy. .... 

13. Custody of child.| § 13. The reputed father of a bastard child 
shall not have the right to the custody or control of such child, if the 
mother is living and wishes to retain such custody and control, until 
after it shall have arrived at the age of ten years, unless, upon petition 
to the circuit court of the county in which the mother resides, it shall, 
on full hearing of the facts in the case, after notice to the mother, be 
made to appear to the judge of said court that said mother is not a 
suitable person to have the control and custody of such child. 

14. Child not born alive or dying.| § 14. If the said child should 
never be born alive, or being born alive should die at any time, and 
the fact shall be suggested upon the record of the said court, then the 
bond aforesaid shall from thenceforth be void. 

15. Marriage of parents.| $15. If the mother of any bastard 
child, and the reputed father, shall, at any time after its birth, inter- 
marry, the said child shall, in all respects, be deemed and held legiti- 
mate, and the bond aforesaid be void. 

16. Limitation.] §16. No prosecution under this Act shall be 
brought after two years from the birth of such child: Provided, that 
where the reputed father has acknowledged in open court the paternity 
of the child, then, and in such case, prosecution may be brought at 
any time within two years from the last time such acknowledgment 
of paternity by the reputed father was made: Provided, further, that 
the time any person accused shall be absent from the State shall not 
be computed. 

17. Repeal.| §17. Omitted. 

18. Release of reputed father by mother of child.| § 18. The mother 
of a bastard child, before or after its birth, may release the reputed 
father of such child from all legal liability on account of such bastardy 
upon such terms as may be consented to in writing by the judge of 
the court having jurisdiction herein of the county in which such 
mother resides: Provided, a release obtained from such mother in 
consideration of,a payment to her of a sum of money less than eight 


STATUTES AFFECTING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS gol 


hundred dollars in the absence of the written consent of the judge 
of the court having jurisdiction herein, shall not be a bar to a suit for 
bastardy against such father, but if, after such release is obtained, suit 
be instituted against such father and the issue be found against him, 
he shall be entitled to a set-off for the amount so paid, and it shall be 
accredited to him as of the first payment or payments. And, provided, 
further, that such father may compromise all his legal liability on 
account of such bastard child, with the mother thereof, without the 
written consent of such judge, by paying to her any sum not less 
than eight hundred dollars. 


SECTION V 
PROCEDURE IN DESERTION CASES 


26. Fugitives from Justice‘ 


1. Warrant for arrest on requisition.| §1. Be it enacted, etc.: That 
whenever the executive of any other state, or of any territory of the 
United States, shall demand of the executive of this state any person 
as a fugitive from justice,” and shall have complied with the requisitions 
of the act of congress in that case made and provided, it shall be the 
duty of the executive of this state to issue his warrant under the seal 
of the state, to apprehend the said fugitive, directed to any sheriff, 
coroner or constable of any county of this state, or other person whom 
the said executive may think fit to entrust with the execution of said 
process. 

2. Arrest—Delivery.| § 2. Any such officer or person may, at the 
expense of the agent making the demand, execute such warrant any- 
where within the limits of this state, and require aid as in criminal 
cases, and may convey such fugitive to any place within this state 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 60. ‘ 


2 [Definition of extradition: ‘“‘Extradition is the surrender of fugitives from 
justice by one of the states of the Union to another upon its demand, in pursuance 
of the provisions of the Constitution and laws of the United States.”—Bouvier’s Law 
Dictionary, Title ‘‘ Extradition, American and English.” 

‘“‘A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall 
flee from justice and be found in another state, shall on demand of the executive 
authority of the state from which he fled be delivered up to be removed to the state 
having jurisdiction of the crime.” —U.S. Constitution, Art. 4, sec. 2.] 


3 United States Revised Statutes, 1873-4; Title 66. 

Sec. 5278. Whenever the executive authority of any state or territory demands 
any person as a fugitive from justice, of the executive authority of any state or 
territory to which such person has fled, and produces a copy of an indictment found 
or an affidavit made before a magistrate of any state or territory, charging the 
person demanded with having committed treason, felony, or other crime, certified 
as authentic by the governor or chief magistrate of the state or territory from whence 
the person so charged has fled, it shall be the duty of the executive authority of 
the state or territory to which such person has fled to cause him to be arrested and 
secured, and to cause notice of the arrest to be given to the executive authority mak- 
ing such demand, or to the agent of such authority appointed to receive the fugitive, 
and to cause the fugitive to be delivered to such agent when he shall appear. If no 


902 


PROCEDURE IN DESERTION CASES 903 


which the executive in his said warrant shall direct, and deliver such 
fugitive to such agent. 

3. Arrest of accused before requisition.| §3. When a person is 
found in this state, charged with an offense committed in another state 
or territory, and liable, by the constitution and laws of the United 
States, to be delivered over upon the demand of the executive of such 
other state or territory, any judge, justice of the peace or police 
magistrate may, upon complaint under oath, setting forth the offense, 
and such other matters as are necessary to bring the case within the 
provisions of law, issue a warrant to bring the person charged before 
the same or some other judge, justice of the peace or police magistrate 
within this state, to answer to such complaint as in other cases. 

4. Commitment or bail.| § 4. If upon examination, it shall appear 
to the satisfaction of such judge, justice or police magistrate, that the 
said person is guilty of the offense alleged against him, it shall be the 
duty of the said judge, justice or police magistrate to commit him to 
the jail of the county; or if the offense is bailable according to the laws 
of this state, to take bail for his appearance at the next circuit court 
to be holden in that county, except that in the County of Cook the 
recognizance shall be for the appearance of the accused to the next 
term of the Criminal Court of Cook County. 

Examination reduced to writing—Copy to court and governor.| It 
shall be the duty of the said judge, justice or police magistrate to 
reduce the examination of the prisoner, and those who bring him, to 
writing, and to return the same to the next term of the court at which 
the prisoner is bound to appear, as in other cases; and he shall also 
send a copy of the examination and proceedings to the executive of 
the state, as soon thereafter as may be. 

Governor to notify executive of other state.| If, in the opinion of the 
executive of this state, the examination so furnished contains sufficient 
evidence to warrant the finding of an indictment against such person, 
he shall forthwith notify the executive of the state or territory where 


such agent appears within six months from the time of the arrest, the prisoner may 
be discharged. All costs or expenses incurred in the apprehending, securing, and 
transmitting such fugitive to the state or territory making such demand, shall be 
paid by such state or territory. 

Sec. 5279. Any agent so appointed who receives the fugitive into his custody, 
shall be empowered to transport him to the state or territory from which he has 
fled. And every person who, by force, sets at liberty or rescues the fugitive from 
such agent while so transporting him, shall be fined not more than five hundred 
dollars or imprisoned not more than one year. 


go4 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


the crime is alleged to have been committed, of the proceedings which 
have been had against such person, and that he will deliver such person 
on demand, without requiring a copy of an indictment to accompany 
such demand. 

W arrant—Surrender—Costs.| When such demand shall be made, 
the executive of this state shall forthwith issue his warrant, under the 
seal of the state, to the sheriff of the county where the said person is 
committed or bailed, commanding him, upon the payment of the 
expense of such proceeding, to surrender him to such agent as shall 
be therein named, to be conveyed out of this state. If the said person 
shall be out on bail, it shall be lawful for the sheriff to arrest him 
forthwith, anywhere within the state, and to surrender him agreeably 
to said warrant. 

4a. Transporting person through State.| § 45. Any duly authorized 
official of another State bringing any person within this State for the 
purpose of transporting such person through the State, extradition 
warrant issued in another State shall have the same authority as to 
the custody and restraint of such person while in the State of Illinois, 
as duly constituted peace officers of this State have in making an 
arrest under process issued by the courts of this State. 

5. When prisoner may be discharged.| §5. If the accused shall 
appear at the court according to the condition of his recognizance, 
unless he shall have been demanded by some person authorized by 
the warrant of the executive to receive him, the court may discharge 
the said recognizance, or continue it, or require a further recognizance, 
or commit the accused on his failing to recognize as required by the 
court, according to the circumstances of the case, such as the distance 
of the place where the offense is alleged to have been committed, the 
time that has intervened since the arrest, and the strength of the 
evidence against the accused. In no case shall the accused be held in 
prison or to bail longer than till the end of the second term of the circuit 
court after his caption, except that in the County of Cook he may be 
held till the end of the third term of the Criminal Court of Cook 
County after his caption. If he is not demanded within that time he 
shall be discharged from prison, or exonerated from his recognizance, 
as the Casé-may De. Saas: 

8. Fugitives from this state—Warrant.| § 8. Whenever the execu- 
tive of this state shall demand a fugitive from justice from the execu- 
tive of any other state, he shall issue his warrant, under the seal of the 
state, to some messenger, commanding him to receive the said fugitive 


PROCEDURE IN DESERTION CASES 905 


and convey him to the sheriff of the proper county where the offense 
was committed. 

9. Manner of applying for requisition.] § 9. The manner of mak- 
ing application to the Governor of this State for a requisition for the 
return of a fugitive from justice shall be by petition, in which shall be 
stated the name of the fugitive, the crime charged in the words of the 
statute defining the crime; the county in which the crime is alleged 
to have been committed; the time, as nearly as may be, when the 
fugitive fled; the state or territory to which he has fled, giving facts 
and circumstances tending to show the whereabouts of the fugitive 
at the time of the application. Such petitions shall be verified by 
affidavit, and have endorsed thereon the certificate of the judge of the 
County Court of the county in which the crime is alleged to have been 
committed, that the ends of justice require the return of such fugitive. 
In all cases when the fugitive shall be charged with the crime of 
neglect or refusal to provide for the support of destitute wife or child, 
it shall be the duty of the State’s Attorney to present such petition to 
said judge of the County Court, who shall hear the same in a sum- 
mary manner ex parte, and if, after hearing the testimony of the com- 
plaining witness and of two other creditable witnesses, such judge is of 
the opinion that the ends of justice require the return of such fugitive, 
he shall make such endorsement upon the petition. All petitions for 
requisition shall be filed by the Governor in the office of the Secretary 
of State, to remain on record in that office. 

10. Copy of indictment.| § 10. When the application is based upon 
an indictment found, a copy of the indictment, certified by the clerk 
under the seal of the court in which the indictment was found, shall be 
attached to the petition. 

11. Expenses.| §11. When the punishment of the crime shall be 
the confinement of the criminal in the penitentiary, the expenses shall 
be paid out of the state treasury, on the certificate of the Governor and 
warrant of the auditor; in all other cases they shall be paid out of the 
county treasury of the county wherein the crime is alleged to have been 
committed. The expenses shall be the fees paid to the officers of the 
state on whose Governor the requisition is made, and not exceeding 
twelve cents per mile for all necessary travel in returning such fugi- 
tives. Before such account shall be certified by the Governor, or 
paid by the county, they shall be verified by affidavit, and certified 
to by the judge of the county court of the county wherein the crime is 
alleged to have been committed. .... 


906 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


27. Extradition Costs in Cook County' 


Excessive cost of extradition is another charge placed upon poor 
women who have to pay more for extradition services than Cook 
County pays for the same service, unless the court takes the matter 
under its supervision. As it is now, the woman who wants to bring 
her husband back to Chicago on charge of non-support is often the 
victim of persons who, through accident or intent, make excessive 
charges for their services. In many cases this service is offered—even 
pressed upon a woman—before it is sought. The county has made an 
appropriation of $2,000 to meet the expense of extradition, but as this 
sum must cover.the entire county for one year, it is drawn on only 
when it is known the family of the deserter will become a public 
charge upon the public unless he is brought back. ‘The interests of the 
poor would be served in fuller measure if the state would appropriate a 
fund with which to pay for the extradition of husbands charged with 
non-support of their families. To insure the honest disbursement of 
such a fund it should be placed under the supervision of the court. An 
investigation into the present method of making extraditions would, 
I believe, disclose ample proof that court supervision is needed to 
protect the poor from unjust charges. The county allows $31.50 for 
bringing a deserting husband from Detroit to Chicago. A woman who 
has several children depending on her for support was asked to pay 
$45.00 to have her husband brought from the same city. The state 
provides for the extradition of a forger or an embezzler without 
cost. It should do as much for the woman who is striving to save her 
family from pauperism.? 

1 Extract from Tenth and Eleventh Annual Reports of the Municipal Court of 
Chicago for the Years December 6, 1915, to December 2, 1917, p. 114. 


2“Sometimes the County Agent will meet the expense if the family is likely 
to become a County charge. The procedure then is somewhat as follows: The 
private agency to which the family has applied for aid when it proceeds to secure 
a warrant sends to the County Agent a copy of the statement of fact sent to the 
court as a basis for requesting the warrant. The County Agent then makes an 
independent investigation and if he agrees with the agency that extradition should 
be resorted to he notifies the agency who proceeds with the extradition. Ifa 
conviction is secured in the form of an acceptable bond or sentence to the House of 
Correction the County Agent then reimburses the agency for such expenses incurred 
in extraditing as he thinks legitimate” (Jewish Social Service Bureau Gray Pook, 
August 7, 1923). 


SECTION VI 


PROVISION FOR FAMILY WELFARE THROUGH 
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS 


28. Compensation for Accidental Injuries and Death! 
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION 


AN ACT to promote the general welfare of the people of this 
State by providing compensation for accidental injuries or death 
suffered in the course of employment within this State: providing 
for the enforcement and administering thereof, and a penalty for its 
violation, and repealing an Act entitled, “An Act to promote the 
general welfare of the people of this State by providing compensation 
for accidental injuries or death suffered in the course of employment.”’ 
Approved June 1o, 1911, in force May 1, r912. [Approved June 28, 
1913.] 

138. Employer may elect to accept provisions of this act for compensa- 
tion for injuries to employee—Notice—Election of employee—Notice.| 
~ §1. Be it enacted, etc. That any employer in this State, who does 
not come within the classes enumerated by section three (3) of this 
Act, may elect to provide and pay compensation for accidental 
injuries sustained by any employee arising out of and in the course of 
the employment according to the provisions of this Act, and thereby 
relieve himself from any liability for the recovery of damages, except 
as herein provided. 

(a) Election by any employer to provide and pay compensation 
according to the provisions of this Act shall be made by the employer 
filing notice of such election with the industrial board. 

(b) Every employer within the provisions of this Act who has 
elected to provide and pay compensation according to the provisions 
of this act, shall be bound thereby as to all his employees covered 
by this act until January rst of the next succeeding year and for terms 
of each year thereafter: Provided, any such employer who may have 
once elected, may elect not to provide and pay the compensation herein 
provided for accidents resulting in either injury or death and occurring 
after the expiration of any such calendar year by filing notice of such 
election with the industrial board at least sixty days prior to the expira- 


t Illinois Revised Statutes (Smith-Hurd, 1923), chap. 48, secs. 138-48. 
9°7 


908 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


tion of any such calendar year, and by posting such notice at a con- 
spicuous place in the plant, shop, office, room or place where such 
employee is employed, or by personal service, in written or printed 
form, upon such employees, at least sixty (60) days prior to the 
expiration of any such calendar year. 

(c) In the event any employer mentioned in this section, elects to 
provide and pay the compensation provided in this Act, then every 
employee of such employer, as a part of his contract of hiring or who 
may be employed at the time of the taking effect of this Act and the 
acceptance of its provisions by such employer, shall be deemed to 
have accepted all the provisions of this Act and shall be bound thereby 
unless within thirty (30) days after such hiring or after the taking 
effect of this Act, and its acceptance by such employer, he shall file 
a notice to the contrary with the industrial board, whose duty it 
shall be to immediately notify the employer, and until such notice 
to the contrary is given to the employer, the measure of liability of 
such employer shall be determined according to the compensation 
provisions of*this Act: Provided, however, that any employee may 
withdraw from the operation of the act upon filing a written notice of 
withdrawal at least ten (10) days prior to January 1st of any year 
with the industrial board, whose duty it shall be to immediately 
notify such employer, by registered mail, and, until such notice to 
the contrary is given to such employer, the measure of liability of 
such employer shall be determined according to the compensation 
provisions of this Act. 

(d) Any such employer or employee may, without prejudice to 
any existing right or claim, withdraw his election to reject this Act 
by giving thirty (30) days’ written notice in such manner and form 
as may be provided by the industrial board. 

[§ 2. Repealed; .L. 1917, p. 505.] 

_ 139. Act applies automatically to certain employments.| § 3. The 
provisions of this Act hereinafter following shall apply automatically 
and without election to the State, county, city, town, township, 
incorporated village or school district, body politic or municipal 
corporation, and to all employers and their employees, engaged in 
any of the following enterprises or businesses which are declared to 
be extra hazardous, namely: 

1. The erection, maintaining, removing, remodeling, altering or 
demolishing of any structure, except as provided in sub-paragraph 8 
of this section. | 


WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS QoQ — 


2. Construction, excavating or electrical work, except as provided 
in sub-paragraph 8 of this section. 

3. Carriage by land or water and loading or unloading in connec- 
tion therewith including the distribution of any commodity by horse- 
drawn or motor driven vehicle where the employer employs more 
than three employees in the enterprise or business, except as provided 
in sub-paragraph 8 of this section. 

4. The operation of any warehouse or general or terminal store 
houses. 

5. Mining, surface mining or quarrying. 

6. Any enterprise in which explosive materials are manufactured, 
handled or used in dangerous quantities. 

7. In any enterprise wherein molten metal, or explosive or injurious 
gases or vapors, or inflammable vapors or fluids, or corrosive acids, 
are manufactured, used, generated, stored or conveyed in dangerous 
quantities. 

8. In any enterprise in which statutory or municipal ordinance 
regulations are now or shall hereafter be imposed for the regulating, 
guarding, use or the placing of machinery or appliances or for the 
protection and safeguarding of the employees or the public therein; 
each of which occupations, enterprises or businesses are hereby 
declared to be extra hazardous: Provided, nothing contained herein 
shall be construed to apply to any work, employment or operations 
done, had or conducted by farmers and others engaged in farming, 
tillage of the soil, or stock raising, or to those who rent, demise or 
lease land for any such purposes, or to any one in their employ or to 
any work done on a farm, or country place, no matter what kind of 
work or service is being done or rendered... .. | 

144. Amount of compensation—Fatal cases.| § 7. The amount of 
compensation which shall be paid for an injury to the employee 
resulting in death shall be: 

(a) If the employee leaves any widow, child or children whom he 
was under legal obligations to support at the time of his injury, a 
sum equal to four times the average earnings of the employee, but 
not less in any event than one thousand six hundred fifty dollars and 
not more in any event than three thousand seven hundred fifty 
dollars. 

Any compensation payments other than necessary medical, 
surgical or hospital fees or services shall be deducted in ascertaining 
the amount payable on death. 


gIo FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


(6) If no amount is payable under paragraph (a) of this section 
and the employee leaves any parent, husband, child or children who 
at the time of injury were totally dependent upon the earnings of the 
employee, then a sum equal to four times the average annual earnings 
of the employee, but not less in any event than one thousand 
six hundred fifty dollars, and not more in any event than three 
thousand seven hundred fifty dollars. 

(c) If no amount is payable under paragraph (a) or (0) of this 
section and the employee leaves any parent, child or children, grand- 
parent or grandchild, who at the time of injury were dependent 
upon the earnings of the employee, then such proportion of a sum equal 
to four times the average annual earnings of the employee as such 
dependency bears to total dependency, but not less in any event 
than one thousand six hundred fifty dollars and not more in any event 
than three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars. Any compensation 
payments other than necessary medical, surgical or hospital fees or 
services shall be deducted in ascertaining the amounts payable on 
death. 

(d) If no amount is payable under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of 
this section and the employee leaves collateral heirs dependent at 
the time of the injury to the employee upon his earnings, such a 
percentage of the sum provided in paragraph (a) of this section as 
the average annual contributions which the deceased made to the 
support of such dependent collateral heirs during the two years 
preceding the injury bears to his average annual earnings during such 
two years. 

(ec) If no amount is payable under paragraphs (a), (6), (c) or (d) 
of this section, a sum not to exceed one hundred and fifty dollars for 
burial expenses to be paid by the employer to the undertaker or to the 
person or persons incurring the expense of burial. 

(f) All compensation, except for burial expenses provided in this 
section to be paid in case injury results in death, shall be paid in 
installments equal to the percentage of the average earnings as pro- 
vided for in section 8 of this Act, at the same intervals at which the 
wages or earnings of the employees were paid; or if this shall not be 
feasible, then the installments shall be paid weekly: Provided, such 
compensation may be paid in a lump sum upon the petition as provided 
in section g of this act. | 

(g) The compensation to be paid for injury which results in death, 


WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS QII 


as provided in this section, shall be paid to the persons who form the 
basis for determining the amount of compensation to be paid by the 
employer, the respective shares to be in the proportion of their respec- 
tive dependency at the time of the injury on the earnings of the 
deceased: Provided, that the industrial commission or an arbitrator 
thereof may, in its or his discretion order or award the payment to the 
parent or grandparent of a child for the latter’s support the amount of 
compensation which but for such order or award would have been 
paid to such child as its share of the compensation payable, which order 
or award may be modified from time to time by the commission in its 
discretion with respect to the persons to whom shall be paid the amount 
of said order or award remaining unpaid at the time of said modi- 
fication. 

The payments of compensation by the employer in accordance with 
the order or award of the industrial commission shall discharge such 
employer from all further obligation as to such compensation. 

In a case where any of the persons who would be entitled to compen- 
sation is living at any place outside of the United States, then payment 
shall be made to the personal representative of the deceased employee. 
The distribution by such personal representative to the persons entitled 
shall be made to such persons and in such manner as the commission 
shall order. 

(h) 1. Whenever in paragraph (a) of this section a minimum of 
one thousand six hundred fifty dollars is provided, such minimum 
shall be increased in the following cases to the following amounts: 

One thousand seven hundred fifty dollars in case of a widow and 
one child under the age of 16 years at the time of the death of the 
employee. 

One thousand eight hundred fifty dollars in case of a widow and 
two or more children under the age of 16 years at the time of the 
death of the employee. 

2. Wherever in paragraph (a) of this section a maximum of three 
thousand seven hundred fifty dollars is provided such maximum shall 
be increased in the following cases to the following amounts: 

Four thousand dollars in case of a widow and one child under the 
age of 16 years at the time of the death of the employee. 

Four thousand two hundred fifty dollars in case of a widow and 
two or more children under the age of 16 years at the time of the death 
of the employee. | 


gi2 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


145. Amount of compensation for injury—Non-fatal cases.| § 8. 
The amount of compensation which shall be paid to the employee 
for an injury not resulting in death shall be: 

(a) The employer shall provide the necessary first aid medical 
and surgical services; all necessary hospital services during the period 
for which compensation may be payable; also all necessary medical 
and surgical services for a period not longer than eight weeks, not to 
exceed, however, an amount of two hundred dollars, and in addition 
such medical or surgical services in excess of such limits as may be 
necessary during the time such hospital services are furnished. All 
the foregoing services shall be limited to those which are reasonably 
required to cure and relieve from the effects of the injury. The 
employee may elect to secure his own physician, surgeon or hospital 
services at his own expense. 

(b) If the period of temporary total incapacity for work lasts for 
more than six working days, compensation equal to fifty percentum 
of the earnings, but not less than $7.50 nor more than $14.00 per 
week, beginning on the eighth day of such temporary total incapacity, 
and continuing as long as the temporary total incapacity lasts, but 
not after the amount of compensation paid equals the amount which 
would have been payable as a death benefit under paragraph (a), 
section 7, if the employee had died as a result of the injury at the time 
thereof, leaving heirs surviving as provided in said paragraph (a), 
section 7: Provided, that in the case where temporary total incapacity 
for work continues for a period of four weeks from the day of the 
injury, then compensation shall commence on the day after the 
injury. . 

(c) For any serious and permanent disfigurement to the hand, head 
or face, the employee shall be entitled to compensation for such dis- 
figurement, the amount fixed by agreement or by arbitration in accord- 
ance with the provisions of this Act, which amount shall not exceed 
one-quarter of the amount of the compensation which would have 
been payable as a death benefit under paragraph (a), section 7, if 
the employee had died as a result of the injury at the time thereof, 
leaving heirs surviving, as provided in said paragraph (qa), section 7: 
Provided, that no compensation shall be payable under this paragraph 
where compensation is payable under paragraph (d), (e) or (f) of this 
section. And, provided, further, that when the disfigurement is to 
the hand, head or face as a result of any injury, for which injury 
compensation is not payable under paragraph (d), (e) or (f) of this 


WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS Q13 


section, compensation for such disfigurement may be had under this 
paragraph. 

(d) If, after the injury has been sustained, the employee as a 
result thereof becomes partially incapacitated for pursuing his usual 
and customary line of employment, he shall, except in the cases 
covered by the specific schedule set forth in paragraph (e) of this 
section, receive compensation subject to the limitation as to time and 
maximum amounts fixed in paragraphs (6) and (h) of this section, 
equal to fifty percentum of the difference between the average amount 
which he earned before the accident, and the average amount which he 
is earning or is able to earn in some suitable employment or business 
after the accident. 

(e) For injuries in the following schedule, the employee shall 
receive in addition to compensation during the period of temporary 
total incapacity for work resulting from such injury, in accordance 
with the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (0) of this section, compensa- 
tion, for a further period, subject to the limitations as to time and 
amounts fixed in paragraphs (0) and () of this section, for the specific 
loss herein mentioned, as follows, but shall not receive any compensa- 
tion for such injuries under any other provision of this Act. 

1. For the loss of a thumb or the permanent and complete loss of 
its use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during sixty weeks; 

2. For the loss of a first finger, commonly called the index finger, 
or the permanent and complete loss of its use, fifty percentum of the 
average weekly wage during thirty-five weeks; 2 

3. For the loss of a second finger, or the permanent and complete 
loss of its use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during 
thirty weeks; | 

4. For the loss of a third finger, or the permanent and complete 
loss of its use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during 
twenty weeks; 

5. For the loss of a fourth finger, commonly called the little finger, 
or the permanent and complete loss of its use, fifty percentum of the 
average weekly wage during fifteen weeks; 

6. The loss of the first phalange of the thumb, or of any finger 
shall be considered to be equal to the loss of one-half of such thumb 
or finger and compensation shall be one-half of the amounts above 
specified. 

7. The loss of more than one phalange shall be considered as the 
loss of the entire finger or thumb: Provided, however, that in no case 


O14 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


shall the amount received for more than one finger exceed the amount 
provided in this schedule for the loss of a hand. 

8. For the loss of a great toe, fifty percentum of the average 
weekly wage during thirty weeks. 

9. For the loss of one toe other than the great toe, fifty percentum 
of the average weekly wage during ten weeks, and for the additional 
loss of one or more toes other than the great toe, fifty percentum of 
the average weekly wage during an additional ten weeks. 

10. The loss of the first phalange of any toe shall be considered 
to be the equal to the loss of one-half of such toe, and mae 
shall be one-half of the amount above specified. 

11. The loss of more than one phalange shall be considered as the. 
loss of the entire toe. 

12. For the loss of a hand, or the permanent and complete loss of 
its use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during one hundred 
and fifty weeks; 

13. For the loss of an arm or the permanent and complete loss of 
its use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during two hundred 
weeks; | 

14. For the loss of a foot, or the permanent and complete loss of 
its use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during one hundred 
and twenty-five weeks; | 

15. For the loss of a leg, or the permanent and complete loss of its 
use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during one hundred 
and seventy-five weeks; 

16. For the loss of the sight of an eye or for the permanent and 
complete loss of its use, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage 
during one hundred weeks; 

17. For the permanent partial loss of use of a member or sight of 
an eye, fifty percentum of the average weekly wage during that por- 
tion of the number of weeks in the foregoing schedule provided for 
the loss of such member or sight of an eye which the partial loss of 
use thereof bears to the total loss of use of such member or sight 
of eye. ' 

18. The loss of both hands, or both arms, or both feet, or both legs, 
or both eyes, or of any two thereof, or the permanent and complete 
loss of use thereof, shall constitute total and permanent disability, 
to be compensated according to the compensation fixed by paragraph 
(f) of this section: Provided, that these specific cases of total and 
permanent disability shall not be construed as excluding other cases. 


WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS O15. 


(f) In case of complete disability, which renders the employee 
wholly and permanently incapable of work, compensation equal to 
fifty percentum of his earnings, but not less than $7.50 nor more than 
$14.00 per week, commencing on the day after the injury, and con- 
tinuing until the amount paid equals the amount which would have 
been payable as a death benefit under paragraph (a), section 7, if the 
employee had died as a result of the injury at the time thereof, leaving 
heirs surviving as provided in said paragraph (a), section 7, and there- 
after a pension during life annually equal to 8 per cent of the amount 
which would have been payable as a death benefit under paragraph 
(a), section 7, if the employee had died asa result of the injury at the 
time thereof, leaving heirs surviving, as provided in said paragraph 
(a), section 7. Such pension shall not be less than $10.00 per month 
and shall be payable monthly. Provided, any employee who receives 
an award under this paragraph and afterwards returns to work, or is 
able to do so, and who earns or is able to earn as much as before the 
injury, payments under such award shall cease; if such employee 
returns to work, or is able to do so and earns or is able to earn part but 
not as much as before the injury, such award shall be modified so as 
to conform to an award under paragraph (/) of this section: Provided, 
further, that disability as enumerated in subdivision 18, paragraph 
(e) of this section shall be considered complete disability. 

(g) In case death occurs as a result of the injury before the total of 
the payments made equals the amount payable as a death benefit, 
then in case the employee leaves any widow, child or children, parents, 
grandparents or other lineal heirs, entitled to compensation under 
section 7, the difference between the compensation for death and the 
sum of the payments made to the employee, shall be paid to the benefi- 
ciaries of the deceased employee, and distributed, as provided in 
paragraph (f) of section 7, but in no case shall the amount payable 
under this paragraph be less than $500.00. 

(h) In no event shall the compensation to be fat exceed fifty 
percentum of the average weekly wage or exceed $14.00 per week in 
amount; nor, except in case of complete disability, as defined above, 
shall any payments extend over a period of more than eight years 
from the date of the accident. In case an injured employee shall be 
incompetent at the time when any right or privilege accrues to him 
under the provisions of this act a conservator or guardian may be 
appointed, pursuant to law, and may, on behalf of such incompetent, 
claim and exercise any such right or privilege with the same force and 


16 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


effect as if the employee himself had been competent and had claimed 
or exercised said right or privilege; and no limitations of time by this 
act provided shall run so long as said incompetent employee is without 
a conservator or a guardian. 

(i) All compensation provided for in paragraphs (0), (c), (d), (e), 
and (f) of this section, other than cases of pension for life, shall be 
paid in installments at the same intervals at which the wages or 
earnings of the employee were paid at the time of the injury, or if this 
shall not be feasible, then the installments shall be paid weekly. 

(j) 1. Wherever in this section there is a provision for fifty per- 
centum, such percentum shall be increased five percentum for each 
child of the employee under 16 years of age at the time of the injury 
to the employee until such percentum shall reach a maximum of sixty- 
five percentum. 

2. Wherever in this section a weekly minimum of $7.50 is provided, 
such minimum shall be increased in the following cases to the following 
amounts: 

$8.50 in a case of an employee having one child under the age of 
16 years at the time of injury to the employee; 

$9.50 in a case of an employee having two children under the age 
of 16 years at the time of.the injury to the employee; 

$10.50 in a case of an employee having three or more children 
under the age of 16 years at the time of the injury to the employee. 

3. Wherever in this section a weekly maximum of $14.00 is 
provided, such maximum shall be increased in the following cases to 
the following amounts: 

$15.00 in case of an employee with one child under the age of 16 
years at the time of the injury to the employee. 

$16.00 in case of an employee with two children under the age of 
16 years at the time of injury to the employee. 

$17.00 in case of an employee with three or more children under the 
age of 16 years at the time of injury to the employee. 

146. Payment in lump sum.) §9. Any employer or employee 
or beneficiary who shall desire to have such compensation, or any 
unpaid part thereof, paid in a lump sum, may petition the Industrial 
Board, asking that such compensation be so paid, and if, upon proper 
notice to the interested parties and a proper showing made before 
such board, it appears to the best interest of the parties that such 
compensation be so paid, the board may order the commutation of 
the compensation to an equivalent lump sum, which commutation 


WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS QI7 


shall be an amount which will equal the total sum of the probable 
future payments capitalized at their present value upon the basis of 
interest calculated at three per centum per annum, with annual rests: 
Provided, that in cases indicating complete disability no petition for 
a commutation to a lump sum basis shall be entertained by the 
Industrial Board until after the expiration of six months from the 
date of the injury, and where necessary, upon proper application being 
made, a guardian, conservator or administrator, as the case may be, 
may be appointed for any person under disability who may be entitled 
to any such compensation, and an employer bound by the terms of 
this act, and liable to pay such compensation, may petition for the 
appointment of the public administrator, or a conservator, or guardian, 
where no legal representative has been appointed or is acting for such 
party or parties so under disability. Either party may reject an 
award of a lump sum payment of compensation, except an award 
for compensation under section 7 or paragraph (e) of section 8 or for 
the injuries defined in the last paragraph of paragraph (e) of section 8 
as constituting total and permanent disability, by filing his written 
rejection thereof with the said board within ten days after notice to 
him of the award, in which event compensation shall be payable in 
installments as herein provided. ... . 

148. Employer's responsibility for injury or death of employee.| 
§ 11. The compensation herein provided, together with the provisions 
of this act shall be the measure of the responsibility of any employer 
engaged in any of the enterprises or businesses enumerated in section 
three (3) of this act, or of any employer who is not engaged in any such 
enterprises or businesses, but who has elected to provide and pay 
compensation for accidental injuries sustained by any employee 
arising out of and in the course of the employment according to the 
provisions of this act, and whose election to continue under this act, 
has not been nullified by any action of his employees as provided 
for in this act. 


29. Labanoski v. Hoyt Metal Company (1920)! 


The first Workmen’s Compensation act in this State was passed 
intg11. Its object, as expressed by its title, was to provide ‘‘ compen- 
sation for accidental injuries or death suffered in the course of the 
employment,’ and that has been the purpose of the act, expressed in 
the title, in all the subsequent acts or revisions on that subject. The 


* 292 Lllinois Reports, 220-22. 


918 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


title of the Occupational Disease act is, “‘An act to promote the public 
health by protecting certain employees in this State from the dangers 
of occupational diseases, and providing for the enforcement thereof.”’ 
That act and the Workmen’s Compensation act of 1911 were passed 
at the same session of the legislature and were clearly intended to 
apply to different conditions and situations. An accident or accidental 
injury was defined in Matthiessen & Hegeler Zinc Co. v. Industrial 
Board, 284 Ill. 378, and it was said the provision requiring notice 
within thirty days after the accident shows the accident must be 
traceable to a definite time, place and cause. The words ‘‘accidental 
injury or death” are used and are to be understood in their popular 
sense. An occupational disease, such as lead poisoning, does not 
occur suddenly but is a matter of slow development, and the Occupa- 
tional Disease act was passed for the protection of employees from such 
diseases. Whether the Workmen’s Compensation act of the State 
of Michigan, the title of which is very similar to ours, applied to 
occupational diseases was thoroughly considered by the Supreme 
Court of Michigan in Adams v. Acme White Lead and Color Works, 
182 Mich. 157. It was held not to apply to such diseases but to 
injuries arising from accidents alone. ‘The same ruling was made in 
Miller v. American Steel and Wire.Co., 90 Conn. 349, and Industrial 
Com. v. Brown, 92 Ohio 309. One objection made to the award in 
the Matthiessen & Hegeler case, supra, was that the employee died 
from an occupational disease and not as the result of an accident; 
and on this question the court said, in substance, that any occupational 
disease was not an accident; that there is a statute for the prevention 
of such diseases by requiring the employer to use certain precautions, 
and that an action may be maintained against him for failure to comply 
with the act; that ‘“‘for such failure the injured employee is not con- 
fined to the compensation provided by the Workmen’s Compensation 
act nor limited by the amount provided by the act.”’ We sustained a 
judgment in an action based on the Occupational Disease act in Wilcox 
v. International Harvester Co., 278 Ill. 465, but it was not contended 
there, as it is here, that the two acts were inconsistent. ‘The two acts 
cover entirely different subjects and situations and are in nowise 
conflicting. They were passed, as we have said, by the same legislature 
at the same session. ‘The employee is not, as appellant contends,. 
given an election of remedies. If he is injured in health as the result 
of the willful failure of the employer to comply with the Occupational 
Disease act his remedy is under that act; if he is injured accidentally 


WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS 919 


his remedy is under the Workmen’s Compensation act. And this 
sufficiently disposes of the objection that section 15 violates the four- 
teenth amendment of the constitution, in that it denies the equal 
protection of the law. 


30. Compensation for Occupational Disease’ 


An act to amend section 15 of “An Act to promote the public 
health by protecting certain employees in this State from the dangers 
of occupational diseases, and providing for the enforcement thereof,” 
approved May 26, tort, in force July 1, to11, as amended. 

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in 
the General Assembly: 

SECTION 1. Section 15 of ‘‘An Act to promote the public health 
by protecting certain employees in this State from the dangers of 
occupational diseases, and providing for the enforcement thereof,” 
approved May 26, ro1r, in force July 1, 1911, as amended, is amended 
to read as follows: 

$15. (a) Forany injury to the health of any employee proximately 
caused by any wilful violation of section 1 of this Act, or wilful failure 
to comply with any of the provisions of section 1 of this Act, a right 
of action shall accrue to the party whose health has been so injured, 
for any direct damages sustained thereby; and in case of the loss of 
life by reason of such wilful violation or wilful failure as aforesaid, a 
right of action shall accrue to the widow of such deceased person, his 
lineal heirs or adopted children, or to any other person or persons who 
were, before such loss of life, dependent for support upon such deceased 
person, for a like recovery of damages for the injury sustained by 
reason of such loss of life not to exceed the sum of ten thousand 
dollars: Provided, that every such action for damages in case of 
death shall be commenced within one year after the death of such 
employee. 

(b) 1. If an employee is disabled or dies, and his disability or 
death is caused by an occupational disease arising out of and in the 
course of his employment in one or more of the occupations referred 
to in section 2 of this Act, he or his dependents, as the case may be, 
shall be entitled to compensation, in the same manner and subject 
to the same terms, conditions and limitations as are now or may 
hereafter be provided by the Workmen’s Compensation Act for 
accidental injuries sustained by employees arising out of and in the 


* Laws of Illinois, 1923, “Employment,” pp. 351-53. 


920 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


course of their employment; and for this purpose the disablement of 
an employee by reason of an occupational disease, arising out of and 
in the course of his employment in one or more of the occupations 
referred to in section 2 of this Act, shall be treated as the happening 
of an accidental injury. 

2. As used in this subdivision (6) of this section, the word “dis- 
ability”” means the state of being disabled from earning full wages at 
the work at which the employee was last employed by the employer 
from whom he claims compensation; the words “occupational disease”’ 
mean a disease peculiar to and due to the nature of an employment in 
one or more of the occupations referred to in section 2 of this Act; 
and the word “occupations”? means and includes each and every 
process, manufacture, employment, and process of manufacture or 
labor referred to in section 2 of this Act. 

3. The industrial commission shall have jurisdiction over the 
operation and administration of this subdivision (0) of this section; 
and it shall have, exercise, perform and discharge the same rights, 
powers and duties with reference to the subdivision (0) of this section as 
it shall have, exercise, perform and discharge with reference to the 
Workmen’s Compensation Act, or any amendments thereto or modifi- 
cations thereof. Notice of the disablement shall be given to the 
employer, and claim for compensation shall be made, in the same 
manner and within the same periods of time, respectively, as are now 
or may hereafter be provided in the Workmen’s Compensation Act 
concerning accidental injuries sustained by employees arising out of 
and in the course of theiremployment. Proceedings for compensation 
hereunder shall be had and maintained in the same manner as is now 
or may hereafter be provided by the Workmen’s Compensation Act 
with reference to proceedings for compensation for accidental injuries. 
The procedure and practice provided in the Workmen’s Compensation 
Act, and all amendments thereto and modifications thereof, shall 
apply to all proceedings hereunder. 

4. This subdivision () of this section shall apply automatically 
and without election to all employees and employers engaged in the 
occupations referred to in section 2 of this Act. No common law or 
statutory right to recover damages for injury or death sustained by 
any employee by reason of an occupational disease arising out of and 
in the course of his employment in one or more of the occupations 
referred to in section 2 of this Act, other than the compensation herein 
provided, shall be available to any employee who is covered by the ~ 


WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACTS Q21 


provisions of this subdivision (6) of this section to any one wholly or 
partially dependent upon him, the legal representatives of his estate, 
or any one otherwise entitled to recover damages for such injury. 
The compensation herein provided, together with the provisions of this 
subdivision (b) of this section, shall be the full, complete and only 
measure of responsibility of any employer engaged in any of the 
occupations referred to in section 2 of this Act. 

5. Any common law or statutory right of action to recover damages 
for injury to the health or death sustained by an employee in this State 
from an occupational disease prior to the taking effect hereof shall 
not be affected by this Act and every such existing right of action is 
continued and nothing in this Act shall be construed as limiting the 
right of such action so accrued before the taking effect of this Act. 

Approved June 21, 1923. 


SECTION VII 


THE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT: THE MODERN 
SUBSTITUTE IN THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL CASE 
TREATMENT FOR THE DEPORTATION PROCESSES 
OF THE POOR LAW | 


31. The Transportation Agreement under the Auspices of 
National Conference of Social Work’ 


A. The word “transportation,” as used in the following para- 
graphs, includes all transportation paid for or issued upon recom- 
mendation of charitable societies or public relief officials. 

B. The word ‘‘he” means he, she, or they as the context in any 
case will suggest, and the word ‘‘applicant”’ includes the family group 
for whom transportation is desired. 

C. “Charity,’’ as used in these rules, includes any general chari- 
table organization, public or private, upon which the applicant in 
question has no claim through membership, blood relationship, or 
through the society’s definite promise to aid him. 

D. In some of the following paragraphs “‘shall”’ is used, in others 
“should” or ‘‘may.” ‘The former word is mandatory, and the phrases 
in which it is used are to be accepted as binding upon all signers of 
these Rules. Where “should” or ‘‘may” is used, the paragraph is 
only a suggestion which signers may observe or not, at their discretion. 

1. Before any charitable transportation shall be granted the 
organization or official having the matter under consideration must be 
satisfied by adequate and reliable evidence— 

First. ‘That the applicant is unable to pay the regular fare. 

Second. ‘That the applicant’s condition and prospects will be 
substantially improved by sending him to the place in question. 

Third. ‘That the applicant will have such resources for main- 
tenance at the point of destination as will save him from becoming 
dependent on charity; or, 

Fourth. ‘That the applicant has a legal residence in the place to 
which he is to be sent, or is a proper charge upon the charity of that 
community. , 

* Taken from pamphlet Passing On, as a Method of Charitable Relief (Russell 


Sage Foundation, 1911), pp. 23-28. 
922 


THE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT 923 


2. An applicant’s statements must in every case be substantiated 
by other definite, reliable evidence. When this is lacking, the appli- 
cant should be taken care of, if necessary, until the needful testimony 
is secured. 

3. In all cases an appropriate charitable organization or official, if 
such exists, at the point of destination should be promptly advised 
that the applicant’s transportation to that place is under considera- 
tion, or has already been determined upon. 

When a signer of these Rules is listed as being located at the pro- 
posed point of destination, it shall not be legitimate to send the appli- 
cant thither unless notification is sent to the signer before the transpor- 
tation is furnished or upon the day when it is provided. 

In exceptional cases where the signer has reasons for desiring that 
no record be kept by the charitable agency at the point of destination, 
the matter may be explained to the latter, who shall then preserve no 
record unless the case is known through sources independent of the 
sender. 

4. It is strongly recommended that a report be secured from an 
appropriate charitable organization or official in the city to which 
transportation is desired, before any applicant is sent thither. This is 
especially urged when a signer of these Rules is listed as being located 
at the point of destination. 

All signers have definitely announced themselves as willing to 
co-operate with other signers by making reasonable efforts to secure 
needful information, and to determine whether transportation ought 
to be provided in any given case. Other charitable agencies, also, are 
usually glad to make any legitimate inquiries and reports which fall 
within the range of their customary activities. 

5. All charitable transportation provided shall, in every instance, 
be adequate; that is, the initial or original sender shall provide for the 
applicant through to his ultimate destination. When charity rates are 
obtainable at intermediate points, and not obtainable at point of 
departure, the initial sender may enlist the services of some charitable 
agency at the intermediate point in obtaining such rates upon arrival 
of the applicant, all expenses to be borne by the initial sender. 

6. If an applicant has been aided to reach a place intermediate to 
the point of his proper destination, without means having been 
provided for forwarding him to the latter, then no further transporta- 
tion shall be granted without inquiry of the charitable organization 
or individual who sent the applicant thither. This correspondent 


924 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


shall be requested to remit the amount necessary either to forward 
the applicant to his destination or to return him to the starting point. 
If a satisfactory response is not promptly made, the applicant should be 
returned to the place where his charitable transportation originated. 
In no case shall he be “passed along” to another community which 
has no adequate responsibility for him. 

7. If an applicant who has been provided with charitable transpor- 
tation without the approval of an appropriate charitable agency at the 
point of destination, shall there become dependent on charity within 
nine months after his arrival, then the charitable organization or 
individual who sent him thither should be notified and requested to 
provide for the applicant’s necessities or to remit the money necessary 
to return him to the place from which his transportation was provided. 

8. If an applicant has been forwarded in violation of any of these 
rules, the charitable agency which provided him with transportation 
should be requested to bear the reasonable, necessary expense of 
providing for him temporarily, pending investigation and the proper 
disposal of the case. 

g. The society or official through whom charitable transportation 
is procured shall in each case preserve a full record of all the essential 
facts upon which the granting of transportation has been based. 

A copy or summary of such record should be furnished promptly on 
request to any charitable organization or official interested in the case. 
When such request for a digest of the record comes from a signer 
of these rules, it shall be considered mandatory upon any other signer. 

to. In case of persons asking charitable transportation on the 
ground of being able to secure employment in the place to which 
transportation is desired, definite, reliable assurances of employment 
must be obtained as part of the necessary evidence. A general report 
that conditions of employment are better, or that the applicant should 
be “‘better off”’ in the place specified, shall not be considered sufficient 
grounds for the granting of transportation. 

11. Organizations and individuals who agree to these rules thereby 
pledge themselves to keep a copy of the Rules and the Telegraphic 
Code conveniently at hand, and to use all due diligence in making 
reasonable inquiries requested by other signers of the rules and in 
replying to communications regarding transportation cases. 

12. Persons forwarded by charitable agencies or officials from 
places where any contagious or infectious disease is known to be 
epidemic, must be provided with proper health certificates. 


THE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT 925 


13. When disagreement, as to facts or decisions, arises in regard to 
any transportation case, one or both the parties concerned may appeal 
to the Committee on Transportation of the National Conference of 
.Charities and Correction, sending the appeal through the Charity 
Organization Department of the Russell Sage Foundation, Room 613, 
105 East Twenty-second Street, New York. 

14. Poor law officials may return any person who becomes a public 
charge to his place of proven legal residence without the consent of 
that community. 


32. Transportation Rules. Agreement of the National Conference 
of Jewish Social Service (Adopted 1910, Amended 
1914, and Revised 1916)! 


1. (a) A transient shall mean any person (including his family) 
who shall apply for aid or become a charge upon the charities of the 
city where he may be within one year of the time of his arrival in 
that city, unless he shall become dependent through unavoidable 
accident, in which shall be included illness developing from causes 
not existing at time of residence in former home. 

(b) Within the meaning of the Transportation Rules all suburban 
localities which for practical purposes are parts of the metropolitan 
community and which have no Jewish organized charities of their own 
are to be considered part of that city. 

2. A telegraphic code shall be used for the prompt and economical 
exchange of information regarding transportation between the con- 
stituent associations and each association agrees and binds itself to 
reply to all inquiries submitted to it as soon as the necessary investiga- 
tions can be made. Any city failing to respond with reasonable 
promptness to inquiries from other cities may be held liable for 
expenses incurred through delay. 

3. (a) No applicant for transportation shall be forwarded from 
one city to another; nor shall half-rate tickets paid for by applicants 
be furnished; nor shall transportation in whole or in part be requested 
on behalf of applicant from railroads or other organizations; nor shall 
cash relief be granted to enable applicant to purchase transportation 
at charity rate or full fare, without the advice and consent of the city 
of destination. 

(b) Any transient within the means as above defined may be 
returned to the city of his last legal residence, the cost of transporta- 


1In force August 15,1922. Jewish Social Service Bureau of Chicago Gray Book. 


926 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


tion to be borne by returning city, excepting in the event that transpor- 
tation to that city shall have been furnished by the city of origin, in 
which case he shall be returned at the expense of the city of origin. 

(c) Persons who have become dependent or have applied for aid: 
within one year of the time of their arrival may be returned to the city 
of origin at any time thereafter at the expense of returning city, whose 
consent to receive the family is not a waiver of the right to return. 

(d) Persons who have become dependent or have applied for aid 
before legal residence has been established may be returned to the 
city of origin at any time thereafter, at the expense of returning city, 
whose consent to receive family is not a waiver of the right to return. 

(e) Whenever transportation is furnished, even if paid for by the 
applicant, notice shall be sent to the city of destination. 

4. The initial city shall in all cases furnish transportation through 
to the city of destination. In the event of any violation of this rule, 
the receiving city shall, at its own option, after investigation, transport 
the applicant to his destination or to the city from which he came at 
the cost of the initial city. 

5. Any woman wishing to seek or desiring to join her husband shall 
not be assisted with transportation without the consent of the city 
where it is claimed her husband resides. 

6. Any violations, disputes or misunderstandings between con- 
stituent associations under these rules shall be referred to the Transpor- 
tation Committee of the National Conference of Jewish Charities,who 
shall investigate the same and whose decision shall be final and binding. 
It shall also be possible for organizations to submit to this Committee 
the facts in doubtful cases for advice before action is taken. 


RULES ADOPTED 1914 


1. A deserter cannot acquire residence away from his family, even 
though the family be cognizant of his whereabouts. 

(A deserter within the meaning of the Transportation Rules shall 
be any person who leaves his home city and in his absence wilfully 
fails to provide for his wife and children.) 

2. Persons sent by the Industrial Removal Office to any city shall 
acquire residence in the meaning of the aS aaa Rules from the 
moment of their arrival at destination. 

A Committee of revision appointed in 1914 further suggested the 
following: 

1. That the Transportation Rules finally adopted by the 1916 
Conference, together with a digest of all decisions rendered, be pub- 


THE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT 927 


lished and placed in the hands of all members of the Conference. 

2. That a digest of all transportation decisions of each year be 
published once every year by the Conference. 

3. That, through the office of the Field Secretary or in some other 
way, the Conference enlist the membership of the Organized Jewish 
Charities in non-member communities in order that it may be possible 
to secure widespread observation of the letter and the spirit of the 
Transportation Rules. 

4. That, if possible, through the Field Secretary, national registra- 
tion of transient persons and families be effected, this to include special 
work with Jewish Shelter Houses throughout the country. 


33. Selected Decisions under Jewish Transportation Rules 
A. M. VERSUS A. 


UNAUTHORIZED SENDING OF FAMILY TO HUSBAND’ 


In February, 1915, Mr. H. and family arrived in A., after having 
spent some time in K.W. and M. Within a few days after arrival, the 
man disappeared and was next heard from in.C., where he had gone, 
presumably to look for work, but not meeting with success, returned to 
his family in A., who during his absence received assistance from the 
Charities in A. He secured work in A. for several days, and then 
proceeded to M. where he was assisted by the Charities of that place 
in establishing a small tailoring shop. When the Charities of A. 
learned that the man was in M., fearing that he would desert his 
family, without asking permission of M., the Charities of A. forwarded 
the family to the former city, where they became dependents. M. 
asked A. to reimburse them to the extent of $58, the amount with 
which they had assisted the family; but A. offered a compromise of 
$5 a week for four weeks, or a settlement for $25. M. refused to 
consider any settlement, other than the entire amount expended by 
them, and referred the matter to the Transportation Committee of the 
National Conference of Jewish Charities, which rendered the following 
decision. | | 

DECISION 

It is perfectly plain that A. has violated the Transportation Rules in 
sending the H. family to M., and should, therefore, reimburse M. for its 
expenses. No evidence, however, is submitted that the amount claimed 
($58) is the proper amount, although an itemized statement has been repeat- 
edly called for. 


t From Jewish Charities, VIII (June, 1917), 68. 


928 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


When the Secretary has assured himself that $58 is the proper amount, 
judgment should be rendered accordingly. 

We cannot, for the present, consider the counter-claim advanced by A. 
in the letter of February 5, 1917. If A. has at any time suffered from the 
action of M. it must duly present its claim on M., and if not reimbursed, has 
the privilege of submitting the cases to the Transportation Committee. 

Transportation Committee. 
MAx SENIOR 
Jutran W. Mack 
Max HERZBERG 


B, & LOASOVERSUS int 


MEMBERSHIP IN THE CONFERENCE CARRIES WITH IT ACCEPTANCE 
OF THE TRANSPORTATION RULES 

M.H. and father had legal residence in N.Y., where they have lived 
for five and a half years. The girl became sick, was treated at a 
hospital in N.Y. and pronounced hopeless. Her father then took her 
to Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the hope that she might become well 
there. At the end of five months their funds were exhausted and the 
father came to L.R., in search of work. The organization of L.R. 
took up the case. 

Although L.R. offered the girl best of hospital care, and expended 
a good deal in helping the family, she insisted that she felt she could 
be cured in L.A. and wished to be sent there. The organization of L.R. 
thereupon provided the father and the girl with transportation to L.A., 
armed with a letter to Rabbi H. of the latter city, asking his aid in 
helping the family. The case thus came to the attention of the organ- 
ization at L.A. to which it was referred. 

L.A. immediately admitted the girl to the local hospital, but, on 
June 19, because of her insistence that she could be cured at the 
Murrieta Hot Springs, L.A., sent her there. She remained there for 
three weeks, and then returned to L.A., stating that the treatment 
had done her no good and that she was willing to be sent back to 
N.Y. L.A. returned the family to N.Y., the city of residence. 

In view of the fact that L.R. had been responsible for the passing 
on to L.A. of this dependent family, L.A. made claim upon that 
organization for reimbursement. The representative of L.R. has 
refused to honor this claim on the grounds that this organization has 
never signed or been a party to the Transportation Agreement and 


t Jewish Charities, TX (March, 1919), 240-41. 


THE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT 929 


that, moreover, the dictates of humanity make it only right that L.A. 
should share the expense of this case with L.R., which has already 
expended as much as the L.A. organization did on the case; the return 
of the family to N.Y. was, the L.R. organization claims, unwarranted 
and inhumane. 

In response to a communication from the Field Bureau, the sec- 
retary of the L.R. organization states that his organization is outside 
of the jurisdiction of the Transportation Rules, and that, while there 
has been a technical violation of them, it was justified on moral 
grounds. He states: ‘“‘I never signed it [the Transportation Agree- 
ment] in behalf of our society, and I know of no one else who has.”’ 


DECISION 


This is a flagrant violation of the Transportation Agreement and L.R. 
must reimburse L.A. for all expenses. Membership in the Conference 
carries with it an acceptance of the Transportation Agreement. 


Max SENIOR 


I concur. 
Max HERZBERG 


Iconcur. The violation of the rules is justified on grounds of humanity. 
The difficulty about the justification is that L.R. preferred practicing it at 
the joint expense of L.R. and L.A. without L.A.’s knowledge or consent. If 
contrary to the rules, L.R. as a matter of humanity, thought it best to send a 
dying girl to L.A., it should be willing to pay the entire expense incurred. 
If L.R. desired to avoid having L.A. send the girl back to her residence in 
N.Y., it should have offered to continue to pay the expense of her mainte- 
nance in L.A. and should itself have endeavored to secure N.Y.’s consent to 
the acceptance of this financial burden. No community has a right to 
impose its conceptions of humane treatment involving violations of the rules, 
upon another community and especially at the latter’s expense, without its 


express consent thereto. 
Jutian W. Mack 


CorCovERSUSs 0, 
CASE STATED AND SUBMITTED BY THE CITY OF C.t 


B.A., thirty years old, came to this country twelve yearsago. His 
home was in A., where he has several sisters. ‘Two and one-half years 
ago he left A. for S., where he supported himself by peddling. Last 
fall, Mr. A. became sick with influenza. He was treated in the hospital 
and later developed rheumatism, and was crippled to such a degree that 


* Jewish Social Service, X (December, 1919), 126. 


930 FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


he was unable to do any work. When he found that he would be 
unable to care for himself, he expressed a desire to return to his rela- 
tives in A., and a collection was made and sufficient money raised to 
send him as farasO. In addition to the money, he was given a letter 
of introduction to the organization in O., telling them that Mr. A. 
was on his way to A. and would they take care of him. The secretary 
of the Jewish Welfare Federation of O. then furnished him with 
transportation to C. and gave him a similar letter to the organization 
in this city, asking that it be made possible for Mr. A. to continue his 
journey to A. C. telegraphed to O., asking whether Mr. A.’s resi- 
dence in A. had been verified and permission obtained, if they wished to 
send him at their expense. O. telegraphed back stating that Mr. A. 
was not their case and that their responsibility in the matter was 
ended. C. wrote again, quoting the Transportation Rules, and was 
answered that Mr. A. does not belong to O., and that they have done 
their part in assisting him. 

C. then telegraphed to the Charities in A. asking permission to 
send Mr. A. to his sisters, but so far, their request has not been granted. 
Mr. A. is living for the present at the Hebrew Sheltering Home in C., 
but if A. is unwilling to receive him, he will have to be placed with some 
family at the expense of the organization in C. and supported until 
he is well enough to go to work. 


DECISION 


It seems to me that there can be no question as to the decision. This is 
exactly the kind of case which the Transportation Rules were designed to 


suppress. 
It cannot be too strongly emphasized that partial transportation is not 


true charity. 
Max SENIOR 


Needs no discussion. I concur. 
Max HERZBERG 


I concur. 
JULIAN W. Mack 
September 5, 1919 


TRANSPORTATION RULES INVOLVED 


ARTICLE 3, SECTION @ 


3. (a) No applicant for transportation shall be forwarded from 
one city to another; nor shall half-rate tickets paid for by applicants 
be furnished; nor shall transportation in whole or in part be requested 


THE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT O31 


on behalf of applicant from railroads or other organizations; nor shall 
cash relief be granted to enable applicant to purchase transportation 
at charity rate or full fare, without the advice and consent of the city 
of destination. 

ARTICLE 3, SECTION ¢€ 


3. (¢) Whenever transportation is furnished, even if paid for by 
the applicant, notice shall be sent to the city of destination. 


ARTICLE 4 


4. The initial city shall in all cases furnish transportation through 
to the city of destination. In the event of any violation of this rule, the 
receiving city shall, at its own option, after investigation, transport 
the applicant to his destination or to the city from which he came at 
the cost of the initial city. 






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INDEX 


Abandonment: of child, 697, 712, 891; 
of wife or children, 10, 891 


Able-bodied worker, case record, 14, 826 

Adoption, 12, 14, 209, 797, 803, 805, 807, 
808, 816, 817, 821 

Aged, care of, 5, 14, 67, 829 

Aid to Mothers Law, 9, 18, 381, 384, 
468, 495; see also Mothers’ Pension 

Almshouse, use of, 8, 329, 362 


American Association for Organizing 
Family Social Work, x, 21 


Armenian case record, 819 


Bank account, possession of, 175, 177, 
477 

Bastardy Act, 12, 558, 673, 720, 896 

Begging, 366, 389 

Benefit societies, foreign, 17, 27, 28, 366, 
471, 487, 724; see also Lodges 

ie society, foreign, 462, 464, 
4 

Berger case record, 758 

Bigamy, 597, 689, 696 

Bixby case record, 608 

Boarding care of children, 105, 109, 250, 
410, 803 

Bogardus relief, 830 
Budget, 9, 22, 26, 31, 42, 43, 49, 52, 67, 

«12, 375, 382, 390, 475, 484, 488, 489, 
494, 502, 505, 509, 511, 592, 641, 658 

Building-and-loan company, 136, 463, 
464, 465, 725, 727, 731 


Carcinoma case record, 81 

Caterigian case record, 819 

Chiesa case record, 16 

Childhood and old age, Section VIII, 
788-841 

Children’s earnings and mothers’ pen- 
sion, 390 

Christmas baskets, 28, 61, 69, 386, 390, 


414, 453, 475, 501, 547, 620, 623, 642, 
652, 655, 660, 681, 733, 738 


Citizenship, 18, 91, 495 

Citizenship classes, 497, 499, 501 

Citizenship papers, 18, 21, 23, 82, 102, 
171, 174, 179, 288, 469, 470, 471, 474, 
495, 742 


Clothing for school children, 368, 360, 
370, 371, 382, 659, 731, 826 
Common-law marriage, 635 


Compensation: for accidental injuries 
and death, Statute, 907; for fatal 
cases, 909; for industrial accident, 9, 


13, 556, 724, 726, 741, 749, 753, 755s 
912; for occupational disease, 919 


Compulsory Attendance Law, 138 

Confidential exchange, 742 

Conservators, 874, 880 

Contributing to Delinquency Statute, 
To, 894 

Contributing to Dependency Statute, 
10, 893 


‘Contributions outside the plan, 184 


Convalescent care, 88, 183, 271, 357, 557 

Cooking classes, 660 

County Hospital, 859 

County Psychopathic Hospital, 881 

County rations, delivery of, 30, 44, 53, 
54, 65, 60, 474 

County supplies, 22, 50, 64, 172, 191, 
258, 372, 400, 416, 452, 524, 530, 540, 

- 542, 549, 651, 826, 836, 853 

Croatian case record, 643 

Czecho-Slovak case record, 166 


Day nursery, 169, 171, 409, 651, 652, 

084, 797, 804 

Death, 5, 40, 66, Section IV, The widow 
with small children, 446-517, 733 

Death benefit, 464, 505 

Delinquency, Contributing to, Statute, 
10, 894 

Delinquent boys, 121, 145, 146, 152, 
156, 158, 163 

Demonstrators’ Association, 609 

Dependency, Contributing to, Statute, 
10, 893 

Dependent and neglected children, 5, 12, 
14, 144, 210, 256, 285, 426, 431, 797, 
798, 801 

Deportation, 8, 258, 363-71, 441, 852, 
922 

Deserted family, welfare agency and the, 
Section V, 518-633; 689 


935 


936 


Desertion, 5, 10, 541, 609, 643 

Desertion cases, procedure in, 902-6 

Diagnostic Clinic, Jewish, 7, 92, 329, 
335, 33, 338, 343, 350 774 

Discharge from institutions for the in- 
sane, 188, 877 

Divorce, 165, 594, 708, 711, 721, 793, 
802, 808, 895 

Dobiezewski case record, 626 

Domestic Relations, Court of, 11, 191, 
192, 194, 196, 207, 262, 270, 284, 522, 
535, 530, 538, 552, 572, 578, 592, 614, 
630, 644, 645, 673, 676, 683, 686, 695, 
720, 723, 736 

Donetrovich case record, 643 

Draft boards, local, 523, 524, 572, 575; 
Sty 

Drunkenness, 263, 570, 629, 835, 880 


Employers’ liability, 12, 13; see also 
Workmen’s compensation 

Employment bureaus, free, 97, 182, 285, 
317, 318, 320, 358, 385, 387, 391, 392, 
393, 418, 407, 516, 777, 791, 825 

English classes for foreigners, 64, 178, 
310, 314, 317, 360, 480, 655 

Epileptic case record, 329 

Eviction, 103, 134, 737, 832 

Extradition, 10, 518, 536, 596, 600, 606, 
727, 902, 906 

Feeble-minded: care and detention of, 
883; institutions for, 147; treatment 
of, 6, 7, 120-361 

Feeble-minded boy, 132; release from 
institution, 163 

Feeble-minded patients, escaped, 7, 152, 
889 

Feeble-mindedness and insanity, prob- 
lems of, Section II, 120-361; 687 


Forcible Entry and Detainer Court, 103 


Foreign-born, 5; see also under nationali- 
ties . 


Fugitives from Justice, 10, 902 

Funds to Parents, see Mothers’ Pension 

Funeral expenses, 49, 174, 410, 412, 448, 
463, 466, 497, 634, 733, 831 


Ganos case record, 418 
German-American case record, 257 
Gray Book, 3, 10, 103, 609, 906 
Greek case record, 418 


Grocery order, 22, 294, 452, 479, 645, 663 


Gutowski case record, 558 


FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Handicapped, employment for, 33, 67 
Heart-trouble case, 36 


Hospital care, see Medical agencies, co- 
operation with, Section I, 16-119; 
see also Sickness case records 


Hospitalization, 405, 552, 868 

House of Correction, 198, 537, 552, 554, 
556, 792, 795 

Household accounts, 66, 469, 470, 478, 
499, 492, 493 

Hungarian case record, 739 


Illegitimacy, 11, 12, 421; see also Section 
VI, Unmarried Mother, 634-722 

Indoor relief, 854 

Industrial accident cases, 723-58 

Industrial accidents, 3, 13, 556 

Industrial disease case, 36, 758-87 

Industrial workshops, Jewish, 109, 112, 
321, 359, 360, 361, 506 

Insane and feeble-minded: commitment 
and care of, 872-89; discharge, 188; 
escaped insane patients, 7, 148, 197, 
878 

Insanity, social service investigation in 
cases of, 882 

Insanity and feeble-mindedness, prob- 
lems of, 6, 7; Section II, 120-361; 
423 

Instalment-house situations, 406, 407, 
408, 409, 418 

Institutional care, 854 

Insurance, 18, 452, 453, 456, 497, 526, 
634, 650, 733, 831 

Interpreter, use of, 37, 43, 172, 362, 371, 
558, 725 

Intoxicating liquors, regulating sale of, 


579 
Trish-Scotch case record, 829 


Isenberg case record, 92 
Italian case records, 16, 362 
Italians in Chicago, 16 


Jackson case record, 826 
Jenkins case record, 200 
Johns case record, 788 
Johnson case record, 399 
Juraitis case record, 36 


Katz case record, 329 
Kolecki case record, 754 
Konczewski case record, 723 


Kreisberg case record, 689 
Kruszka case record, 446 


La Boda case record, 179 

Landlord and tenant, 103 

Lange case record, 634 

Language difficulty, 724, 729 

Lawrence case record, 582 

Legaikas case record, 462 

Legal aid, 58, 61, 104, 136, 143, 193, 
196, 200, 458, 467, 480, 592, 598, 604, 


644, 679, 797, 709, 710, 756, 795, 802, 
803 


Lenol case record, 672 

Lewis case record, 67 

Liberty bonds, 129, 463, 728, 757 
Lieberwich case record, 286 
Lithuanian case records, 36, 462 
Loan, relief in form of a, 544 
Loan company, 193, 518, 519 


Lodges, 17, 37, 41. 42, 45, 46, 47, 52, 56, 
61, 280; see also Benefit societies 


Long-time allowance, 171, 641 
‘Lucca case record, 362 


Lunatics, idiots, drunkards, and spend- 
thrifts, 6, 880 


Macho case record, 739 

Malachowski case record, 518 

Marriage: common law, 635; legality of, 
793; of divorced person within a year 
of divorce, 712, 720, 896 

Mason case record, 427 

Maternity care, 27, 246, 256, 372, 373, 
610, 677, 686, 789, 796, 798; See also 
Midwife, Prenatal care 


Medical agencies, co-operation with, 
Section I, 16-119 


Medical aid, 6, 852 

Medical service, free, difficulty of rely- 
ing exclusively on, 45, 733 

Mental defective, 340 

Mental examinations, 105, 132, 145, 


247, 278, 279, 348, 424, 430, 510, 552, 
568, 650, 659, 675, 685 


Mental hygiene treatment, 7, 89, 128, 
185, 189, 192, 211, 287, 339, 359, 361 
Meyer case record, 504 


Midwife, 20, 419, 574, 677 


Migration of a patient with pulmonary 
tuberculosis, 407, 869 


Migratory families, 257, 399, 427 


INDEX 1 937 


Moravian case record, 166 | 

Morozoff case record, 340 

Mothers’ Pension, 3, 9, 62, 91, 171-70, 
364-69, 375, 382-98, 413, 449, 455, 
457, 407-70, 480-87, 495, 497, 499, 
503, 505, 508, 508, 634, 641; medical 
examination for, 487, 490; stay of 
pension, 92, 392, 496, 503, 514 

Mothers’ Pension Act, 7, 62, 66, 634; 
see also Aid to Mothers Law 


Mothers’ work, problem of, 21, 82, 448, 
507, 511, 736; see also Section IV, 446- 


* 517 


Naturalization papers, 491, 492; see also 
Citizenship 

Negro case record, 399, 826 

Neighbors, former, 85 

Neurological clinic, 336, 337, 338 

Non-family groups, 43 

Non-residence, problem of, Section III, 
362-445 

Non-residents, 8, 258, 847, 852 

Non-support, 10, 133, 191, 253, 285, 


543, 545, 579, 592, 736; see also De- 
sertion 


“Non-Support and Abandonment” Stat- 
ute, 10, 891 

Novak case’ record, 570 

Novotny case record, 166 

Nutrition clinic, 656, 660 


O’Callaghan case record, 829 


Occupational disease, 14, 38, 758, 918; 
compensation for, 919 


Occupations, school of, 89 

Old age, 5, 14, 67, 829 

Old-age pensions, 829 

Old Soldiers’ pension, 832, 839 

Outdoor relief, 8, 18, 850, 851; see also 
County supplies 

Out-of-town inquiries, 21, 63, 70, 365, 
402, 406, 412, 419, 424, 420-45, 528, 
541, 547, 582, 593, 694, 698, 701, 710, 
749, 750, 751, 752, 833, 834, 835, 838 

Overseer of the poor, 364 


Part-time work for pension mothers, 
449, 492, 511 

Parzyk case record, 496 

Pauper Act, 7, 18, 43, 374, 375, 484, 
486, 845, 851 

Pawlowski case record, 545 


938 


Polish case records, 81, 120, 446, 496, 
538, 545, 558, 626, 677, 723, 754 

Polish-American case records, 518, 570, 
672 

Poor Law and its administration, 12; 
845-60; 922; see also Pauper Act 

Prenatal care, 20, 246 

Private agencies, 5 

Property ownership, 9, 446, 467 

Public agencies, 5; Section II, 120-361; 
845-931 


Quarantine, 368, 370 , 


Record, use of, as a memorandum book, 
22;'42 

Registrants, classification of, 522, 575 

Remarriage within one year, 896 


Residence, 5, 8, 362, 374, 847; see also 
Non-residence 


Scholarships, 336, 510, 642 

“Second papers,” 489, 5or 

Self-support experiment, Jewish, 14, 
303-14, 78-86 

Settlements, social, 152, 155; 162, 172, 
362, 364, 372, 373, 379, 380, 423, 642, 
643, 644, 649, 653, 661, 677, 681 

Sick benefit, 17, 45, 47, 366, 463 

Sickness case records of, 5, 6, 16-1109, 
362, 399 

Social hygiene treatment, 228, 551, 556 

Special appeal, 381, 504 

Subnormal mothers case records, 200, 
257 

pr camps, 120, 417, 533, 541, 542, 

39 

Summer outings, 171, 392, 461, 654, 
657, 662, 671, 687, 856 

Support, liability to, 18, 487, 845 

Support Department of County Court, 
859 


Tramp case records, 8, 423, 427 

Transportation, 363, 423, 426, 427, 431, 
442, 443 

Transportation Agreement under aus- 
pices of National Conference of So- 
cial Work,-8, 922 

Transportation Rules of the National 
Conference of Jewish Social Service, 
8, 925; selected decisions under, 927 


FAMILY WELFARE WORK 


Tuberculosis: care and treatment of 
persons ill with, 861; control of, 867; 
hospitalization, 405; interstate travel, 
407 

Tuberculosis case records, 16, 92, 362, 399 

Tuberculosis Hospital (County), 855,870 


Tuberculosis Sanitariums (Public) Act, 
861 


Tuberculous patients, migration of, 407, 
869; public institutions for, 18 


Turkish case record, 788 


Unemployment, 341, 342, 518; see also 
Employment bureaus, free 


United States Children’s Bureau, 12 

Unmarried couples, 11, 634, 643 

Unmarried mother, 5, 11; Section VI, 
634-722 


Vagrancy, 424 

Visiting housekeeper, 334, 414, 653, 656 
Vocational guidance, 134, 201, 526, 642 
Vocational rehabilitation, 765 
Volunteer, 31, 370, 373, 646, 655 


Wage, payment of, in lawful money, 

57 ; 

Walczak case record, 538 

Waldron case record, 423 

War-time procedure, 4 

Weber case record, 257 

Weighing clinic, 388 

Weinberg case record, 590 

Widow with small children, 8; Section 
IV, 446-517 

Widow’s award, 177, 466, 890 

Wojtatiwicz case record, 81 

Wolenski case record, 677 

Woman’s clubs as sources of help, 414, 
504, 041, 732 

Women wage-earners, 550; 
Mother’s work, problem of 


Work for welfare agency, 171, 178, 529 
Working certificates, 131, 201 


Workmen’s compensation, 12, 400; see 
also Section VII, 723-87 


Workmen’s Compensation Act, 3, 13, 
38, 997, 917 


see also 


Zuchola case record, 120 


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